Course syllabus for Integrated physiology and pharmacology

Integrerad fysiologi och farmakologi

Specific entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree or professional qualification comprising at least 180 credits in Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Pharmacy, Health Care, Medicine or an equivalent degree.
In addition, proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6 with a grade of Pass/E or higher is required.

Outcomes

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire an integrated understanding of the subjects of physiology and pharmacology, and a comprehensive understanding of how the human body functions, what happens in the body during disease, and how the body is affected by various factors, including pharmacologically active substances.
Furthermore, through knowledge within the main field of study, the aim is for the student to acquire practical experience and understand how physiological and pharmacological principles can be applied and integrated to enhance understanding of translational preclinical and/or clinical research.

After completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• explain physiological principles and how the organ systems of the healthy human body function and interact under normal conditions
• explain principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacodynamics and receptor pharmacology
• describe the pathophysiology and the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of organ system-related diseases
• integrate knowledge in physiology and pharmacology in relation to changes in the surrounding environment or pharmacological treatment
• review and evaluate current research within translational physiology and pharmacology
• reflect upon sustainability aspects in research and development projects
• identify and reflect upon ethical aspects related to medical research and practice
• apply basic tools from innovation and entrepreneurship to identify opportunities and reflect upon how an entrepreneurial approach can support translation within physiology and pharmacology
• perform basic pharmacological laboratory calculations
• demonstrate basic use of standard laboratory instruments and tools
• describe the scientific basis, clinical applications and regulatory challenges for ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products)

Content

The course provides an integrated understanding of physiology and pharmacology, focusing on how the organ systems of the body function in health and disease. All teaching is based on organ function in 1. normal/healthy conditions, 2. abnormal/disease conditions, and 3. pharmacological/non-pharmacological treatment,
in order to create an integrated understanding of the subject areas.

The course includes laboratory components and pharmacological calculations. Topics such as advanced therapies (ATMP), environmental effects of pharmaceuticals, as well as ethical and sustainability aspects, are addressed. The student will also develop the ability to review current research and relate it to translational issues.

The course consists of four parts:

**Introduction, 3.0 credits **

Grading scale: GU

Content:

• Introduction to translational physiology and pharmacology
• Sustainability, identification of sustainability aspects in research and development
• Ethics and medical ethics
• Introduction to Team-Based Learning (TBL)

Regulation and Defense, 8.0 credits

Grading scale: VU

Content:

• Pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacodynamics and receptor pharmacology
• Physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of the nervous system, endocrinology and reproduction
• Immune system, inflammation and anti-inflammatory treatment
• Innovation and entrepreneurship

Circulation, Respiration, Renal Function, Digestion, Muscle and Adaptation, and Cancer, 10.0 credits

Grading scale: VU

Content:

• Physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of the heart and circulation, respiration, renal function, gastrointestinal tract, muscle and adaptation
• Cancer and cancer treatment

**Application and Integration, 9.0 credits **

Grading scale: GU

Content:

• Environmental physiology
• Physiological integration and pharmacological treatment of systemic diseases
• Practical laboratory exercises and pharmacological calculations
• Introduction to ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products)

Teaching methods

The main teaching method of the course is Team-Based Learning (TBL), where students work collaboratively in groups to practice cooperation, develop self-directed learning, and contribute to collective learning within the group.
A modified form of TBL is implemented in modules that include, among other things, preparatory self-studies, readiness assurance tests (individual and group-based), follow-up, and application exercises.

In addition, the course includes introductory lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions, seminars, and journal clubs.

Examination

**Part 1: Introduction, 3.0 credits **

Examination:
Written group assignment. Graded Fail/Pass.

Oral presentation of group assignment. Graded Fail/Pass

Quiz. Graded Fail/Pass

Compulsory participation:
Seminar

**Part 2: Regulation and Defense, 8.0 credits **

Examination:
Written examination. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

Compulsory participation:
Team based learning

**Part 3: Circulation, Respiration, Renal Function, Digestion, Muscle and Adaptation, and Cancer, 10.0 credits **

Examination:
Written examination. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

Compulsory participation:
Team based learning

Part 4: Application and Integration, 9.0 credits

*Examination: *

Written group assignment. Graded Pass/Fail.

Oral presentation of group assignment. Graded Pass/Fail.

Individual written reflection assignment. Graded Pass/Fail.

Quiz on pharmacological calculations and laboratory techniques. Graded Pass/Fail.

*Mandatory participation: *

Laboratory safety and practical laborations. Seminar.

Written assignments must be submitted before the end of the course according to the schedule.
To pass the course (grade G or higher), the student must have passed all course parts. To achieve the grade Pass with distinction (VG) for the entire course, the student must have received VG in Parts 2 and 3.

Compulsory participation

The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory educational components can be compensated for.
Before the student has participated in compulsory educational components or made up for absence in accordance with the examiner’s instructions, course results cannot be reported.
Absence from a compulsory component may result in the student not being able to make up the missed component until the next time the course is given.

Limitation of number of examinations

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to participate in five additional examination sessions. After six failed examinations or assessment occasions, no further examination opportunity or new course place will be offered.

An examination occasion is counted as each time the student participates in one and the same examination. Submission of a blank exam counts as an examination occasion. An examination for which the student has registered but not participated does not count as an occasion.

If there are special reasons, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the course syllabus regulations regarding examination form, number of examination occasions, possibility of completion, or exemption from compulsory educational components, etc. The content and intended learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be altered, removed or lowered.

Other directives

The course is given in English and all examinations are conducted in English.

Course evaluations will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by Karolinska Institutet.

An oral evaluation, course council, will be conducted during the course.

Literature and other teaching aids

Compulsory literature

• Medical Physiology,* Boron, Walter F.; Boulpaep, Emile L*. Third edition. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2016. ISBN: 9781455743773, or later edition.
• Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology, Ritter, James; Flower, R. J.; Henderson, Graeme; Loke, Yoon Kong; Rang, Humphrey Peter; Dale, M. Maureen. Ninth edition. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2019. ISBN: 9780702074486, or later edition.

Additional study material and reference articles will be provided during the course.