AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Understand the fundamental principles of pharmacology and molecular toxicology:

   • Study the mechanisms of action of drugs and toxic substances at the molecular and cellular levels.
   • Analyze the interactions between drugs and molecular targets, such as receptors, enzymes, and ion channels.

2. Learn the basics of molecular biology applied to pharmacology and toxicology:

   • Examine gene regulation and gene expression mechanisms.
   • Utilize molecular biology techniques for target and biomarker analysis.

3. Identify and describe the main toxic substances and their biological effects:

   • Study the mechanisms of action of toxic substances.
   • Evaluate the pharmacological and toxicological consequences of exposure to these substances.

4. Develop critical analysis and scientific evaluation skills:

   • Analyze scientific evidence related to drugs and toxic substances.
   • Apply acquired knowledge to evaluate potential clinical or research applications.

5. Examine prevention, diagnosis, and therapy strategies for diseases related to drug use and exposure to toxic substances:

   • Study methodologies for the prevention and diagnosis of diseases.
   • Evaluate available therapeutic options and their clinical implications.

6. Apply molecular biology knowledge to research in pharmacology and toxicology:

   • Use molecular biology techniques for the research of new drugs and biomarkers.
   • Contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies based on scientific evidence.

7. Improve scientific expression and reasoning skills:

   • Critically present and discuss scientific articles and case studies.
   • Develop scientific communication skills, both written and oral.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures in person or online.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs regularly submitted to the University are invited to contact the instructor and the disability coordinator of the School/Department (Prof. Luca Raiteri, Luca.Raiteri@unige.it) at the beginning of the course to agree on any teaching methods that, while respecting the objectives of the course, take into account individual learning modalities. IMPORTANT: requests for exam accommodations MUST be made at least 10 working days before the scheduled exam date by carefully following the instructions at the link https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/comunicazioni

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program may undergo changes based on: the incoming knowledge of the class, coordination meetings with other courses, recent scientific discoveries. However, students will always be informed via Aulaweb of the actual program.

Introduction to Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology

• Definitions and key concepts
• History and development of pharmacology and toxicology
• Importance of molecular pharmacology

Special Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs (ADME)
• Routes of drug administration
• Factors influencing pharmacokinetics

Special Pharmacodynamics

• Mechanisms of drug action
• Receptors and intracellular signaling
• Dose-response relationship

Molecular Biology Applied to Pharmacology

• Gene regulation and gene expression
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blot, etc.)
• Applications in pharmacological research

Drug-Target Interactions

• Receptors, enzymes, and ion channels
• Mechanisms of interaction and modulation
• Clinical implications of drug-target interactions

Molecular Toxicology

• Principles of toxicology
• Mechanisms of action of toxic substances
• Toxic effects at the cellular and molecular levels

Identification and Description of Toxic Substances

• Major classes of toxic substances
• Biological effects and toxicological consequences
• Methods of identification and analysis

Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics

• Genetic variations and drug response
• Genetic analysis techniques
• Clinical implications of pharmacogenetics

Prevention and Diagnosis Strategies

• Methodologies for disease prevention
• Diagnostic techniques in pharmacology and toxicology
• Case studies and clinical applications

Therapies and New Drug Development

• Development and approval of new drugs
• Innovative and personalized therapies
• Future perspectives in pharmacology and toxicology

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Goodman & Gilman Le basi farmacologiche della terapia Zanichelli

Hitner & Nagle Principi di Farmacologia Zanichelli

Katzung, Master, Trevor Frmacologia Generale e clinica Piccin

Casarett & Doull Elementi di tossicologia Casa editrice Ambrosiana

Tossicologia generale e applicata ai farmaci- Manzo, Paolillo e Vitalone -edra

Il meccanismo d'azione dei farmaci Francesco Clementi Guido Fumagalli-edra

Rossi, Cuomo, Riccardi Farmacologia principi di base e applicazioni terapeutiche V ed Edizioni Minerva Medica

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The schedule for this course can be found at: EasyAcademy Portal

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The learning outcomes will be based on the assessment during the exam of three fundamental aspects:

• Appropriateness of terminology
• Skills and knowledge
• Reasoning ability

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

N/A