Learning objectives

The course aims to educate the student to consider the drug as a tool capable of modifying the patient's state of health through the interaction with the molecular constituents of cells and tissues and the consequent modulation of the physio-pathological processes that underlie the states of health and sickness. The student will therefore be continually urged to make use of his basic biomedical knowledge in order to understand how the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of drugs are responsible for measurable effects on the patient which may have therapeutic value but which may also generate unwanted manifestations or toxic.
The student must have achieved the following educational objectives: define the rational basis on which the use of drugs is based, knowledge of scientific evidence; the importance of monitoring efficacy and recognizing possible adverse effects; know the phases of drug development with particular reference to the rules of clinical trials; know the principles of pharmacodynamics with particular reference to drug-receptor interactions and signal transduction mechanisms; know the theoretical principles of pharmacokinetics; know the mechanisms of action and pharmacological effects, therapeutic uses and main adverse reactions of the different classes.
General toxicology - Provide students with the basic knowledge of toxicology - Present the main classes of potentially toxic substances - Provide concepts of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics that characterize the toxicological profile and the mechanism of action of xenobiotics.

Examination Methods

Written and oral exam on the complete program. The written test to ascertain knowledge consists of 30 questions, with multiple answers of which only one is correct, and - if the sufficiency of 18/30 is reached. - from 2) an oral interview to ascertain the critical knowledge for the possible improvement of the mark. For those who pass the written test, the oral test is optional.

Evaluation criteria

General and Therapeutic Pharmacology. The exam will verify the acquisition of basic and general knowledge, the specific characteristics for the different drug classes as regards mechanism of action, effects, safety and indications Toxicology. The exam will verify the acquisition of basic and general knowledge on the toxicity of drugs, substances and toxins The grade is out of thirty: maximum score is 30/30.