Medical Pharmacology & Therapeutics IV: Cancer, Antimicrobial and Antiparasitic Agents
- Course Number: GMS 6540
- Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
- Course Format: Online and asynchronous
- Course Syllabus: View Full Course Details
Course Description
This course covers cancers and microbial and parasitic infections, specifically the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics and their actions in the treatment of these conditions. Students explore chemotherapy, vaccines and over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, among other substances. In addition to other learning objectives, students are instilled with an understanding of the diversity of these substances and the mechanisms by which they target cancer and infectious agents.
Topics Covered:
- Hallmarks of Cancer
- Carcinogenesis
- Anticancer Drugs
- Growth Factor Inhibitors
- Hormone Therapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Immunosuppressant Drugs
- Principles of Chemotherapy
- Antibacterials
- Antifungals
- Antivirals
- Antiparasitics
- Toxicology
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the diversity of small molecule drugs and biologics that target cancer, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic agents.
- Understand the mechanisms by which drugs and biologics targeting cancer and infectious agents act in the body and at their targets, including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these agents.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply pharmacological principles of clinical and basic science relevancy by multiple-choice examinations, research assignments and quiz exercises.
Final Grade Calculation
- 50% problem sets
- 20% research assignments
- 30% final exam
Prerequisites
This course requires a BA or BS and a strong science foundation with at least five full-semester courses related to biology, chemistry and/or physics.
