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Status

Open

Estimated Completion Time

16 - 18 Weeks

Overview

If you ever thought about pursuing a gratifying career in biomedical sciences, pharmacology is a must. Pharmacology is the fascinating study of the chemistry, origins, and types of medications. Whether you plan on going into medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy, you’ll need to learn the effects of medicines on different biological systems, appropriate dosages, and how the body responds to different medications.

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Major Topics and Concepts

Unit 1 Principles of Pharmacology

  • Define pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapeutics
  • Distinguish between therapeutic effects, side effects, and toxic effects
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages related to the routes of medication administration
  • Explain medical terms associated with drug forms

Unit 2 Medication Math

  • Demonstrate an ability to use metric and household measurement systems
  • Convert units of measurement
  • Solve one- and two-step medication calculation problems
  • Calculate intravenous drip rates

Unit 3 Fluids and Electrolytes

  • Describe the concept of fluid balance and homeostasis
  • Compare and contrast the various intravenous solutions used to expand or decrease a patient’s fluid volume
  • Identify the functions of these electrolytes: potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium and calcium
  • Discuss the common disorders associated with electrolyte imbalances
  • Explain the various components of blood and their administration intravenously

Unit 4 Medications that Affect the Peripheral Nervous System

  • Explain the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
  • Differentiate between different classifications of medications used to treat abnormalities of the peripheral nervous system
  • Establish a method of study that will be used to support your learning of the various classifications of medications in this course
  • Recognize the key information that must be included when learning about medication classifications

Unit 5 Medications That Affect the Central Nervous System

  • Explain the anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system
  • Discuss the concept of pain
  • Differentiate between different classifications of medications used to treat abnormalities of the central nervous system
  • Support your learning of various classifications of medications using study tools
  • Recognize the key information that describes the medications used for anesthesia, to control pain, and to treat seizures and mental health disorders

Unit 6 Medications that Affect the Cardiovascular System

  • Explain the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
  • Discuss the electrical conduction system of the heart
  • Explain hemostasis
  • Differentiate between classifications of medications used to treat hypertension, heart failure, dysrhythmias, and alterations in coagulation
  • Support your learning of the various classifications of medications using study tools

Unit 7 Medications that Affect the Respiratory System

  • Explain the anatomy and physiology of the upper and lower respiratory systems
  • Distinguish the differences between antihistamines and decongestants
  • Differentiate between antitussives and expectorants
  • Discuss the proper use of inhaled medications
  • Support your learning of the various classifications of medications using study tools

Unit 8 Medications that Affect the Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Systems

  • Explain the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal and renal systems
  • Distinguish the differences between the types of laxative medications
  • Discuss the medications used to prevent and treat disorders of the stomach
  • Distinguish the differences between the types of diuretic medications
  • Support your learning of the various classifications of medications in this unit using study tools

 

 

 

 

Credits .5

Competencies

  • Principles of Pharmacology
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of pharmacology by describing the branches of pharmacology, evaluating the routes of medication administration, and explaining the criteria to ensure a safe drug supply and prevent errors.
  • Medication Math
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of medication math by summarizing the math used in administering medication, differentiating systems of measurement, and explaining dosage calculation methods.
  • Fluid and Electrolytes
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of fluid and electrolytes by explaining the importance of fluid balance, describing the function of electrolytes, and describing components of blood and the administration intravenously.
  • Medications that Affect the Peripheral Nervous System
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of medications that affect the peripheral nervous system by describing the function of the systems within the peripheral nervous system, explaining the medications used to treat the peripheral nervous systems, and evaluating the receptor’s support of the peripheral nervous system.
  • Medications that Affect the Central Nervous System
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of medications that affect the central nervous system by describing functions of the central nervous system, explaining pain transmittance, and evaluating medications used to treat central nervous system pain and disorders.
  • Medications that Affect the Cardiovascular System
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of medications that affect the cardiovascular system by explaining the role of blood pressure in the cardiovascular system, describing the electrical conduction system of the heart, and differentiating classifications of medications to treat issues in the cardiovascular system.
  • Medications that Affect the Respiratory System
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of medications that affect the respiratory system by analyzing the function of the upper and lower respiratory systems and comparing medications for the upper and lower respiratory systems.
  • Medications that Affect the Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Systems
    Students will demonstrate an understanding of medications that affect the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems by describing the functions of the layers of the gastrointestinal system, explaining digestion in the lower digestive system, and describing functions of the renal system including how diuretic medications help kidneys function.

Pre-Requisites

Biology is recommended. If biology has not been completed, independent research and learning will be required.

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