Pharmacy

Educational objectives

COMPLEMENTS OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
General objectives
The course in Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry Complements is an optional
course aimed at providing the student with the basics of the study of pharmaceutical
chemistry. To do this after some introductory lessons on the subject, only some classes of
drugs will be studied (the complete study is referred to the courses of Pharmaceutical
Chemistry 1 and 2) in order to provide information on the pharmaceutical and toxicological
properties of drugs.
Specific objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to describe the drug according to all its characteristics: synthesis,
metabolism, mechanism of action, metabolism and any adverse effects.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will be able to place the drugs in their own class
linked to the therapeutic indication. Furthermore the knowledge of the synthesis and
therefore of the chemical structure will be fundamental to allow the student, the
identification of the mechanism of action, the dosage, the active metabolites and to
highlight possible interactions with other drugs; furthermore, the knowledge of the
chemical structures of the drugs will allow the student to understand to design molecules
necessary to increase bioavailability or to improve absorption (prodrugs).
3. Autonomy of judgment
The teacher will stimulate students to develop the logical-critical sense by giving
interactive lessons, through frequent questions during the lesson, with the aim of inducing
them to acquire the ability to connect the various concepts defined in the program, of
mastery of the subject. At the end of the course the students will be able to grasp the
important points of a scientific publication concerning a new generation drug and plan a
research concerning the topics covered in order to broaden their scientific knowledge. This
capacity will be tested in the classroom through an exposure of 15-20 minutes of a drug
chosen by the student (among the classes treated in classrooms) in which all the points
defined during the lessons must have been developed. The exhibition will then be the
subject of discussion between the teacher and the students.
4. Communication skills
Through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, of the ability to apply them and
to propose a critical judgment on the topics dealt with, but also through the use of the
relative scientific language used by the teacher during the course and the frequent
stimulation to the communication of what was learned in lesson, the student will be able to
communicate with cognitive and linguistic-perceptive depth with his / her peers and / or
belonging to an inherent scientific and social community or of different cultural
background.
5. Learning skills
The student who has acquired the abilities described above may be able to undertake
future studies in a more autonomous, self-managed and rapid manner, but also to propose
thematic social and / or work contexts useful to the scientific progress of society in the field
of human health.

Educational objectives

The aims of the course is to provide the information necessary to understand the
importance of proper nutrition on health. Therefore, the main objective is to provide
students with basic elements to understand the relationship between diet, nutrition
and health status. More specifically, this course will provide students with the basis
for understanding the importance of nutrition in relation to the physiology of the
organism and with respect to some pathologies, as well as the environmental impact
of dietary styles. The main knowledge acquired will be:
- Nutrient principles and their food origin.
- The flow of energy in the human organism.
- The main physiological mechanisms of food digestion
- What is the correct eating behavior, the main pathologies and the link between
correct nutrition and health –
The link between nutrition and the immune system
- the impact of the type of diet on the ecosystem.
Furthermore, the "Guidelines on physical activity for different age groups and with
reference to physiological and pathophysiological situations and specific subgroups
of the population", of the Ministry of Health, have identified pharmacists among the
possible operators involved in the promotion of physical activity in the area. For this
purpose, knowledge of these indications will be useful. Specific objectives:
Dublin 1 descriptor (Knowledge and understanding): Adequate knowledge of the
physiology of nutrition, the interaction of nutrients with the human body, energy flows
within the body and pathologies related to nutrition. It will also be necessary that the
student has a sufficient degree of knowledge of the fields of application of the
Reference Intake Levels of Nutrients and Energy for the Italian population (LARN)
and what are the indications for a correct lifestyle.
Dublin 2 descriptor (Ability to apply knowledge and understanding): Ability to correctly
recommend nutritional supplements, bioactive molecules of nutritional interest and
self-medication functional foods and to promote a healthy lifestyle based on the
"Guidelines for healthy eating" and of the "Guidelines on physical activity for different
age groups and with reference to physiological and pathophysiological situations and
specific subgroups of the population".
"transversal skills" (soft skills) Dublin 3 descriptor (Critical and judgmental skills):
Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature.
Dublin 4 descriptor (Communication skills): Ability to present what has been learned
by using appropriate terminology
Dublin 5 descriptor (learning skills): Continuous updating skills.

Educational objectives

Students will be able to plan experiments and resolve practical problems related to identification, analysis
and study of the functions of biomolecules.
he course was conceived as a tool for scientific research in the biochemical sector, guiding students
towards biomedical design related to the preclinical development of new potential drugs. Of the theoretical
programs underlying the most important methodologies in biochemical studies with particular attention to
the logic of the setting of experiments and data collection.
nglese The course should acquire the basic knowledge of the main methods and instruments used in
biochemical laboratories. This is aimed at understanding the definition of experimental models, with
particular reference to those in vitro, and the main techniques used in research in the biomedical field and
in the study of biomolecules for the development of new potential drugs.
Students will be able to evaluate in an autonomous and critical way possible different experimental
procedures present in the topics covered in the course; know how to formulate models of operational
schemes for the characterization and study of molecules of biological interest. The acquisition of self-
assessment skills will be stimulated through the active participation of students in the discussions during
the lessons and during the guided visits in the biochemical laboratory.
Students will be able to know how to expose the principles on which the main methods used for
biochemical studies are based in correct language and with language properties. The communication skills
will be evaluated during classroom discussions, during the presentation of in-depth studies of topics of
particular interest by the student and during the oral exam of the final exam, in which the student will have
to explain, with appropriate technical and biochemical terminology, the arguments developed during the
course.
Learning skills will be assessed during the course of the course by involving students in debates and
discussions on the topics covered and during the presentation of in-depth studies of topics of particular
interest by the student. The knowledge acquired during the course provide the tools to understand some
topics that will be covered in disciplines subject to subsequent examinations with a high degree of
autonomy.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The main objective of the course will be to provide students with competences related to the
fundamental principles of the immune response, the role of immune cells in pathological conditions
and the possible therapeutic strategies used for the modulation of its functions.

Specific objectives
This course is aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular basis of the immune response and
the fundamental mechanisms responsible for its protective functions as well as the scientific-
experimental methodologies used for the study of these mechanisms. The student will comprehend
the specific role of immune cells in the resistance against pathogens, the immune surveillance
against tumors, and immune-mediated diseases. In addition, the student will understand the use of
therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the immune response in different pathological
conditions. A further purpose is represented the by the acquisition of the fundamental and common
elements of medical terminology to communicate effectively with doctors and others health workers
and the ability to deepen the study independently.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The main objective of the course will be to provide students with competences related to the
fundamental principles of the immune response, the role of immune cells in pathological conditions
and the possible therapeutic strategies used for the modulation of its functions.

Specific objectives
This course is aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular basis of the immune response and
the fundamental mechanisms responsible for its protective functions as well as the scientific-
experimental methodologies used for the study of these mechanisms. The student will comprehend
the specific role of immune cells in the resistance against pathogens, the immune surveillance
against tumors, and immune-mediated diseases. In addition, the student will understand the use of
therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the immune response in different pathological
conditions. A further purpose is represented the by the acquisition of the fundamental and common
elements of medical terminology to communicate effectively with doctors and others health workers
and the ability to deepen the study independently.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The main objective of the course will be to provide students with competences related to the
fundamental principles of the immune response, the role of immune cells in pathological conditions
and the possible therapeutic strategies used for the modulation of its functions.

Specific objectives
This course is aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular basis of the immune response and
the fundamental mechanisms responsible for its protective functions as well as the scientific-
experimental methodologies used for the study of these mechanisms. The student will comprehend
the specific role of immune cells in the resistance against pathogens, the immune surveillance
against tumors, and immune-mediated diseases. In addition, the student will understand the use of
therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the immune response in different pathological
conditions. A further purpose is represented the by the acquisition of the fundamental and common
elements of medical terminology to communicate effectively with doctors and others health workers
and the ability to deepen the study independently.

Educational objectives

Objectives:
Knowledge of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate the main cellular functions and understanding of the molecular basis that lead to alterations of cellular functions.
Knowledge of the systems responsible for signaling pathways and of intra- and extracellular signal transduction, with particular attention to the role played by protein components and their mechanism of action.
Understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying the metabolism and its regulation. Knowledge of the biochemical-metabolic properties of the main organs useful in understanding physio-pathological aspects related to organ functions.

Expected results
At the end of the course the student will be acquainted with the signaling pathways of intra- and extracellular signal transduction, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate the main cellular functions, and the physio-pathological aspects related to organ functions, useful skills for the development and production of new drugs.

Educational objectives

The course aims to provide a suitable knowledge of the most important classes of compounds biosynthesized by
living organisms, commonly referred as secondary metabolites. In order to confer to the study a logical
character, the discussion of the topics is developed in close relation with the three fundamental biosynthetic
pathways that are at the base of their formation: the acetate, shikimate and mevalonate pathways. In the
context of the just suggested methodology, the objectives that will be pursued are the following:
i) the achievement by the student of a suitable extent of specialized knowledge (classification of the
several typologies of secondary metabolites and connections with the biosynthetic pathways from which they
originate; different mechanistic strategies adopted by living organisms with respect to those ones commonly
employed in laboratory; etc.), to be managed autonomously in order to understand contents concerning topics
of organic chemistry of natural products in primary and secondary bibliography (textbooks and scientific
articles);
ii) acquisition of a proper ability in analyzing the reactions schemes involved by the considered
biosyntheses, also including the connected stereochemical aspects;
iii) achievement of mastery in writing the reactions schemes involved in the acetate, shikimate and
mevalonate pathways;
iv) ability to establish logical interconnections among topics met in the present and in other related courses
(Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Botany, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Toxicology, etc.);
v) autonomy in the ability to exchange opinions, ideas and information concerning the topics studied in the
context of the teaching.

Educational objectives

The main aim of the MOLECULAR BIOLOGY course is to provide students with a solid and updated basic knowledge on the nature and flow of genetic information, with special attention to the mechanisms underlying control and regulation of gene expression, including non-coding regulatory RNAs. The acquisition of this knowledge is expected to advance the understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms that are targets of "traditional" drugs, and to provide skills on methods and mechanisms of relevance for the development of “innovative” drugs, as for example those based on antisense technology or genome editing. Upon completion of the course, the student possesses a consolidated basic knowledge of the structure and functions of macromolecules carrying genetic information, is able to discuss problems concerning the expression and regulation of genes, as well as to understand in detail the biomolecular aspects of scientific articles of pharmacological interest.

Educational objectives

The course “Drug discovery and innovative approaches” leads students towards a rational learning of drug design and discovery, giving them, after some general notes, a proper preparation about: a) targets, molecular interaction drug-target, consequences of these interactions basics of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic; b) basics and strategies of drug design. Remarks will be on the invention, discovery, design, identification, preparation of drugs, metabolism, molecular mechanism of action and structure-activity relationships.
Specific objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
The students will know and will be able to understand all aspects about pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug targets, drug-target interactions, the consequences of these interactions, general principles and strategies of drug design and discovery, the invention, discovery design identification of some specific drugs, their metabolism, mechanism of action, and structure-activity relationships.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student, applying the acquired knowledge, will be able to plan the design of a drug, starting form the decision about the therapeutic area, phenotypic approach, target based approach, study of drug-target interactions, hit to lead and lead to candidate development, going ahead to the application of synthetic strategies and technologies, including CADD, up to the right comprehension of the relevance of ADMET properties for strong candidate to the clinical development.
3. Making judgements
At the end of the course the student will be able to evaluate the appropriate approach to the design of a specific drug. The critical and judgement ability will be obtained thanks to continuous interactivity hold during the course. In fact, the teacher will ask questions very frequently to stimulate students to link the actual topics to all the topics studied up to that time, so that the study will not be isolated, but integrated matter with the acquired knowledge. At the end of the course the student will hold a presentation about an innovative recent drug.
4. Communication skills
The student will be able to communicate the knowledge comprehended by the course and will apply during the oral exam that will focus on the topics of the syllabus. The student is stimulated to communicate in an interactive way during the classroom and, at the end of the course and after the exam, will be able to communicate effectively his/her knowledge in the drug design field to specialists and non-specialists, in a more technical and detailed, and in an educational way, respectively.
5. Learning skills
The student will find details of lessons on the suggested textbooks and in the scientific literature and will have ability to use them to pursue an independent preparation. This will be useful to the students to find again topics of the matter also in the future when the memory of the concepts described in the lesson room will be softer. The textbooks will remain the benchmark for student that will be able to find again details of forgotten notions.

Educational objectives

The general objective of the optional course “Safety Use of Natural Products” is to provide the student
with discriminatory skills, after having understood the basic concepts (officinal and medicinal plants,
pharmacognosy, phytotherapy, herbal medicine, type and severity of adverse reactions, etc.), safety and
efficacy of natural products. At the end of the general learning process and based on the acquired skills,
the student will be able to understand the importance of the quality and of the safety use of a natural
product, thus becoming able to promote its rational use.
The specific educational objectives will be the result of the expected learning, indicative of the ability to
apply the acquired knowledge to control the problems associated to the marketing and use of natural
products. The student will be able to recognize the factors (depending on the product and the user) to
take into consideration to promote a safe use of the herbal preparations.

Educational objectives

The aim of the course is to address the general principles and methods applied in the clinical development of drugs. Legal, organizational, operational, economic, and managerial aspects will be addressed in order to provide the student with the knowledge and theoretical tools necessary for proper planning, conducting and management of a clinical trial and to research and interpret the data reported in the scientific literature.

Educational objectives

General objectives
The lessons and seminar activities contribute to the development of the following skills:
- know the problems of formulation, production and control of biotechnological medicines, biosimilars and
advanced therapies, with particular attention to the relevant national and international standards;
- know the formulation, production and control issues of medical devices with particular attention to the
relevant national and international standards;
- evaluate the use of the categories presented during the course according to the principles of quality,
safety and economic sustainability.

Specific objectives, upon completion of the course
Knowledge and understanding of
- basic elements related to the formulation, preparation, classification and control of biotechnological and
biosimilar medicinal products;
- basic elements related to the formulation of advanced therapies;
- national and international regulatory aspects of the formulation, preparation, classification, control,
marketing and supervision of biotechnological medicines, biosimilars and medical devices.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- to follow the main stages of production control of biotechnological and biosimilar medicinal products,
with particular regard to regulatory problems and their safety;
- to follow the main phases of the development of advanced therapies, with particular regard to regulatory
problems and their safety;

- to be able to apply the knowledge of the European Directives on Medical Devices and Medical Devices for
in Vitro Diagnostics, to the regulatory and qualitative activity within a supplier or manufacturer of one of
these Devices, but also at the base of the working activity of Entities that have to evaluate the latter.
- to develop knowledge and skills suitable for a correct evaluation, selection, information and use in
compliance with current legislation and the clinical needs of patients of the products in question.
Judgment autonomy
The lessons and seminar activities allow the student to:
- evaluate the managerial, technological and practical aspects related to the preparation, production,
control, distribution and sale of biotechnological medicines, biosimilars and medical devices;
- identify and evaluate the risks related to the control of advanced therapy, biotechnological medicines,
biosimilars and medical devices;

Communication skills
During the course there will be moments of comparison and debate, coordinated by the teacher, aimed at
verifying the ability to communicate/transmit what the student has learned.
Furthermore, these moments are fundamental for the development of critical evaluation and reasoning
skills by the student which will allow him to report, in the exercise of the profession, information, advice
and solutions to specialist and non-specialist interlocutors.
Self-learning ability
The tools provided during the course allow the student to enter the world of work thanks to the set of
knowledge to deal with both the professional practice in pharmacy and the sequence of the production and
control process of biotechnological medicines, biosimilars and medical devices. Knowledge of the
legislation, which is constantly evolving, and the socio-economic aspects represent an indispensable step in
the training process of the student in Pharmacy.
The knowledge acquired during the course therefore constitutes essential and strongly characterizing
training elements for the exercise of the profession of pharmacist in the various working environments.