Pharmacy

General Aims At the end of the course students will know the basic physical principles and mechanisms that regulates cell physiology, with particular attention to the electrical properties of excitable cells and neuronal transmission; the function of the organs in the human body; the dynamical integration of the various organs into systems; the general mechanisms of functional control under normal conditions. The student will be aware of the main molecular and cellular mechanisms target of possible pharmacological treatments. Specific Aims: 1. Knowledge acquired by the student The student will know all the aspects of cellular and plasma membrane functioning, of the central and autonomic nervous system, of muscular contraction (skeletal smooth and cardiac muscle), of the cardiovascular system, of the respiratory system, of the urinary system, of the digestive system and of hormonal communication, and the regulation of the pH of the liquid compartments. 2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding At the end of the course the student will understand the role of the different organ systems in the functioning of the human body and will recognize the consequences produced by the malfunctioning of the individual systems. He/she will know which are the most important correlations between structure and function of the single organs and apparatuses. He/she will know the main cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the correct functioning and control of the body's functions. He/she will be able to integrate the knowledge of individual systems in a general vision. 3. Critical judgment skills The lessons will be interactive; the professor will ask continuous questions to the students to stimulate them to develop critical sense and to integrate previous knowledge. These questions will also be used to evaluate and solicit students to make connections with the skills acquired previously, avoiding considering the study of the general physiology as self-standing, but integrating the physiology in the light of the knowledge already acquired (physical, chemical, biological and anatomical). 4. Ability to communicate what has been learned The student will acquire the ability to communicate all the topics covered by the program and to expose them in an integrated perspective in light of the correct functioning of the human organism. Eventually, students will be organized in small groups that will expose to the class oral presentations on specific topics related to the effect of drugs in regulating the physiological functions. 5. Ability to continue the study independently Recommended texts will provide a tool to integrate the knowledge acquired during the class. The texts will remain the reference point of the student who will know where to go to find the concepts in detail. He/she will be able to integrate these concepts with the materials available on specific online sites whose links will be suggested in class.