Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications - Biologia molecolare, Chimica farmaceutica e Informatica per applicazioni farmaceutiche

• Introduction “Fundamentals of Pharmacology” 2h o Definitions o Applications o Relevance in the field of research • Principles of pharmacodynamics 10h o Definitions o General and molecular aspects of drug-receptor interaction in living organisms o Relevance in the pharmacological field • Principles of pharmacokinetics 12h o Definitions o The measurement and formal interpretation of changes with time of drug concentrations in relation to dosing and to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion processes (ADME) o Relevance in the pharmacological field • Pharmacological studies: pre-clinical studies, types of clinical trials and different phases of clinical trials 4h o Definitions o General aspects o Relevance in the drug-discovery field • Neurotransmission 20h o Definitions o General and molecular aspects of the central and peripheral nervous system and of the main neurotransmissions acting on them o Relevance in the pharmacological field

Important: notions of general chemistry Useful: notions of general biology, biochemistry and physiology

1. Rang ＆ Dale’s Pharmacology (8th edition), Elsevier

Course attendance is optional but recommended.

The exam will be carried out in written form followed by an oral discussion of the topics covered in the written test to confirm and possibly improve the mark. To pass the exam it is necessary to achieve a grade of not less than 18/30 in the written test. The student must demonstrate that he has acquired sufficient knowledge of the main topics covered in the "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" course. During the exam, the student's preparation will be verified through closed and open questions that require the application of the knowledge acquired during the course. The knowledge and skills reported in specific teaching objectives will also be evaluated, such as: knowledge and understanding, ability to apply knowledge and understanding, independent judgement, communication skills and learning skills. The final grade will be a global evaluation of the written exam and the oral discussion.

The teaching of “Fundamentals in Pharmacology” consists mainly of lessons with the students. The lessons are mostly interactive, so the teacher stimulates the students with questions, through explanatory examples of the topics covered, to which they can give answers. This type of interactive lessons will allow the student to develop judgment and communication skills, essential for undertaking any subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy. The student will be able to find on the e-learning platform the teaching material (lessons, exam syllabus, recommended textbook) useful for preparing for the exam.