Pharmacodynamics

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Cycles of Study/Courses

Teaching language

Objectives

This discipline has as priority the teaching of pharmacology, particularly with regard to the principles of Special and General Pharmacology, and especially what matters the pharmacological intervention in the body and may result in a change in use by the body from the many constituents present in the diet. It is assumed as being indispensable for proper training in Nutritional Sciences knowledge of the principles governing the actions of drugs in the body and what modifications to the body by existing pharmacologically active constituents in the diet. Aim of this course is not providing any information that might be useful regarding the use of drugs in therapy.

Learning outcomes and competences

The student should be able to identify the pharmacological actions of drugs and active food constituents listed in the program as well as understanding the interactions between food and drug therapy in patients at nutritional consultation.

Working method

Program

General Principles of Pharmacology. Drugs and pharmacological actions.  Pharmacology and scope: pharmacognosy, pharmacy, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics and toxicology. General cycle of drugs in the body. General mechanisms of drug action. Pharmacology of the central nervous system. Neuropharmacology of antidepressants, tranquilizers and anxiolytics, and antiparkinsonian. Anorexiants and appetite stimulants.   Pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Pharmacology of the cardiovascular system. Antihypertensive and anti-anginal drugs. Modifying agents on renal function. Diuretic drugs. Pharmacology of ethanol. Modifiers of protein and lipid metabolism. Modifying agents biliary secretion. Modifying agents of gastric secretion. Modifying agents gastric and intestinal motility. Modifying agents of glucidic metabolism. Insulin and oral antidiabetics.  Influence of nutrition on the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. Pharmacologically active constituents present in the diet. Pharmacology and toxicology of dietary constituents: caffeine and citrus fruits. Weight loss supplements: pharmacological actions.

Mandatory literature

Teaching methods and learning activities

The teaching will be done through:
a. participation in theoretical classes (two lectures per week), designed to hierarchically organize the concepts relating to each theme and to foster a critical spirit in Pharmacology.
b. participation in theoretical and practical classes (one session per week). These sessions are intended to consolidate knowledge already acquired through active participation of students in the teaching-learning. Some of these sessions will consist of the presentation and discussion of clinical cases involving the use of drugs and its implications on food and nutrition of the patient.
c. participation in practical classes (one session per week). These sessions consist of a group work about the themes presented in theoretical classes and aim to develop autonomous skils in serching for relevant scientific data in pharmacology, as well as communication capacities. Other relevant and emergent themes in drug-nutrient interactions, not considered in the theoretical program, may be proposed.
If the number of non-Portuguese speaking students justifies it, theoretical classes will be available in non-synchronous sessions (video).

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

Calculation formula of final grade

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Examinations outside the evaluation periods for students in special arrangements will consist of oral examination.

Observations