Welcome!
Section outline
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Welcome to Intro to Pharmacology!
Course Introduction
Discuss expected outcomes, real-world application of skills and knowledge, and how the course fits within the program. Articulate the purpose of the course. Adopting instructors can embed a welcome video or add additional text here.This introductory pharmacology course provides a foundational understanding of the principles of drug action and therapeutic applications. Students will explore topics such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug classifications, drug development, and the use of pharmacogenomic testing in drug use. Emphasis is placed on understanding how drugs affect the major body systems, interpreting drug information, and applying these concepts to real-world healthcare scenarios. The course is designed for students in health sciences, nursing, or related fields, as well as those seeking a general understanding of pharmacology.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the fundamental principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Describe the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic principles that influence drug actions in humans.
- Compare and contrast the specific pharmacology of the major classes of drugs, important distinctions among members of each class, the risks and benefits, in relation to the organ systems they affect, and the diseases for which they are used therapeutically.
- Evaluate the therapeutic mechanisms of action of antimicrobials and immunomodulatory compounds.
- Identify the role of molecular genetics in pharmacotherapeutics and drug development.
- Digital Skill: Use an online drug information resource to identify key details about a medication.
Structure of the Course
Adopting institution should provide learners information on how to navigate the course. Consider adding an introductory navigation video. Text description could include, for example:Describe the course structure, such as number of modules, to allow the learner to understand how the learning process if structured and carried out.
This course is structured into 9 Modules, covering 12 chapters. Students will progress through the Modules in order, starting with Module 1: Introduction to Pharmacology. Each Module includes the relevant chapter reading assignment(s), a discussion forum, and a quiz. The discussion forum and quiz should be attempted after the student has read the relevant reading assignment(s).
Module Breakdown:
- Introduction to Pharmacology - explore homeostasis, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics
- Body Systems: Nervous System - see how drugs affect the brain, nerves, and senses—from pain relief to anesthesia
- Body Systems: Endocrine - explore how drugs keep hormones in balance for conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders
- Body Systems: Respiratory - find out how drugs help people breathe easier and control respiratory diseases
- Body Systems: Digestive - see how drugs treat heartburn, nausea, and other digestive system issues
- Body Systems: Cardiovascular - understand how drugs protect the heart and improve blood flow
- Body Systems: Renal and Urinary - learn how drugs support kidney function and treat urinary problems
- Immune Pharmacology - discover how immune treatments work and cancer pharmacology
- Drug Development and Pharmacogenetics - see how new drugs are created and why they work differently for different people
Learning Activities Include:
- 1 Discussion forum for each Module based on OER textbook readings
- 1 Quiz for each Module to reinforce learning and test knowledge
Navigating the Course
This course is designed to be simple and intuitive to explore. Here's how to find your way around:1. Course Homepage- The main course page lists all modules in order
- Each module is a clickable section containing readings, videos, quizzes, and assignments.
- Use the “Expand all / Collapse all” button at the top to show or hide module contents
2. Module Pages
- At the top, you'll see the Learning Outcomes for that Module - these tell you exactly what you should learn by the end and are handy to use as a study guide!
- Resources are listed in the order you should complete them - required readings, discussion forum, then quiz
3. Navigation Menu
- Use the left-hand menu (or the three-line “hamburger” icon on mobile) to jump between modules or access grades, announcements, etc.
- Modules may be collapsed/expanded in the side menu
4. Tracking Your Progress
- Each activity has a completion box on the right. Moodle will automatically check these off when you meet the criteria (e.g., viewing a page, submitting an assignment, passing a quiz)
- You can view your progress at a glance on the course homepage
5. Communication
- The News and Announcements Forum is available in the "Getting Started" section to communicate important course updates from the instructor—check these often!
- The Q&A Forum for Students is available in the "Getting Started" section to ask your instructor a question (public)
- For private conversations with your instructor, email: [input instructor email here]
6. Help & Support
- If you have trouble accessing a resource or understanding instructions, head to the Learner Support Module or email your instructor directly
- The Syllabus and Schedule are available in the "Getting Started" section for course information
- A Quick Start Guide PDF/Video is available in the “Getting Started” section for a visual walkthrough
This course and its contents are developed by the authors: and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, except where otherwise noted. Adopting instructors should edit the About Your Instructor and Office Hours Information pages in this Module.
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