Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Course Descriptions
GMS 6551 – Fundamentals of Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics – 1 credit*
This 1-credit course studies the basic principles of pharmacology and therapeutics in the context of medicine and biomedical science. Concepts are taught using a combination of online lectures and online problem sets. Topics include the types and nomenclature of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics, drug-receptor interactions, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics and the basis of personalized medicine.
*It is recommended that students take GMS 6551 during their first semester.
GMS 6520 – Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics I: The Nervous System – 2 credits
This 2-credit course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics (e.g. viral-based gene therapy) and their actions in the body. Specific topics include painkillers, alcohol and psychological medications, among others. The course will prepare students for more advanced studies of pharmacology and therapeutics in the context of human physiology and pathophysiology.
GMS 6530 – Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics II: Cardiovascular, Renal and Respiratory Systems – 2 credits
This course studies the pharmacology and therapeutics of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. This course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and their actions on the heart, vasculature, kidney and other parts of the cardiovascular, renal and respiratory systems. Specific topics include heart medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, and diuretics, among others.
GMS 6531 – Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics III: Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, GI and Integumentary Systems – 2 credits
This course studies the endocrine, musculoskeletal, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems. This course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics and their actions in the treatment and/or control of endocrine disorders, reproduction, the gastrointestinal system, the musculoskeletal system and skin. Specific topics include corticosteroids, diabetes and osteoporosis, among others.
GMS 6540 – Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics IV: Cancer, Antimicrobial and Antiparasitic Agents – 2 credits
This course studies cancers and microbial/parasitic infections. This course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics and their actions in the treatment of cancers and of microbial and/or parasitic infections. Specific topics include chemotherapy, antibacterials and antivirals, among others.
GMS 6510 – Pharmacology of Cannabis, Tobacco and Vaping – 2 credits
This course explores the medical and recreational use of cannabis and tobacco products with objective, scientific and medically based information. The wide variety of ways cannabis and tobacco plants and their derivatives are used is examined to provide an in-depth, practical knowledge base for medical professionals and scientists. Specific topics include the effects of cannabis on the body, the pharmacology of tobacco, tobacco’s effects on the body and e-cigarettes and vaping.
