Object: Introduction into the general principles of Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Prescription writing, as well as the pharmacological intervention in the function of the Autonomous Nervous System, the Central Nervous System and the Pain Relief.

Content: Pharmacology represents a basic subject in the syllabus of the students of Medicine, along with other basic subjects such as Physiology, Biological Chemistry and Biology. During the lectures of Pharmacology I, the students are getting a detailed insight into the mechanisms of drug action, the effects of drugs in the human body and also their applications in clinical practice. There is a cross reference to various subjects, which follow in their studies, such as Pathophysiology, Internal Medicine and Therapeutics.

Pharmacology I is covered with 52 hours of lectures in the amphitheatre, which are distributed as follows:

• General Principles of Pharmacology (Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Mechanisms of Drug Action, Adverse Effects and Drug Toxicity, 16 hours)
• Pharmaceutical substances affecting the function of the Autonomous Nervous System and the Smooth Muscle (18 hours)
• Pharmaceutical substances affecting the Central Nervous System (Sedatives, Hypnotics, Antiepileptic drugs, Antipsychotic drugs, General and Local Anesthetics, Dependence producing substances of Abuse, 12 hours), and
• Drugs affecting the synthesis of Autacoids and the mechanisms of Pain (Common Analgesics, Opioid Analgesics, Antirrheumatics, 6 hours).

Teaching Methods and Outcomes: Lectures in the amphitheatre are combined with practical exercises, as well as with small-group teaching, which allow a repetition and a systematic approach to the theory already offered in the class rooms. Since Pharmacology represents a highly demanding subject, in terms of understanding and memorizing new knowledge, the active participation of all students in the educational process is reportedly very important for an effective escalation in the conquest of all new information.

The staff members are encouraging the students to attend all lectures and to participate with questions and comments. This educational interaction is taken into serious consideration during the final exam for the evaluation of he students.

During this course, the students are better understanding the mechanisms of action of therapeutic agents, their fate in the human body, their application in clinical practice and their possible side effects. In short, this course is offering a useful background for the appropriate use of medicinal products in therapy.

Hours of training per student: 104

Semester: 5th

ECTS: 5