Cell Communication and Pharmacology

The mechanism of action of drugs is based on an interaction with a target cellular structure in the body, leading to the modulation of its function. Thus, this course unit consists of two main components. The^first component aims to familiarize students with the various modes of cellular communication, the different chemical messengers, their targets, and their modes of action. The second component will aim to provide students with a basic understanding of pharmacology, specifically how drugs work and their fate within the body. To this end, the concepts of pharmacodynamics (ligand-receptor interaction, dose-response relationship) and pharmacokinetics (ADME: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) will be covered. In addition, drug targets, their intracellular signaling, and their therapeutic indications will be discussed.

- understand the various modes of cellular communication, the different chemical messengers and their cellular targets, as well as the main intracellular signaling pathways

- understand the concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

- know how to address a problem and independently carry out the various steps of an experimental process

- the ability to analyze and synthesize data for practical use

- know how to interpret experimental data or analyze a research paper