Cellular Communication and Pharmacology

The mechanism of action of drugs is based on interaction with a target cell structure in the body, leading to modulation of its function. This course is divided into 2 main parts. The^1st part will introduce students to the different modes of cellular communication, the different chemical messengers, their targets and their modes of action. The 2nd part will give students a basic understanding of pharmacology, i.e. how drugs work and what happens to them in the body. To this end, the concepts of pharmacodynamics (ligand-receptor interaction, effect-dose relationship) and pharmacokinetics (ADME: absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion) will be covered. Drug targets, intracellular signaling and therapeutic indications will also be covered.

- understand the different modes of cellular communication, the different chemical messengers and their cellular targets, and the main intracellular signalling pathways

- understand the concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

- know how to tackle a problem and independently carry out the various stages of an experimental approach

- know how to analyze and synthesize data with a view to their use

- interpret experimental data or analyze a research document