VM0139, Pharmacology and toxicology, 14.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)

Level

First cycle (G2F)

Main field of study

Veterinary Medicine

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge of how drugs and other xenobiotics are metabolised in mammals, how they exert both beneficial and adverse effects, and why responses to foreign substances differ between species and individuals.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• interpret and apply fundamental pharmacological and toxicological concepts and testing methods;
• account for, explain, and discuss both intended and unintended effects of medicinal products and other xenobiotics in animals, as well as the underlying mechanisms of these effects;
• account for and apply legislation and regulations governing the prescribing and dispensing of medicinal products for animals;
• account for the reasons why the effects of medicinal products and other xenobiotics can vary between animal species as well as between individuals;
• evaluate different treatment options from a pharmacological perspective;
• calculate doses and dilutions of drugs;
• account for the significance of medicinal products and toxic xenobiotics within veterinary medicine and from an environmental perspective.

Content

Subject-related content

The course consists of three main parts:
i) General pharmacology covers terminology, relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks, foundational knowledge within pharmacology, species-related differences, and how medicinal products are dosed, absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and eliminated from the body, as well as how drugs and other xenobiotics exert their action.
ii) Toxicology covers how toxic xenobiotics, other than medicinal products, are absorbed, distributed, and eliminated from the body, and how such substances exert harmful effects on the organism.
ii) Specialised pharmacology integrates general pharmacology and toxicology with in-depth knowledge of various pharmaceutical substances and provides further comparative assessments between animal species.

The course also provides foundational knowledge from a sustainability perspective on how medicinal products and toxic xenobiotics affect the environment, as well as in-depth knowledge of the resistance issues found in parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms. The course provides knowledge on the sustainable use of medicinal products for the benefit of both future animal husbandry and our environment, a central issue within both veterinary and human medicine.

The course includes modules on legislation and regulatory frameworks governing the handling of medicinal products, as well as the prescribing of medicinal products for animals. The knowledge obtained during the course enables optimal selection of medicinal products based on the prevailing circumstances prior to treatment. This competence in clinical pharmacology can be further developed during the clinical phase of the degree programme. Parallel to this, understanding is increased regarding the occurrence of adverse effects caused by medicinal products and toxic xenobiotics in the patient and the environment.

Teaching formats

Lectures cover the principles of how medicinal products and toxic xenobiotics are processed by domestic animals (absorption, distribution, metabolism, bioactivation, and excretion) as well as fundamental pharmacological and toxicological concepts. Furthermore, the course addresses mechanisms of how medicinal products, toxic substances, and other xenobiotics exert their effects at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as effects on various organ systems. How effects at the molecular and cellular levels integrate at the systems level is also discussed.

Within pharmacology, there are lectures on medicinal products acting on various organ systems as well as on antimicrobial and antiparasitic drugs. Through laboratory work and calculation exercises, students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in areas such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and general pharmacology, as well as calculating doses and dilutions. Various pharmacological issues are discussed and presented in groups.

Within toxicology, lectures focus on the harmful effects of medicinal products and toxic xenobiotics, including those occurring in the environment and those which may be present in feed, on pastures, and in animal drinking water.

The course focuses on the following generic competences:

Information competence, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication

The following components are compulsory:

Compulsory module in dose calculations.

We aim to collaborate with public authorities and stakeholders from, for example, the equine industry, the agricultural sector and the Swedish Kennel Club (Sverak), for example by inviting external speakers.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed examinations and approved participation in compulsory components.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Animal Biosciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Veterinärprogrammet

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
General Pharmacology	2.5	0101
Toxicology	2.0	0102
Dose Calculation	0.5	0103
Pharmacology	9.0	0104

The Course Replaces

VM0115

Other Information

The entry requirement for 10 credits in cell biology and biochemistry can be met by successfully completing the course VM0146, VM0052 or VM0110. The entry requirement for 15 credits in physiology can be met by successfully completing the course VM0053 or VM0111.