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Pharmacology
PHARM103 | 3 Credits
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and all the therapeutic and adverse effects they can have on the body. In addition to the basic operation of several major body systems, you’ll learn more about the endocrine and immune systems, along with what drugs are used to treat different health conditions.
Professor: Dr. L
About Pharmacology
What You’ll Learn
This online Pharmacology course introduces students to the fundamental principles of drug action and their clinical applications across a wide range of human physiological systems. Emphasizing core concepts such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic indications, and side effect profiles, the course bridges basic science with practical clinical relevance. Learning is supported through
instructional videos, interactive modules, and case-based activities that encourage critical thinking and application. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in pharmacological reasoning, preparing them for advanced study or careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
- Explain how pharmacokinetic principles influence drug selection and dosing, in general, pediatric, and geriatric populations.
- Apply mathematical and critical reasoning skills to calculate accurate medication dosages, titrations, and infusion rates.
- Compare the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effect profiles of drugs which impact the major organ systems.
- Evaluate how physiological and pathophysiologic changes in major organ systems affect drug metabolism, efficacy, safety, and monitoring requirements.
- Differentiate drug classes within major therapeutic categories (e.g., antihypertensives, diuretics, anticoagulants, bronchodilators), and justify their use based on disease mechanisms and patient-specific factors.
- Interpret how genetics, comorbidities, and concurrent medications contribute to individual variation in drug response and adverse effects.
- Integrate knowledge of physiology, drug action, side effects, and patient characteristics to propose evidence-based pharmacologic interventions for common clinical conditions.
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Learn about the drugs that are used to treat various health conditions with respect to their mechanism of action, therapeutic effects, and adverse effects. Topics include muscle relaxants, anesthetics, pain medication, and psychoactive medications.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0101
Flexible Schedule
30-day Average Course Completion
Healthcare Courses Have Transferred 43,400 Times
$1,500,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Text
The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Hitner, Henry, et al. Pharmacology: An Introduction. 8th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2022.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Introduction to Pharmacokinetics
- Introduction
- Pharmacokinetics and Factors of Individual Variation
- Geriatric Pharmacology
Checkpoint 2: Math Review and Dosage Calculations
- Math Review and Dosage Calculations
Checkpoint 3: Pharmacology of the Peripheral Nervous System I
- Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System
- Drugs Affecting the Sympathetic Nervous System
- Drugs Affecting the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Checkpoint 4: Pharmacology of the Peripheral Nervous System II
- Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Ganglia
- Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
- Local Anesthetics
Checkpoint 5: Renal Systems and Vascular Pharmacology
- Diuretics
- Antihypertensive Drugs
Checkpoint 6: Vascular Nutrition, and Hematologic Pharmacology
- Anticoagulants and Coagulants
- Nutrition and Therapy
- Hypolipidemic Drugs
- Hematinics
Checkpoint 7: Pharmacology of the Heart
- Review of Cardiac Physiology and Pathology
- Treatment of Heart Failure
- Antiarrhythmic Drugs
- Antianginal Drugs
Checkpoint 8: Respiratory System Pharmacology
- Antihistamines and Mast Cell Stabilizers
- Respiratory Pharmacology, Treatment of Asthma and COPD
Checkpoint 9: Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
- Therapy of GI Disorders: Peptic Ulcers, GERD, and Vomiting
- Agents that Affect Intestinal Motility
Checkpoint 10: Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System I
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
- Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs and Alcohol
- Antipsychotic and Antianxiety Drugs
- Antidepressants, Psychomotor Stimulants, and Lithium
- Psychotomimetic Drugs of Abuse
Checkpoint 11: Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System II
- Antiepileptic Drugs
- Antiparkinson Drugs and Alzheimer's Disease Drugs
- General Anesthetics
Checkpoint 12: Pharmacology of Pain Management
- Opioid Analgesics
- Nonopioid Analgesics, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories, and Antigout Drugs
Checkpoint 13: Pharmacology of the Endocrine System I
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- Adrenal Steroids
- Gonadal Hormones, Oral Contraceptives, and Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
Checkpoint 14: Pharmacology of the Endocrine System II
- Drugs Affecting the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands and Bone Degeneration
- Pancreatic Hormones and Antidiabetic Drugs
- Posterior Pituitary Hormones: Antidiuretic Hormone and Oxytocin
Checkpoint 15: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases I
- Antibacterial Agents
- Antifungal and Antiviral Drugs
Checkpoint 16: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases II
- Parasitic Infections: Antiprotozoal and Anthelmintic Drugs
- Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Checkpoint 17: Antineoplastics and Drugs Affecting the Immune System
- Antineoplastic Agents and Oncology Immunotherapy
- Immunopharmacology
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 17 Checkpoints
- 4 Benchmarks
This course has an open-book Cumulative Benchmark. Scientific and/or graphing calculators are allowed throughout the course.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- Any required course materials
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Course Professor
Dr. L
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Pharmacology & Your Healthcare Career
Pharmacology is the science that unlocks how medications work in the body. The information you learn will be super valuable whether you’re preparing to become a nurse, medical assistant, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional, this course provides the knowledge and confidence to excel in your field.
Why it matters:
- Healthcare continues to grow fast and is expected to add 1.8 million new jobs from 2022 to 2032.
- An understanding of pharmacology is key to safe and effective medication use.
In-demand careers in this field include:
Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Radiologic Technologist, Surgical Technologist, and Paramedic/EMT
How this course sets you up for success:
From understanding drug actions to supporting patient safety, pharmacology is an important part of any healthcare journey. Start building your future today.
3 Credits
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