Course
Study programs
Medical Studies in EnglishYear of study
3ISVU ID
200554ECTS
10
Pharmacology is a compulsory course in the third year of the Integrated Undergraduate and Graduate University Study of Medicine in English. It consists of 30 hours of lectures, 85 hours of seminars, and 15 hours of practicals - 130 hours (10 ECTS).
Course objective
The main aim of the Pharmacology course is to provide the acquisition of necessary knowledge in the area of basic and special pharmacology, as well as in the area of pharmacotoxicology and rational pharmacotherapy.
The objective of the course is for the students to acquire knowledge on the mechanisms of drug actions, their therapeutic and adverse effects, routes of drug administration as well as the indications and contraindications for the use of the most important groups of drugs. The students should also at the end of the course understand the pharmacological characteristics of "prototype" drugs for each pharmacotherapeutic class. Additionally, each student must obtain the skill of prescribing different drug formulations and the ability to use relevant sources of pharmacology literature as a critical approach concerning the quality of each drug.
Course content:
Basic pharmacology: basic pharmacological terms, pharmacology disciplines, drug nomenclature, mechanisms of drug action, pharmacokinetics, factors affecting drug effects
Special pharmacology: pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects of the most important pharmacological drug groups and particular drugs
Toxicology: drug toxicology
General principles of clinical pharmacology: drug discovery and development, preclinical and clinical trials
Pharmacography: legal regulations and rules of prescribing different drug formulations
Course learning outcomes
I. Cognitive domain – knowledge
After having passed the Pharmacology course, students should be able to:
- describe and explain the general principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics,
- list and describe different factors that modify drug effects,
- define and explain the types and mechanisms of drug interactions,
- classify drugs into different groups/subgroups,
- define, describe, and explain the routes of administration, the mechanisms of action at the molecular and cellular level, pharmacological effects on different organ systems, the main therapeutic indications and contraindications, the most important adverse effects and toxicity of particular drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups they belong to,
- analyze pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications between the drugs that belong to different subgroups within the same drug groups and then compare them,
- describe the symptoms and therapy of clinically the most important drug poisonings,
- list clinically important drug interactions, and
- describe and explain the process of new drug discovery and development.
II. Psychomotor domain - skills
After passing the pharmacology course, students should acquire the skills of prescribing different drug formulations.
1. Katzung BG, Edit., Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education, New York, USA, 2018.
2. Bradamante V, Klarica M, Šalković-Petrišić M, Edits. Pharmacology Manual, 1st Edition in English, Medicinska naklada, Zagreb, 2010.
1. Ritter J., Flower R, Henderson G, Rang H. Rang & Dale's Pharmacology, 8th Edition, Elsevier, Churchill Livingstone, London, UK, 2015.
Students are obligated to regularly attend and actively participate in classes. Students are allowed to be absent at a maximum of 30 % of the course. It is compulsory to follow and act in accordance with notifications and rules regarding attendance, absence, partial exams, corrections of partial exams, final exam, etc., which will be presented at the first lecture. Additional information and rules will be announced regularly and on time on the Merlin e-learning platform.
During Pharmacology course, a student can achieve a maximum of 50 % (50 points) of their final grade, while the remaining 50 % (50 points) of the grade is obtained at the final exam. Points distribution is as follows
| Partial exam I | 20 points |
| Partial exam II | 15 points |
| Partial exam III | 15 points |
| Total (classes) | 50 points |
| Pre-exam colloquium in pharmacography and final exam | 50 points |
| Total (course) | 100 points |
A. Partial exams
Partial exam I includes the topics covered at L1-L10 and S1-S3. It consists of a written test (Test I). Test I will be held on December 15, 2025.
Partial exam II includes the topics covered at S4-S10 and SP1. It consists of a written test (Test II). Test II will be held on March 16, 2026.
Partial exam III includes the topics covered at S11-S17 and the theoretical part of practicals P1 and P2. Test III will be held on May 26, 2026.
The exact time and the venues for the tests will be announced beforehand.
Tests are evaluated according to the scheme:
Test I | Test II | Test III | |||||
Number of correct answers | Number of points | Number of correct answers | Number of points | Number of correct answers | Number of points | ||
49-50 | 20 |
| 49-50 | 15 |
| 49-50 | 15 |
47-48 | 19 |
| 43-48 | 14 |
| 43-48 | 14 |
43-46 | 18 |
| 37-42 | 13 |
| 37-42 | 13 |
39-42 | 17 |
| 33-36 | 12 |
| 33-36 | 12 |
35-38 | 16 |
| 30-32 | 11 |
| 30-32 | 11 |
33-34 | 15 |
| 28-29 | 10 |
| 28-29 | 10 |
31-32 | 14 |
| 26-27 | 9 |
| 27 | 9 |
29-30 | 13 |
| 25 | 8 |
| 26 | 8 |
27-28 | 12 |
| 0-24 | 0 |
| 25 | 7 |
26 | 11 |
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| 0-24 | 0 |
25 | 10 |
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0-24 | 0 |
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Corrections of the partial exams
Students can access the corrections for the partial exams if they do not pass them or are not satisfied with the points they obtained. If a student retakes a partial exam because they are unsatisfied with the obtained grade points, only the grade points obtained at the retaken partial exam(s) will be considered valid. Students will have the opportunity to correct partial exams only once.
Correction of the tests I, II, and III will be organized on June 23-25, 2026. Exact times and venues will be announced on time.
Students are obligated to apply for the correction(s) of the partial exams. The applications will be received until June 18, 2026, by 12 noon. Suppose students apply for the correction(s) of the partial exams and subsequently decide that they will not be able to access it. In that case, they must personally cancel it at the latest until one workday before the term of the partial exams, until 12 noon. If a student does not personally cancel the application for the correction/s of the midterm exams, their final score will be 0 points.
Exceptionally, corrections of the midterm exams will also be organized for the students who are absent from the partial exams due to a justified reason. In that case, they must submit a written explanation and appropriate documentation. The materials have to be addressed to Prof Kristina Pilipović and submitted to the Office of the Department, by June 18, 2026, at 12 noon.
B. Pre-exam Colloquium in Pharmacography
The pre-exam colloquium in Pharmacography includes material covered during P1-2 and consists of a written part. On the written test, the task will be to correctly prescribe five prescriptions. For each correctly prescribed recipe, the student will receive 1 point (maximum 5 points).
Pre-exam colloquia in Pharmacography will be held on: June 12, 2026, June 26, 2026, July 10, 2026, September 1, 2026, and September 15, 2026. The exact times and the venues of these colloquia will be announced on time.
C. Final exam
Only students who have achieved at least 25 points during the course and have passed the Pharmacography colloquium can take the final exam in Pharmacology. Students with less than 25 credits earned during the course must enroll in the Pharmacology course again in the next academic year.
The final exam consists of an oral exam. The maximum number of points that can be obtained at the oral exam is 45 (range 23-45). For the grade 2 (sufficient), the student obtains 23 points; for the grade 3 (good), the student obtains 30 points; for the grade 4 (very good), the student obtains 38; for the grade 5 (excellent), the student obtains 45 points.
The final grade is formed based on the results obtained during the course and the grade obtained on the final exam, according to the following scheme:
Percent/credits for the acquired knowledge, skills and competences (course + final exam) | Numerical grading system | ECTS system |
| 90 - 100% | 5 (excellent) | A |
| 75 - 89,9% | 4 (very good) | B |
| 60 – 74,9% | 3 (good) | C |
| 50 - 59,9% | 2 (sufficient) | D |
| 0 - 49,9% | 1 (unsufficient) | F |
Academic honesty
It is expected that all students and teachers follow the code of academic honesty by the Code of Ethics for the students of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Rijeka. Please read the policy regarding academic honesty at: http://medical-studies-in-english.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/CODEOF-ETHICS.pdf
Contact information
For all questions and concerns, students are encouraged to contact us by e-mail or personally.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the fundamental disciplines of pharmacology and their mutual relationship.
- Analyze the phases of new drug discovery and development, including regulatory requirements.
- Interpret basic regulatory frameworks for medicines.
- Interpret the drug nomenclature system and its clinical significance.
Learning outcomes
- Compare routes of drug administration with regard to pharmacokinetic and clinical implications.
- Explain the mechanisms of drug passage through cell membranes.
- Analyze drug distribution in the body and its impact on drug effect.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the phases and reactions of drug biotransformation.
- Analyze the impact of genetic variations on drug response (pharmacogenomics).
- Compare drug elimination pathways and their clinical significance.
Learning outcomes
- Analyze the impact of chemical structure, dose, and administration regimen on drug action.
- Assess the clinical significance of drug interactions.
- Interpret the influence of individual factors (age, sex, body weight) on therapeutic response.
- Differentiate between types of drug hypersensitivity and their mechanisms.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the mechanism of action of adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
- Analyze their pharmacological effects, indications, and side effects.
- Compare drug subgroups according to their pharmacokinetics and safety profile.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the pharmacotherapy of migraine, ADHD, narcolepsy, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), and multiple sclerosis.
- Analyze differences between therapeutic approaches and drugs used in the treatment of these neurological disorders.
- Assess the choice of pharmacotherapy based on disease characteristics, patient factors, and therapeutic goals.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the mechanisms of action of NSAIDs, DMARDs, and analgesics.
- Analyze their clinical use, safety, and limitations.
- Compare different subgroups within the same therapeutic group.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the mechanisms of action of opioid analgesics and antagonists.
- Analyze their efficacy, safety, and risk of addiction.
- Compare individual opioids according to their pharmacological properties.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the mechanisms of action of anxiolytics, hypnotics, and antiepileptics.
- Analyze indications, side effects, and interactions.
- Compare therapeutic options within groups.
Learning outcomes
- Analyze the pharmacological properties of addictive substances.
- Assess the mechanisms of addiction development and toxicity.
- Explain therapeutic approaches to treating addiction.
Learning outcomes
- Explain fundamental pharmacodynamic concepts.
- Analyze the principles of drug-receptor binding and their impact on the effect.
- Interpret the relationship between drug concentration (dose) and pharmacological response.
- Explain basic pharmacokinetic concepts.
- Analyze pharmacokinetic models and drug elimination kinetics.
- Assess the effect of pH on drug passage and distribution in the body.
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate between dosage forms and their characteristics.
- Assess the suitability of a dosage form for a specific route of administration.
- Apply the rules of rational drug prescribing.
- Write prescriptions for magistral and galenic preparations.
Learning outcomes
- Apply the principles of rational pharmacotherapy in drug prescribing.
- Use the Register of Drugs in selecting therapy.
- Write prescriptions for finished pharmaceutical products.
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
- Describe and explain the methods of administration of drugs from the above groups, their mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, main indications, contraindications, side effects, and toxicity of individual drugs that are illustrative examples of pharmacotherapeutic groups and subgroups
- Analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications among drugs from different subgroups within the same drug group, and compare them with each other
Learning outcomes
To describe and explain the routes of administration, the mechanisms of action, pharmacological effects, the main indications and contraindications, adverse effects, and toxicity of particular drugs that are illustrative examples of the mentioned pharmacotherapeutic groups they belong to. To analyze the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic profile, adverse effects, indications, and contraindications between the drugs that belong to different subclasses within the same drug groups and then compare them.
| Academic year | |
|---|---|
| 2026/2027 | Preuzimanje |