Fall 2026 - HSCI 323 D100
Principles of Pharmacology and Toxicology (3)
Class Number: 2328
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Frank Lee
f_lee@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8649
Office Hours: by appointment only
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Prerequisites:
MBB 231, CHEM 282, both with a minimum grade of C-.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Biological, molecular and biochemical actions of drugs and toxicants. Genetic and environmental risk determinants. Understanding the broad spectrum of toxicological problems encountered in clinical practice, drug development and regulation, and medical research.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course will provide students with an introduction to pharmacological and toxicological principles, and in particular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In addition, students will be provided with an overview of mechanisms of drug/toxicant action on various systems, and receptors, including signal transduction pathways. Finally, students will be introduced to the topics of pharmaco-/toxico-genetics and genomics. This course is designed to prepare undergraduates who have an interest in medicine and human health services to pursue careers in these disciplines. In addition, this course will serve as the cornerstone of the Environmental and Occupational Health Bachelor of Science stream and support the Life Course in Human Health stream in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course are to provide students with a firm and demonstrable understanding of the basic principles of pharmacology and toxicology. By the end of the course students will be able to:
1. Explain relevant principles of drug action such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, bio-activation, and the laws of mass action as they relate to the physiology of drug and toxicant action.
2. The students should begin to be able to apply or relate this knowledge to practical pharmacological/toxicological problems commonly associated with human populations and those confronted in a basic laboratory situation. This should be evident by the student’s ability to extend theory to practice and/or provide relevant examples from the literature.
3. Students should be able to identify what parameters, with regard to dose/exposure, peak plasma concentration, etc., are physiologically relevant.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
This course will provide students with an introduction to pharmacological and toxicological principles, and in particular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In addition, students will be provided with an overview of mechanisms of drug/toxicant action on various systems, and receptors, including signal transduction pathways. Finally, students will be introduced to the topics of pharmaco-/toxico-genetics and genomics. This course is designed to prepare undergraduates who have an interest in medicine and human health services to pursue careers in these disciplines. In addition, this course will serve as the cornerstone of the Environmental and Occupational Health Bachelor of Science stream and support the Life Course in Human Health stream in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Grading
- Mid-term 1 30%
- Mid-term 2 30%
- Final Exam 3 30%
- Quizzes 10%
NOTES:
This course is offered in lecture format. Notes from class presentations will be provided as PowerPoint presentations.
This Instructor may make changes to the syllabus and/or grading if necessary within University/ Faculty regulations.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Rang & Dale's Pharmacology (10th ed.) by James M. Ritter; Emma Robinson; James Fullerton; Rod J. Flower; Graeme Henderson; Yoon Kong Loke. Elsevier.
ISBN: 9780323873956; eText ISBN:9780443108648
ISBN: 9780323873956
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.