Presented is a review of the development of the science of pharmacology, the study of the interaction of chemical agents with living matter. The origins of the field are traced from 17th century Europe to the present, with major emphasis upon the scientists and developments made in the field in the United States. (SL)

A detailed discussion of marihuana (Cannabis sativa) providing the modes of use, history, chemistry, and physiologic properties of the drug. Cites research results relating to the pharmacologic effects of marihuana. These effects are categorized into five areas: behavioral, cardiovascular-respiratory, central nervous system, toxicity-toxicology,…

Science education reform initiatives emphasize (1) the value of concepts over facts; (2) the benefits of open-ended, inquiry-based problem-solving rather than protocols leading to a single correct answer; and (3) the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to teaching that is not confined by departmental boundaries. Neuroscientists should be at…

Describes an experiment on the qualitative analysis of several over-the-counter analgesic tablets. Background information, procedures used (including high pressure liquid chromatography), and typical student results are included. (JN)

Pharmacology is taught on a dedicated module for nurse prescribers who have a limited physical science background. To facilitate learning a problem-based approach was adopted. However, to enhance students' knowledge of drug action a PharmaCALogy software package from the British Pharmacological Society was used. Students were alternately given a…

Describes the chemical analysis and rating system used at "Consumer Reports" in rating antacids. Discusses considerations made concerning dosage and duration of 12 common brands of antacid. (CW)

Describes the use of a computer-assisted teaching system (CATS) for teaching pharmacology to health professionals. The CATS is composed of two parts: computer-assisted instruction and computer-managed instruction. These parts, program objectives (and the Keller plan to achieve them), instructional units of study, and hardware considerations are…

Provides an overview of France's research and development capabilities and accomplishments. Cites examples of technological advances and explains why France has been successful in aerospace, electronic, and chemical and pharmaceutical research. Also explores the impact of education and culture on innovation attempts. (ML)

Describes an experiment to analyze commercial analgesic preparations (pain relievers) by silica gel thin layer chromatography, followed by preparative (thick) layer chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis. Key difference from similar experiments is that students are responsible for devising suitable solvent systems for the thin layer…

Suggests that a basic scientist with a background of integrative physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, and pathology, with a special emphasis on pathophysiology, would be very well qualified to practice medicine of the future. Proposes a Ph.D. training track with this objective and lists some advantages and disadvantages of such a program. (AIM)

Reports on experimental comparisons between the leopard frog, currently captured for laboratory use, and the African clawed frog, raised specifically for research. Except for the increased longevity of isolated nerve axons in the clawed frog, no other significant differences were established. Recommends laboratory use of clawed frogs as…

Describes an interdisciplinary, college-level course on the chemical and physiological properties of selected drugs and medications. The course, which could be adapted for secondary school use, assumes no prior chemical or biological knowledge. Source materials, films used, credit/grading policies, instructional strategies, and course outline are…

One application of modeling is studying the ways in which molecules fit together to form chemical compounds. Describes the forces acting between molecules and how three-dimensional graphical modeling is employed in developing rational principles for drug design. (JN)

Discussed are applications of biochemistry. Included are designed drugs, clever drugs, carcinogenic structures, sugary wine, caged chemicals, biomaterials, marine chemistry, biopolymers, prospecting bacteria, and plant chemistry. (CW)

A computer program that replaces a set of pharmacology and physiology laboratory experiments on live animals or isolated organs is described and illustrated. Five experiments are simulated: dose-effect relationships on smooth muscle, blood pressure and catecholamines, neuromuscular signal transmission, acetylcholine and the circulation, and…