31162 - Pharmacology in Sport

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the mechanism of action, the pharmacokinetics and the risk-benefit profile of drugs used in sports. Moreover, he/she knows the list of drugs and substances currently banned in sport, the toxic effects and the health risk of various drugs used as doping, and the World Anti-Doping Code.

Course contents

Drugs in sport. Pharmaceutical prescribing in sports medicine: antifungal agents; local anesthetics; intra-articular viscoelastic agents.

Pharmacological treatment of exercise-sensitive diseases: hypoglycemic drugs; lipid-lowering drugs; antihypertensive drugs.

Weight loss medications

Psychostimulant drugs

Sedative-hypnotics and anxiolytics.

Muscle relaxants

Diuretics and masking agents

Narcotics

Cannabis and cannabinoids

Readings/Bibliography

Introduction to Basics of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Book Subtitle Volume 4: Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Avinash Arivazhahan, Neel Shah, Selvarajan Sandhiya, Gerard Marshall Raj - Springer Nature, 2025.

Teaching methods

Lectures with multimedia support.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist in a written test aimed at assessing the student's understanding and knowledge of the topics set out during the course.

The written test consists of:

-30 multiple choice questions. Each right answer will be awarded with 1 point, while wrong answers will be given -0,25 points.

Students have up to 40 minutes to complete the written test.

Examples and details will be shown during the lessons.

During the exam, the use of textbooks, notes, computer aids, calculators is not permitted.

The student will get a mark for each course unit (Biochemistry of Exercise and Sport 3 CFU - Pharmacology in Sport 6 CFU). The marks obtained for each exam, in proportion to the number of credits, contribute to the final grade of thirty.

To check exam dates, students can access AlmaEsami.

The exam registration list closes one week before the exam date.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used as a supportive tool for individual study, for example to facilitate further exploration of course topics, prepare summaries, or develop self-assessment activities. However, the use of AI during in-person examinations is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized use of AI during an examination constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University Office for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). The Office will assess their needs and propose appropriate accommodations. Requests for examination accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the examination date. The lecturer will evaluate the requested accommodations, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Slides are usually used to enhance clarity during courses. The materials used will be uploaded to to the website https://virtuale.unibo.it

Username and password are reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna.

Office hours

See the website of Carmela Fimognari