Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is designed to extend the knowledge base of pharmacy students in the disciplines of pharmacokinetics which are essential to their role as drug information providers. In this unit students will be exposed to a detailed understanding of the physiochemical properties of drugs and what pharmacokinetic factors determine the behaviour of drugs following administration. This unit will develop an understanding of how the chemical properties of drugs relate to absorption, distribution metabolism and excretion. This knowledge is essential in understanding the dosing regimen for drugs and their pharmacokinetic parameters in individual patients. Additionally, generic formulations and product substitution will be explored on the basis of the TGA bioequivalence requirements for the products and provide the students to counsel patients on the suitability of generic brands of pharmaceutical formulations.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to:

1. Introduce the theory of linear and non-linear pharmacokinetics.

2. Provide an understanding of the physiological, pathological and pharmacological processes that influence the pharmacokinetics of drugs.

3. Introduce the role of pharmacokinetic factors which determines drug response.

4. Apply pharmacokinetic parameters to the calculation of dosages of drugs with complex kinetic behaviour in therapeutic drug monitoring.

5. Demonstrate the suitability of generic pharmaceutical formulations to gain bioequivalent status.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs.

2. Demonstrate the ability to calculate dosage regimen including initial and maintenance doses, based on upon the individual patient characteristics and physiological conditions.

3. Display an understanding of the pharmacokinetic behaviour of certain drugs that possess non-linear kinetics, long half-lives and narrow therapeutic indexes and be familiar with the clinical considerations involved in administering such drugs to patients.

4. Adjust dosage regimens using clinical endpoints and the results of therapeutic drug monitoring.

Content

Topics: drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion processes; pharmacokinetic parameters such as volume of distribution, clearance, half-life, elimination rate constants, AUC, bioavailability; 1-, 2- and multi-compartment models; IV bolus and infusion kinetics; plasma protein binding; zero and first-order kinetics; steady-state concept; renal and hepatic clearance and impairment; multiple-dose regimen; loading and maintenance doses; oral pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence; biliary excretion and enterohepatic recycling; dosing adjustments in neonates and elderly; therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetics of aminoglycosides, theophylline, cyclosporin, warfarin, digoxin, vancomycin and phenytoin; saturable metabolism; dialysis kinetics; pharmacodynamics.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The teaching content of this unit will be presented as lectures (2 hours/week) for 13 weeks. Tutorial sessions (3 hours/week) will provide a forum to perform problem solving exercises in clinical pharmacokinetics.

Assessment

Detail assessment information will be given in the first lecture in Week 1. The aim of the progress exam is to assess retention and comprehension of subject material and to assist students in assimilating and retaining knowledge of the subject material in an accumulative process with regular feedback on progress. The final examination will test students' overall understanding and knowledge of the range of topics covered in the course. The examination will be drawn from the lectures, tutorial sessions and guest presentations. More detailed information on each assessment item will be given in the lectures or posted on QUT Blackboard. Students are encouraged to refer to this resource on a regular basis.The feedback and results from the assessments will be posted on the Unit site on QUT Blackboard.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Two short tests based on the tutorial content. Formative and summative.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: There are two exams throughout this unit. The first is a Mid-semester progress exam based on first few weeks of lectures and tutorials, Weighting: 20% Formative and Summative. The second is the end of semester exam, Weighting: 40% Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid and End Semester

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: A written assignment based on journal articles of pharmacokinetics, Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 3.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: See Blackboard Site

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text:
M. Rowland, T. Tozer (2010) Clinical Pharmacokinetics Concepts & Application, 4th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Recommended Text:
L. Shargel, S. Pong and A. Yu (2005) Applied Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, 5th edition, Mc Graw Hill.

Risk assessment statement

You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you.

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You will be provided with the latest edition of a comprehensive safety booklet pertinent to the laboratory and specifically to this discipline, and you will be required to adhere to the safety procedures detailed in it.

More information on health and safety can be obtained from http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/healthsafe/index.jsp

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Sep-2012