Units
Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism
Unit code: CSB461
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The effects of drugs in patients are determined in part by drug metabolizing enzymes. In addition, the ability of an enzyme to metabolize a drug is determined by genetic variability. A detailed understanding of these factors is necessary for pharmacists to understand drug selection, the biological fate of a drug following administration, the appropriate route of administration, the occurrence of adverse effects and the final effect of a drug. This unit will describe the biochemistry of drug metabolism and genetic factors (pharmacogenomics) that affect drug metabolism and variability of drug effects. The field of pharmacogenomics, is becoming increasingly important for understanding the contribution of the patient's genetic composition to drug effects.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The effects of drugs in patients are determined in part by drug metabolizing enzymes. In addition, the ability of an enzyme to metabolize a drug is determined by genetic variability. A detailed understanding of these factors is necessary for pharmacists to understand drug selection, the biological fate of a drug following administration, the appropriate route of administration, the occurrence of adverse effects and the final effect of a drug. This unit will describe the biochemistry of drug metabolism and genetic factors (pharmacogenomics) that affect drug metabolism and variability of drug effects. The field of pharmacogenomics, is becoming increasingly important for understanding the contribution of the patient's genetic composition to drug effects. A greater understanding of the genetic composition of patients and pharmacogenomics could lead to the better use of drugs.
Aims
The aims of this unit are to:
1. Provide an understanding of the biochemistry of the metabolism of a wide range of drug classes.
2. Integrate metabolic factors with pharmacokinetic properties of drugs that affect drug effects.
3. Describe the genetic basis of variable drug effects for some major classes of drugs.
4. Examine the impact of pharmacogenomics on the prescribing and counselling of drugs to individuals with specific genetic polymorphisms.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:
1. Understand major drug metabolizing enzymes
2. Understand how the chemical structure of drugs influences metabolism, and the concepts of active metabolites and prodrugs.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of basic genetic principles and how the genetic composition of a patient may affect drug metabolism and effectiveness.
4. Understand the impact of pharmacogenomics on the choice and dosing regimens of drugs and how this will affect the pharmacy profession in the future.
Content
Drug Metabolism:Phase I and II metabolism of drugs, the influence of chemical structure on metabolism pathways, P450 enzymes and their substrates, influence of age and disease on metabolism of drugs, active metabolites, prodrugs.
Genetics: Basic genetics, mRNA, DNA, transcription and translation, introns and exons, genes which express enzymes that metabolise drugs, polymorphisms, molecular methods to detect genetic traits and polymorphisms.
Pharmacogenomics: Determination of the influence of the human genome on drug metabolism and efficacy, identification of ethnic population genes that contribute to variable drug responses, genetic testing, implications for the dispensing and counselling of drugs, impact on pharmacoeconomics.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The teaching content of this unit will be presented as lectures (2 hours/week). Tutorial session (3 hours/ week) will provide a forum to review and extend lecture material.
Assessment
You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Students are encouraged to contact the lecturer to clarify or provide further explanation of lecture material. Tutorials are given by the lecturer and are used to reinforce lecture material. Tutorial times provide an excellent opportunity for students to obtain additional help if needed. The lecturer will be available to discuss student performances following assessment with an intention to assist the student with future assessments.
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
Mid-semester theory exam. This exam will cover the lecture content from weeks 1-6. The format of the exam will be long answer questions.
Relates to objectives:
1 and 2.
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 8
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
End-semester theory exam which will emphasize lecture material covered in weeks 7-13. Material used in lectures from weeks 1-6 could be included. The exam format will be long answer style questions.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight:
35%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
See Blackboard site
Assessment name:
Report
Description:
This written report assignment will focus on drug metabolism and pharmacogenomics of a group of drugs.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 11
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
There is no set text. A range of texts will be used for background information. Original journal articles will be extensively used and will be provided on Blackboard.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You should be conscious of workplace health and safety at all times. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first lecture. 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. You should not attempt to adjust or repair computer or other electrical equipment, and should report suspected faults to the lecturer or a Computer Systems Officer. Useful tips on the best ergonomic practice for the use of computers can be found at: http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/healthsafecomputer_safety.pdf Further information on health and safety at QUT can be found at: http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/healthsafe/index.jsp
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
