This course provides a general overview of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics including the following topics. The dose-response relationship as a function of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Qualitative discussion of factors involved in determining pharmacokinetic properties: routes of administration, formulation, absorption, distribution, elimination (metabolism and excretion). Qualitative investigation of pharmacokinetics variables (bioavailability, volume of distribution, clearance, half-lives, etc.). The use of pharmocokinetic variables in dosage optimization. Qualitative discussion of pharmacodynamic mechanisms: specific and non-specific mechanisms. Receptors and signal transduction. Agonists, partial agonists and antagonists. Quantitative investigation of drug-receptor interactions. The influence of non-drug factors (disease states, age, genetics, etc.) on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, and hence on the dose-response relationship. A major feature of this course is the emphasis placed on instruction in using on-line library resources. These skills are used in all subsequent courses.

Note: The course is compulsory for programmes 7370, 5504, and 9060.