Outline

Overview

This unit of study is intended to provide an understanding of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics, and the clinical application of these concepts to support the safe and effective use of medicines. Lecture topics will include metabolic enzymes and pathways, identification of metabolites, pharmacokinetics, drug absorption and distribution, protein binding and bioavailability. These fundamental areas of knowledge start with an understanding of the relationship between drugs interacting with target sites in the body and the effect produced (i.e. pharmacodynamic principles) and understanding the physiological and physicochemical factors that govern the effect of the body on drugs (metabolism), the movement of drugs around the body and the time course of exposure of body tissues and blood to drugs (i.e. pharmacokinetics). These principles involve developing concepts and models to explain drug activity in patients and to guide appropriate drug dosage selection. This unit will also explore reasons behind the factors affecting drug efficacy and variability in response to medicines among different individuals. The effects of disease, other drugs, demographics and the genetic basis for variable response will be introduced. Basic pharmacogenetic principles for explaining and predicting pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic variability in response will be explored.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	3 credit points of Calculus, 6 credit points of Biochemistry, 12 credit points of Chemistry.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Fanfan Zhou, fanfan.zhou@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew McLachlan, andrew.mclachlan@sydney.edu.au
	Rose Cairns, rose.cairns@sydney.edu.au
	Ingrid Gelissen, ingrid.gelissen@sydney.edu.au
	Paul Groundwater, paul.groundwater@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Tutorial quiz	Workshop assessment (canvas quiz) MCQs only, 3 workshop quizzes in total (i.e. 5% x 3)	15%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
In-semester test (Open book)	mid-term Quiz MCQs (30%) & SAQs (70%) canvas quiz (open book), formula sheet is allowed.	20%	Week 03 Due date: 09 Sep 2020 at 09:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Final exam (Record+)	Final exam MCQs and SAQs (MCQ 50% & SAQ 50% of total exam mark), formula sheet allowed	60%	Week 05 Due date: 23 Sep 2020 at 09:00	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	workshop assessment (drug profile written assignment) written assignment	5%	Week 05 Due date: 21 Sep 2020 at 09:00	<2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = Type B final exam ? = Type C in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

Workshop quiz: There will be five multiple choice questions per workshop quiz provided on Canvas. Students will be required to complete the questions within the given time frame (10min) through the online quiz module. There are three workshop quizzes in total (5% x 3).
Drug profile written assignment: Each student will be given a drug and an outline document. The student will need to search for information and answer the questions provided in the outline document and submit the document by the due date through canvas (turn-it in).
Quiz: There are multiple choice questions (30%) and short answer questions (70%) in the quiz. Students are required to complete the questions within the allocated time frame (50min). It is open book quiz through canvas. The replacement quiz will be held on 16th September at 9.00am.
Final exam: All content covered in lectures, workshops and workshop preparation is examinable. It is close book and proctored. The replacement final exam will be held in the Formal replacement exam period (11th Jan 2021 to 14th Jan 2021)
Repeating students: Exemption from coursework components (laboratory, practical etc) for students repeating PHAR5715 will only be granted for students who achieved a grade of Credit (65%) or above for the components in their previous attempt. Students who have been granted a coursework component exemption cannot attend the classes for that component and will have their overall mark for PHAR5715 based upon their performance in the final exam only. Coursework component marks from a previous attempt will not be carried over. Exemptions must be provided in writing (email), and explicitly state how the marks are reweighted. Students must accept or decline the exemption in writing (email).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

If you wish to sit your exam on-campus, a limited number of on-campus places will be available through an online booking system.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	Understanding and interpreting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information; Calculating relevant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters;	Lecture (9 hr)
Week -01	Understanding and interpreting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information; Calculating relevant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters;	Workshop (6 hr)
Week -02	Understanding and interpreting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information; Calculating relevant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters;	Lecture (9 hr)
Week -02	Understanding and interpreting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information; Calculating relevant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters;	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 03	Understanding variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics including factors effecting drug disposition, effects of disease and organ dysfunction, effects of physiological conditions, drug interactions and the genetic basis of drug action and disposition; Dealing with pharmacokinetic variability to individualise dose requirements including issues such as therapeutic drug monitoring.	Lecture (9 hr)
Week 03	Understanding variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics including factors effecting drug disposition, effects of disease and organ dysfunction, effects of physiological conditions, drug interactions and the genetic basis of drug action and disposition; Dealing with pharmacokinetic variability to individualise dose requirements including issues such as therapeutic drug monitoring.	Workshop (6 hr)
Week 04	Appreciate the genetic basis for drug action and disposition (also called pharmacogenetics) in different disease states	Lecture (9 hr)
Week 04	Appreciate the genetic basis for drug action and disposition (also called pharmacogenetics) in different disease states	Workshop (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance for workshops is compulsory (85% attendance is required),

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the theoretical and practical concepts of drug pharmacokinetics involved in drug dosage, design and adjustment
LO2. understand how drugs are absorbed, distributed and eliminated from the body (i.e. how drugs behave in the body with respect to time)
LO3. understand the concepts that control the action of drugs in terms of intensity and duration of effect
LO4. evaluate the quality of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information from different sources, including the effect of age, disease and different physiological conditions on the pharmacokinetics of drugs
LO5. appreciate the genetic basis for drug action and disposition in different disease states
LO6. appreciate the sources of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and genetic variability that contribute to variability in drug response
LO7. understand how pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and pharmacogenetic variability is characterised as well as factors affecting drug efficacy
LO8. apply an understanding of basic and applied sciences to the management and solution of pharmaceutical and clinical problems
LO9. appreciate how a rigorous understanding of drug interaction mechanisms may be used in clinical decision making
LO10. know how therapeutic drug monitoring may be used to optimise patient care in a variety of clinical settings.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - At the point of general registration as a pharmacist - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problemsolving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.20. providing evidence-based screening, assessment, prevention and referral services to detect and manage potential risk of adverse medical conditions and outcomes 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.b. using a systematic approach to access, critically evaluate and apply relevant evidence 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 3.17. providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management 3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice
	Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program - 3.1.a. applying relevant underpinning knowledge 3.1.c. applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making 3.1.d. making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms 3.2. making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence 4.11. demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk 4.5. recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact 5.4.b. identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials 5.4.c. undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate 5.5. accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice

Performance Outcomes Framework - Australian Pharmacy Council - On successful completion of an approved pharmacy degree program -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
3.1.a		applying relevant underpinning knowledge
3.1.c		applying effective critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving strategies to conceptualise problems, formulate a range of potential solutions, and support decision-making
3.1.d		making decisions which are tailored to the person’s individual circumstances, and reflect a balanced consideration of both the potential benefits and potential harms
3.17		providing appropriate tailored counselling, information and education to enable safe and effective medication, disease state and lifestyle management
3.2		making and prioritising recommendations to manage health, medical and medication needs of patients, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, based on the Quality Use of Medicines Framework and the best available evidence
4.11		demonstrating skills in the identification, assessment, monitoring, mitigation and management of risk
4.5		recognising situations likely to compromise performance and developing effective strategies to minimise their impact
5.4.b		identifying and critically appraising relevant source materials
5.4.c		undertaking relevant investigations, where appropriate
5.5		accessing, using, adapting and sharing information and/or other technologies to meet the needs of current and emerging professional practice

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes have been made to the course assessment accordingly. Online teaching is made available.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHAR5715: Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics

Semester 2a, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect