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)	Fanfan Zhou, fanfan.zhou@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final exam MCQs and SAQs	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Workshop assessment (canvas quiz) MCQs only, open book, 3 workshop quizzes in total (i.e. 5% x 3)	15%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
In-semester test (Record+)	mid-term Quiz MCQs & SAQs canvas quiz	20%	Week 04 Due date: 01 Sep 2021 at 10:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	workshop assessment (drug profile written assignment) written assignment to be submitted to Canvas (turn-it-in assignment)	5%	Week 06 Due date: 17 Sep 2021 at 09:00	Maximum 3 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = Type B final exam ? = Type B 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).
Mid-term Quiz: The content covered in week 1-2 will be assessed in the mid-term quiz. There are multiple choice questions and short answer questions in the quiz. Students are required to complete the questions within the allocated time frame. It is a close-book quiz and proctored through canvas. Students will be permitted a hard copy formula sheet.The in-semester replacement mid-term quiz will be run 7 business days after main mid-term quiz.
Final exam: All content covered in lectures, workshops and workshop preparation is examinable. It is close book and proctored. Students will be permitted a hard copy formula sheet. The main and the replacement exams will be held in the formal exam periods. Main exams 22 Nov – 4 Dec, Replacement exams 17 Dec – 21 Dec

All compulsory components must be passed (ie 50%) to satisfy the requirements of the unit of study. A fail in compulsory assessment will result in an overall fail for this unit of study.
Repeating students: Exemption from components (tutorials, workshops etc) for students repeating PHAR5715 will not be granted.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
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
Multiple weeks	Independent Study	Independent study (40 hr)
Week 01	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;	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 and interpreting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information; Calculating relevant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters;	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	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 05	Appreciate the genetic basis for drug action and disposition (also called pharmacogenetics) in different disease states	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	Practice of the knolwedge learnt in the UoS with online quizzes followed with feedback session	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 13	Practice of the knolwedge learnt in the UoS with online quizzes followed with feedback session	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: In accordance with the Master of Pharmacy Course resolutions on Attendance Requirements, students must attend a minimum of 85% tutorials/ labs/ workshops (8 of 9 workshops) to satisfy attendance requirements for this unit of study. For more information see:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health_PG/coursework_mr/pharmacy.shtml

If a tutorial/ lab/workshop is missed due to illness or misadventure, students are to submit a special consideration application along with supporting documentation.

Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the commencement of the tutorial/ lab/ workshop will be marked as absent. Students swapping a class without prior approval from the UoS co-ordinator will be marked as absent.

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.

The final exam has been moved to the normal exam period to allow more time for studying the subject. The mid-term quiz has been moved to week 4 to allow extended time for students to prepare for that. Addtional workshops with practice and feedback have been schedued.

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, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

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