COURSE GUIDELINES
Spring Semester, 2000

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will introduce students to basic concepts and principles in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology. Pharmacokinetics describes the processes involved in the absorption of a drug from its site of administration into the    bloodstream, distribution of the drug to its site of action, biotransformation of the drug and its subsequent excretion. Processes that influence the pharmacokinetics of drugs, including formulation, physiological, pharmacological and pathological factors are discussed. The theories and basis for drug receptor actions will also be discussed. The use of mathematical equations to describe pharmacokinetic concepts and principles of drug action are introduced and applied to dosage regimen determination.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand the principles of drug absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion.

Understand principles of drug actions.

Understand, describe in words and describe using mathematical equations pharmacokinetic parameters such as bioavailability, clearance, volume of distribution and half- life.

Describe factors that contribute to variations in drug response

Understand the principles of individualization of drug therapy

Determine the appropriateness of a prescription's dose, dosage form, route of administration and frequencies of administration to achieve a particular target concentration or response.

Formulate a monitoring plan to evaluate effectiveness of therapy

TEXTBOOK

The textbook for the course is Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Concepts and Applications, Third Edition, Malcolm Rowland and Thomas Tozer, Lea and Fabiger, 1995.

Students will be held responsible for reading assignments given from the textbook corresponding with the lecture schedule.It should be clearly understood that examination questions may be drawn from assigned reading, as well as from the handout and lecture material.

HANDOUT MATERIAL

In addition to the required textbook, handout materials based on lecture topics will be prepared for the students. These will be distributed at most lectures.

LECTURE SCHEDULE

There will be two lecture hours and one recitation session of 3 hours duration each week.

HOMEWORK AND RECITATIONS

Each homework problem set and recitation is linked to a specific lecture topic. Homework problem sets will be assigned most weeks that involve application of both physiological/pharmacological principles and mathematical equations to solve problems.

Homework assignments should be completed and lecture material should be reviewed prior to recitation sessions. The format of recitation sessions includes student discussion, peer-teaching and small group problem-solving. Student participation is expected.

Please bring your Equation List (included in this packet), a ruler and a calculator to recitation.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Attendance at lectures and recitations is expected of all students. Students are responsible for ALL lecture and recitation content and announcements, as well as the material in class handouts. Some of the subject matter covered in lectures and recitations will not be in the textbook.

EXAMINATIONS

There will be three examinations (two midterms and a final) and three problem-solving quizzes during the semester. In addition, there may be unannounced quizzes scheduled at the discretion of the instructor. Students are required to take all examinations and quizzes.

Quizzes will be primarily problem-solving and will include calculation and short answer questions.

Examinations may include multiple choice questions, short answers and calculations. Examinations questions may be drawn from lectures, recitations and assigned readings. They are not cumulative, however, material presented early in the course may be the basis for more complex calculations appearing later in the semester.

Please bring your own pencils and calculators to all examinations and quizzes.

Graphing and programmable calculators are NOT allowed.

Examinations/quizzes and answer sheets will be provided and must be turned in at the conclusion of the exam. No part of any exam or quiz may be taken out of an exam room.

DO NOT bring books, book bags, papers, notes and other materials to your seats.

Examination and quiz scores will be posted on the Pharmacokinetics bulletin board on the third floor.

On an average, four examination questions will be written per 50 minute lecture. Point distribution for final grade determination will be as follows:

MISSED EXAMINATIONS AND QUIZZES

Any student who misses an examination or quiz must notify the Office of Student Affairs (996-7242) of his/her absence. An acceptable written medical or legal excuse must be presented to the course coordinator within 72 hours after returning to school. Failure to comply with this policy can result in a score of zero for the missed examination or quiz. Absences from the final examination can be excused only by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Make-up examinations and quizzes will be given within one week of the designated day. The format of make-up examinations will be at the discretion of the course coordinator. Make-ups will not be allowed for unannounced quizzes.

GRADING

For final grade calculation, the total points earned by each student will be determined and normalized to a score of 100%. The top 10% of percent grades earned will be averaged, and gradings determined as follows:

Should there be an abnormal distribution of grades, appropriate modification may be required.

After reviewing an examination or quiz, if you think your grade is inaccurate, you should make an appointment with the course coordinator so that the situation can be reviewed. Any suspected discrepancies must be handled within one week after the examination or quiz scores have been posted.

POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

It is the policy of the College of Pharmacy and of the faculty and TAs in this course that academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Check the College of Pharmacy Student Handbook and the Website for the actions which constitute Academic Dishonesty, for the possible disciplinary actions if found guilty of these actions, and for the UIC academic grievance procedures.

OFFICE HOURS

Meetings with the course coordinator, instructors and teaching assistants are by appointment and are encouraged whenever you feel that you need additional help. Staff members will inform you of their office hours.

If you have any questions or comments regarding grades or administration of the course, please direct them to the course coordinator.