Course coordinator
Dr Christine Staatz
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Dutton Park
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Dutton Park
- Coordinating unit
- Pharmacy School
Optimal drug dosage regimen design & mechanisms of toxicology. Disposition of drugs & factors affecting pharmacokinetic & pharmacodynamic variability.
The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to enable a student to devise individualised dosing regimens. This includes an understanding of the absorption, disposition (distribution, biotransformation and excretion) of drugs and factors affecting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students should haveﾠa working understanding of pharmacokinetics and be able to perform appropriate pharmaceutical calculations.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PHRM3050
Restrictions
Only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Christine Staatz
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
For scheduled times and venues, refer to mySI-net timetable
The topic of each learning activity can be found on BlackBoard.
Aims and outcomes
Biological Fate of Drugs B aims to develop students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in the field of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply knowledge of the concept of clearance and use this knowledge to design appropriate steady-state dosing regimens.
LO2.
Identify the components of clearance (hepatic and renal) and their relationships to perfusion, extraction ratio and organ function; and apply this information to predict how changes in these factors might influence a patient's drug dosing requirements and treatment outcomes.
LO3.
Apply knowledge of the concepts related to apparent volume of distribution of a drug and use this knowledge in the selection of an appropriate starting dose.
LO4.
Apply the principles of non-compartmental and compartmental analysis and be able to appraise these methodologies.
LO5.
Apply knowledge of the concept of drug absorption and bioavailability and use this knowledge to assess how this might impact on a patient's drug dosing requirements and treatment outcomes.
LO6.
Apply knowledge of the concept of non-linear pharmacokinetics and use this knowledge to access how this might impact on a patient's drug dosing requirements and treatment outcomes.
LO7.
Apply knowledge of the major mechanisms through which drugs are eliminated from the body and appreciate how variation in these processes may affect a patient's drug dosing requirements and treatment outcomes.
LO8.
Explain the concept of therapeutic drug monitoring and target concentration intervention and how this might be applied to make dosing recommendations.
LO9.
Apply the concept of variability in pharmacokinetic parameters within a population due to physiological variables, pathological changes and genetic differences and critique their potential impact on drug dosing requirements and treatment outcomes.
LO10.
Explain and predict variation in patient dosage requirements and drug concentrations in terms of patient physiology, pathological changes, and genetic differences.
LO11.
Apply knowledge of the relationship between drug concentration and effect (pharmacodynamics) and make predictions based on this relationship.
LO12.
Apply knowledge of how to optimise a dosing regimen and design one, as well as evaluate alternative designs.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4
|
40% 10% per Quiz |
Quiz 1 12/08/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 2 26/08/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 3 9/09/2024 5:00 pm Quiz 4 21/10/2024 5:00 pm
Each quiz has a separate due date. Complete and submit the quiz in the 7 days prior to this deadline. |
| Project |
Designing a drug dosage regimen
|
20% |
4/09/2024 5:00 pm
Complete and submit the assignment prior to this deadline. |
| Examination |
Digital, on-campus, invigilated exam in Inspera
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 40% 10% per Quiz
- Due date
Quiz 1 12/08/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 2 26/08/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 3 9/09/2024 5:00 pm
Quiz 4 21/10/2024 5:00 pm
Each quiz has a separate due date. Complete and submit the quiz in the 7 days prior to this deadline.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
This assessment is comprised of four separate quizzes. Each quiz contains a random selection of 10 to 15 questions from pools of questions. Each quiz may assess all material covered (including UQ Extend content, workshops, and tutorials) up until the time of the start of the quiz however questions will focus on material covered in recent weeks. Each quiz may consist of (but is not limited to) multiple choice, problem solving or numeric calculation questions to test understanding and knowledge gained and the application of that knowledge. Quiz questions may involve assessment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic literature or case studies. Students should work independently, access the questions via Blackboard, and submit their answers via Blackboard. Students will only get one attempt at each quiz. Each quiz has a separate opening and closing date.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Quiz distribution and submission will be administered through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Designing a drug dosage regimen
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/09/2024 5:00 pm
Complete and submit the assignment prior to this deadline.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L12
Task description
This assignment will assess student ability to complete pharmacokinetic calculations and design a drug dosing regimen. Students will complete an assignment that involves the analysis of intravenous and oral pharmacokinetic data to provide appropriate dosing recommendations for a patient. Different students will be given different datasets to analyse. The assignment will comprise a series of questions.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignment distribution and submission will be administered through BlackBoard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Digital, on-campus, invigilated exam in Inspera
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12
Task description
This exam will be run centrally in the University examination period. This exam will assess content from UQ Extend, Workshops, Tutorials and the course assignment. This exam may contain a mixture of question types potentially including multiple choice questions (MCQ), multiple response questions, matching/pairing, calculations, hotspot, drag and drop, graphic matching, and short answer questions (SAQs). This exam may assess knowledge (content) and application of knowledge in numerical questions, cases and/or scenarios and using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic literature. This exam will involve the use of the Inspera platform. The assessment will involve an invigilated digital exam and students in this course will complete this using their own device. Details about Inspera Assessment including an introduction to Inspera functionality and where to go for support are available Assessments in Inspera - Library - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au). This assessment task is to be completed in-person.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Calculator | Casio FX82 series or UQ approved (labelled) calculator only | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
Access to Zoom via your UQ student account will be required for certain synchronous online classes each week (workshops).
ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Workshop |
Week 1 Drug Clearance: Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Week 2 Volume of distribution and non-compartmental analysis. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Week 3 Drug Absorption and Bioavailability. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L05 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Week 4 Bioequivalence and Half-life. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Week 5 Compartmental Analysis and Non-linear Pharmacokinetics. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L04, L06 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 6 Metabolism and Biliary Elimination. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. Learning outcomes: L07 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 7 Protein Binding and Renal Elimination. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. Learning outcomes: L07, L08 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
General contact hours |
Week 8 Pharmacokinetic Variability and Genetics. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L09 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Week 10 Pharmacokinetic Variability continued. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L09, L10 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Week 12 Pharmacodynamics. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L11 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Week 13 Designing Dosage Regimens and Pharmacokinetic Dosage Individualisation. Complete the active online learning via UQ Extend before attending the weekly workshop to discuss content and ask questions. The tutorial at PACE is an opportunity to develop and practice your skills. Learning outcomes: L08, L12 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.