Course overview
The aim of this course is to apply prior knowledge of the absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs in the design and evaluation of the dosage regimens of drugs Overview of the time-course of drugs in the body. Calculation and interpretation of pharmacokinetic parameters. Pharmacokinetic processes of absorption, distribution and clearance and their physiological determinants. Mechanisms for the genetic and environmental basis for inter-subject differences in the metabolism and transport of drugs in the body. Metabolite kinetics. Non-linear pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships. Therapeutic regimens and dosage adjustments in disease states, in the young and in the elderly. Pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Bioavailability and bioequivalence. Evaluation of the biopharmaceutical performance of dosage forms.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the role of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors as determinants of drug response and the time course of dose-response relationships
- Calculate and interpret the meaning of pharmacokinetic parameters from a physiological viewpoint
- Discuss how physiological, environmental and genetic factors can affect the mechanism of metabolism and transport of drugs in the body
- Predict the effect of physiological, pathological and pharmacological factors on the pharmacokinetics of a drug
- Design a drug dosage regimen for a patient based on relevant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information, taking into account adjustments needed in the presence of different disease states or interacting drugs
- Explain the biopharmaceutical factors which dictate the in-vivo performance of different oral and non-oral dosage forms
- Evaluate the practical use of drugs in patients by application of knowledge from pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus West
Class number 23736
Section LE01
Size 160
Available 48
Class number 23730
Section TU01
Size 30
Available 10
Class number 23731
Section TU02
Size 30
Available 0
Class number 23733
Section TU04
Size 30
Available 11
Class number 23734
Section TU05
Size 25
Available 7
Class number 23735
Section TU06
Size 25
Available 0
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.