Clinical Trials for Drug Development

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHAR 2015
Course ID icon
Course ID
204473
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the scientific and regulatory aspects of each phase of the drug development pathway, and the role they play in bringing new drugs to the market. Overview of the drug development process; drug screening; in vitro pharmacology models; preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies; pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation; allometric scaling; first-in-human clinical trials; study design; clinical trial conduct; ethical considerations in drug development; regulatory frameworks governing drug development studies.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe the pathway from molecule identification to drug approval.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the design and analysis of preclinical studies to support drug development.
  • Evaluate and interpret preclinical study data to support progression to clinical trials.
  • Describe the concepts underpinning clinical trial design and conduct.
  • Demonstrate an ability to work within the ethical, regulatory and governance requirements for the conduct of clinical trials.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

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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.