HGEN 0525 - Introduction to Pharmacogenomics

Description
This course explores the fundamental principles of how genetic variations influence individual responses to medications and other xenobiotics. The curriculum covers essential concepts in pharmacology, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students learn about key drug metabolizing enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 system, transport proteins, and drug targets. The course examines genetic variations that affect drug response, including SNPs, indels, and copy number variations, along with their clinical implications for drug therapy. Students gain practical experience interpreting pharmacogenomic test reports and understanding metabolizer phenotypes (poor, intermediate, extensive, and ultra-rapid). Additional topics include drug-drug interactions, adverse reactions, limitations of current testing, and emerging areas like epigenetics and the microbiome’s role in drug response. Upon completion, students will be equipped to understand pharmacogenomic principles and their application in personalized medicine.

Course Delivery Model(s): Online

Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 0
Total Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Repeatable (# of times): 0

Grade Type: Letter