This introductory course, required in all tracks, deals with basic principles of drug action. Topics include quantitation of drug-receptor interactions, drug distribution and elimination, and molecular chemotherapeutic mechanisms. A background in biochemistry or physiology is helpful. Offered fall semester. This course, required in the onco track, covers biochemical and molecular mechanisms of drug, xenobiotic, and hormone action on cells and tissues.
Emphasis is on methodology in pharmacological research.
Topics include mechanisms of drug metabolism, enzymes as targets of drug action, interactions of drugs with channels and carriers, and drugs that interact with nuclear receptors. Offered spring semester, even-numbered years. Students may take for credit more than once. Students become familiar with laboratory methods used by staff members to study the effects of drugs on living systems. Students may take for credit more than once.