Develops the students understanding of the processes involved in drug absorption, distribution and elimination and the way in which these processes influence the design of dosage regimens for individual patients.


Callaghan Campus

  • Trimester 1 - 2015

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the role of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic factors as determinants of drug response.

2. Calculate pharmacokinetic parameters and understand their physiological determinants.

3. Describe the role of physiologic, pathologic and pharmacological factors on a drug's pharmacokinetics.

4. Calculate dosage regimens for young and elderly patients with disease states or interacting drugs

5. Understand the biopharmaceutical factors which influence invivo performance of dosage forms and the methods of evaluation.


  1. General principles of drug action and receptor theory
  2. Concept of primary and secondary pharmacokinetic parameters-clearance, volume of distribution and half life and their calculation
  3. Pharmacokinetic processes of drug absorption, distribution and elimination and their physiological determinants-blood flow, binding and intrinsic clearance
  4. Non-linear pharmacokinetics
  5. Dosage adjustment in patients with disease states, the young and the elderly
  6. Biopharmaceutics and Bioequivalence
  7. Generic drug products and brand substitution
  8. Population Pharmacokinetics
  9. Introduction to clinical pharmacokinetics



Assumed Knowledge

Entry level requirements for Master of Pharmacy

Assessment Items

In Term Test: Written Examination/Assignment

Formal Examination: Formal Exam

Contact Hours

Computer Lab

Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per Week for 10 Weeks





In week 1 a 3hr program introduction will be scheduled and a class examination will also be scheduled during trimester.