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Overview

This subject will introduce you to how variation in human molecular genetics may affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. Examples will focus on mutations associated with altered drug metabolism, excretion and potential for toxicity. Immune responses from a cellular and molecular perspective will be introduced incorporating innate immunity, inflammation, … For more content click the Read more button below.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

School

La Trobe Rural Health School

Subject coordinator

Cristina Keightley

Subject type

Undergraduate

Year level

Year Level 2 - UG

AQF level

Level 6 - Advanced Diploma

Available as elective

No

Available to study abroad / exchange students

Yes

Capstone subject

No

Academic progress review - Schedule A subject

No

Subject instances

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Learning resources

Recommended - Book - Basic Immunology: Functions and disorders of the immune system

Recommended - Book - Principles of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics

Career ready

Work based learning (placement):No

Graduate capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing
COMMUNICATION - Digital Capability
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Subject intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Use an understanding of the variability within and between populations to interpret effects on drug metabolism.
2.
Evaluate how the variability in pharmacogenetics can cause toxic levels of drugs to circulate.
3.
Assess different causes of pharmaceutical toxicity including physiological change during human development, as a result of drug overdose or in a range of diseases
4.
Explain the process of inflammation and the steps involved in initiation of the immune response to analyse drug interactions with the immune system.
5.
Discuss how immunogenetics gives rise to clonal variation to fight infection and how immunopharmacotherapies can be used to target disease.