Pharmacogenomics

The course focuses on an understanding of the emerging field of pharmacogenomics which bridges pharmacology with genomic sciences. The course covers three broad areas: 1. Principles of pharmacogenomics detailing the identification of different polymorphisms in the human genome and characterization of pharmacogenomic biomarkers; 2. Pharmacogenomics applied to disease states including: cardiovascular, pain, cancer, and psychiatry; and 3. Ethical questions in pharmacogenomics, innovation in pharmacogenomics and an active learning project. For the active learning project, each student works in a group throughout the semester. Groups perform secondary research on a specialized pharmacogenomic project and prepare a presentation relevant to the chosen topic. Topics are provided at the beginning of the semester. Groups work at their own pace. Groups meet with the Course Coordinator for guidance and review of progress. The culmination of the Active Learning project is a formal presentation to the class. Students are expected to learn about how a person's genetic makeup may affect how their body metabolizes certain medications.