The goal of PMY 503 is to provide graduate students with an in-depth understanding of pharmacological principles as well as the ability to use and apply this information. Topics to be included: pharmacokinetic principles (e.g., absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, drug dosing); receptor theory and drug-receptor interactions; non-receptor targets (e.g., enzymes, biologics RNA-based therapy); pharmacogenetics; drug safety; quantifying drug effects; and target engagement and validation. Each topic will be introduced and necessary information provided through didactic lectures; subsequent sessions will focus on the use and application of this information. These sessions will involve a discussion of research papers or research problems using the Socratic Method with the faculty acting as discussion facilitators. For the more quantitative aspects of this course (e.g., pharmacokinetics and the describing of drug effects), quantitative problem-solving will also be used.

PMY 503 is dual-listed with PMY 405, intended for undergraduates, and PMY 511, for pharmacy students. These courses share a central syllabus and include a one-hour recitation tailored to the needs of each group of students.