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Updated in [March 06th, 2023]

This course, Fundamentals of Pharmacology, provides an overview of the discipline of pharmacology and its integration throughout medical science. It covers basic pharmacological principles, applied pharmacology, therapeutics, and advanced pharmacological principles. The course will discuss the concept of applying basic principles to each organ system with an emphasis on melding pathophysiology with biologic targets for drug therapy. It will also cover the clinical application of applied pharmacology, including the financial implications of therapy, evidence-based medicine, and the limitations of drug therapy and future directions of therapeutics in all disease states, as well as the legal implications of prescription writing. Finally, the course will discuss advanced pharmacological principles, such as cancer therapeutics.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to apply the fundamentals of pharmacology to their practice. They should be able to identify the appropriate drug therapy for a given disease state, understand the financial implications of drug therapy, and be aware of the legal implications of prescription writing. Additionally, they should be able to identify the biologic targets of drug therapy and understand the limitations of drug therapy. Finally, they should be able to apply advanced pharmacological principles to cancer therapeutics.

[Career Paths]
1. Clinical Pharmacist: Clinical pharmacists are responsible for providing medication and health care advice to patients. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Clinical pharmacists are also responsible for monitoring drug interactions, side effects, and drug allergies. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, clinical pharmacists are becoming increasingly important in providing patient-centered care.

2. Pharmaceutical Researcher: Pharmaceutical researchers are responsible for developing new drugs and treatments. They use their knowledge of pharmacology to identify potential drug targets and develop new drugs to treat various diseases. Pharmaceutical researchers must have a strong understanding of pharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, pharmaceutical researchers will be increasingly important in developing new treatments and cures.

3. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Pharmaceutical sales representatives are responsible for promoting and selling pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. They must have a strong understanding of pharmacology and be able to effectively communicate the benefits of their products to healthcare professionals. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, pharmaceutical sales representatives will be increasingly important in providing patient-centered care.

4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Regulatory affairs specialists are responsible for ensuring that pharmaceutical products comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They must have a strong understanding of pharmacology and be able to effectively communicate the benefits of their products to regulatory agencies. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, regulatory affairs specialists will be increasingly important in ensuring that pharmaceutical products are safe and effective.

[Education Paths]
1. Pharmacy Degree: A Pharmacy degree is a professional degree that prepares students to become pharmacists. Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications, providing advice on drug use, and educating patients on the proper use of medications. Pharmacy degrees typically include courses in pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, and medical ethics. Pharmacists must also be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy. Developing trends in pharmacy include the use of technology to improve patient care, the use of pharmacogenomics to tailor drug therapy to individual patients, and the use of telemedicine to provide remote access to pharmacy services.

2. Pharmaceutical Sciences Degree: A Pharmaceutical Sciences degree is a multidisciplinary degree that prepares students to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical Sciences degrees typically include courses in pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, and medical ethics. Students may also take courses in drug development, drug delivery, and drug manufacturing. Developing trends in pharmaceutical sciences include the use of nanotechnology to improve drug delivery, the use of artificial intelligence to improve drug discovery, and the use of 3D printing to manufacture drugs.

3. Pharmacology Degree: A Pharmacology degree is a research-focused degree that prepares students to become pharmacologists. Pharmacologists are responsible for researching the effects of drugs on the body and developing new drugs. Pharmacology degrees typically include courses in pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, and medical ethics. Students may also take courses in drug metabolism, drug design, and drug safety. Developing trends in pharmacology include the use of gene therapy to treat diseases, the use of stem cells to develop new drugs, and the use of nanotechnology to improve drug delivery.

4. Clinical Pharmacy Degree: A Clinical Pharmacy degree is a professional degree that prepares students to become clinical pharmacists. Clinical pharmacists are responsible for providing patient care services, such as medication management, drug information, and patient education. Clinical Pharmacy degrees typically include courses in pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, and medical ethics. Students may also take courses in drug interactions, drug safety, and drug delivery. Developing trends in clinical pharmacy include the use of telemedicine to provide remote access to pharmacy services, the use of pharmacogenomics to tailor drug therapy to individual patients, and the use of technology to improve patient care.