pharmacology_handbook

' ' '.THE UNIVERSITY
OF AUCKLAND

FACULTY OF MEDICAL
AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Pharmacology and
Clinical Pharmacology o a aa

Handbook ZUU)?

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

About the Department 3

Staff 4

Areas of Research Interest 7

Courses and Programmes 10

Science 10

Medicine 13

Description of Course Content 14

Lecture and Laboratory Timetable 18

Possible Careers 19

The Academic Year Inside back cover

Disclaimer

Although every reasonable effort is made to
ensure accuracy, the information in this
document is provided as a general guide only
for students and is subject to alteration.

All students enrolling at The University of
Auckland must consult its official document,
the 2009 Calendar of The University of
Auckland, to ensure that they are aware of
and comply with all regulations, requirements
and policies.

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Pharmacology and Clinical
Pharmacology

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 1

Introduction

What is Pharmacology and Toxicology?

Pharmacology involves the study and description of the actions of drugs and chemicals on cells, tissues
and the whole body. It includes finding out how drugs produce beneficial and adverse effects, and
improving the way drugs are tested to give greater benefit in the treatment of disease. The cellular and
chemical abnormalities of disease states are studied in the expectation that molecules may be designed
specifically to correct the abnormality. The study of pharmacology requires understanding normal body
functions (biochemistry and physiology) and the disturbances that occur.

Pharmacology is the basis of much of the research and development of new drugs. The future of
pharmacology is assured, as there remain many diseases for which neither cure nor palliation have been
devised - for example, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, many forms of cancer. Even when a cure or treatment
is available, few medicines are perfect and the search for better drugs continues. In addition, other
scientists such as physiologists, biochemists and psychologists often find a knowledge of pharmacology
useful as they use drugs to probe and define the biological systems they are studying.

Toxicology is closely related to pharmacology but specialises in the study of the harmful effects of drugs
and other chemicals on biological systems. A toxicologist is trained to examine the nature of these
effects, including their cellular, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action; and to assess the
potential effects on human health and environmental significance of various types of chemical
exposures. The variety of potential adverse effects and the diversity of chemicals in the environment
make toxicology a very broad science.

In brief, pharmacologists and toxicologists aim to develop a better understanding of drugs and
chemicals and their actions on biological systems for the improvement of human and animal health.

I 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

About the Department

Physical Location

2nd Floor,

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

The University of Auckland, Grafton Campus

85 Park Road

Grafton

Auckland

Postal Address

Department of Pharmacology and Clinical

Pharmacology

The University of Auckland

Private Bag 92119

Auckland 1142

New Zealand

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86733

Fax: +64 9 373 7090
Website:

www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/sms/pharmacology

The Department of Pharmacology and Clinical
Pharmacology was established in 1978 and is
situated on the second floor of the Clinical
Building (503) at The University of Auckland
Medical and Health Sciences Campus.

It is one of the 5 Departments in the School of
Medical Sciences. It is involved in the teaching of
pharmacology and toxicology to medical,
pharmacy and science students, and has many
active research programmes in diverse areas of
biomedical research. Major instrumental facilities
include core laboratories for molecular biology,
microscopy and imaging, tissue culture,
electrophysiology, contractility, radioactivity
measurement, HPLCand immunoassay. HPLC
equipment includes multiple dual pump systems,
automatic injectors, multiwavelength detectors,
direct radioactivity monitor and gradient
controllers.

Direct access is available to a Storm
phosphoimager and a Confocal microscope. An
ICP-mass spectrometer and an Ion Trap capillary
LOmass spectrometer are also available as core
facilities.

The Department also houses the Discovery-1
High-content screening platform which is a high
throughput automated fluoresecence microscope
and image analysis system for drug discovery
and functional genomics.

Sources of support from outside The University
include the:

• Health Research Council,

• Cancer Society of New Zealand

• NZ Neurological Foundation

• National Heart Foundation

• National Child Health Research Foundation

• Lotteries Health Board

• Auckland Medical Research Foundation

• The Wellcome Trust

• The Marsden Fund

• FORST

• The National Research Centre for Growth and
Development (NRCGD)

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 3

Staff

Academic

i

Head of Department

and Associate Professor

James Paxton,

PhD Glasgow

Ext 86413, Room 3287

j.paxton@auckland.ac.nz

iff

Associate Professor in Clinical

Pharmacology

Mark McKeage,

MBChB Otago MMedSci , PhD

London FRACP

Ext 87322, Room 3291

m.mckeage@auckland.ac.nz

Professor Michael Dragunow,
PhD Otago

Ext 86403, Room 3293
i.dragunow@auckland.ac.nz

Associate Professor in
Pharmacology
Michelle Glass,
PhD Auckland
Ext 86247, Room 3233
m.glass@auckland.ac.nz

I

Professor in Clinical
I Pharmacology

Peter Black,

MBChB, FRACP

Ext 89797, Room 3245
I pn.black@auckland.ac.nz

Associate Professor in

Pharmacology

Bronwen Connor,

PhD Auckland

Ext 83037, Room 3221

b.connor@auckland.ac.nz

Associate Professor in Clinical Senior Lecturer in Toxicology

Pharmacology Malcolm Tingle,

Nicholas Holford, f ^ „ J PhD Liverpool

MSc MBChB Mane, MRCP(UK), I Ext 84949, Room 3295

FRACP / WP?^^^ m.tingle@auckland.ac.nz
Ext 86730, Room 3229
n.holford@auckland.ac.nz

4 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Senior Lecturer

Debbie Young,

PhD Auckland

Ext 84491, Room 3337

ds.young@auckland.QC.nz

Senior Pharmacology Tutors

nd.ac.nz

Annarosa Petrucci

MSc Industrial Pharmacy, Naples

Ext 86037, Room 3297

a.petrucci@auckland.ac.nz

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 5

Teaching Technicians

Adina Giurgiu,

MSc Romania

Ext 85058, Room 2361

a.giurgiu@auckland.ac.nz

Joint Honorary Appointments

Professor Lynn Ferguson (Pathology)
Prof Alan Merry (Anaesthesiology)
Professor Murray Mitchell (Liggins Institute)
Dr Guy Warman (Anaesthesiology)
Professor Bill Wilson (Pathology)
Dr David Woolner (Merck Sharpe & Dohme)
Mr Trevor Speight (Medicines Information
Company)

Gabriella Blidarean

MSc Romania

Ext 85058, Room 2361

g.blidarean@auckland.ac.nz

Research Fellows

Hannah Gibbons, PhD Auckland
Scott Graham, PhD Aberdeen
Yan Li, PhD Otago
Johnson Liu, PhD Guangzhou
Shu Chin Ma, PhD Yale
Christof Maucksch, PhD Munich
Ailsa McGregor, PhD Glasgow
Lion Wu, PhD Auckland

Carrie Lin

BSc (Hons) Auckland
Ext 85058, Room 2361
cj.lin@auckland.ac.nz

Research Technicians

Miranda Aalderink, MSc Massey

Claire Lill, MSc Massey

Joelene Qiao, MSc Auckland

Kerhan Woo, BTech (1st Class Hons) Auckland

Administrative Staff

Kavita Hussein

PA to the Head of Department
Ext 86733, Room 3289
k.hussein@auckland.ac.nz

6 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Areas of

Research

Interest

Anticancer Drugs

(Drs McKeage, Paxton, Tingle, Wilson)

Cancer is the most common cause of death
between the ages of 30 to 60. Chemotherapy has
emerged as a form of cancer treatment which,
although it may have very disagreeable side
effects, has dramatically improved survival for
some cancers, particularly in children. More
effective and less toxic drugs are required. New
drugs have been developed locally in the Auckland
Cancer Society Research Centre and collaborative
research is under way into their fate (i.e.
absorption, distribution, metabolism and
elimination) in various animal models and in
human subjects; the construction of concentration-
effect models; tumour-targeted drug delivery and
action; mechanisms of toxicity, and the
extrapolation of these results to patients for more
effective therapy and less adverse drug reactions.

Cancer Clinical Pharmacology

(Drs McKeage & Liu)

We are a research group of eight staff and
students working on translational and clinical
projects concerned with the clinical
pharmacology and development of anticancer
drugs. Our group mission is to reduce suffering
and mortality from cancer by generating
pharmacological knowledge about new and
existing anticancer drugs for ultimate use in their
clinical applications.

Current research projects are exploring novel
DMXAA-based drug combinations,
chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
and novel anticancer drugs in phase I trials.

Neural Repair & Neurogenesis

(Dr Connor)

The laboratory of Neural Repair & Neurogenesis
focuses predominantly on developing new
medicines and therapeutic strategies to treat
disorders of the brain that involve nerve cell
death such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, Huntington's disease, head injury,
epilepsy and stroke. Research is being undertaken
to develop novel treatment strategies to prevent
cell death, replace lost nerve cells and reduce
clinical symptoms of neurodegenerative disease
and brain injury using techniques such as gene
delivery and stem cell therapy.

Clinical Trial Simulation

(Dr Holford)

A rational approach to the clinical phases of drug
development is based on the application of
pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
principles. The use of mathematical models to
describe and explain human responses to new
drugs is being explored using mixed effect
nonlinear regression and clinical trial simulation.
Current work is exploring methods for the optimal
design of clinical trials.

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Disease Progress And Drug Action

(Dr Holford)

Respiratory Pharmacology

(Dr Black)

Clinical pharmacology expresses the combined
knowledge of disease and how drugs affect it.
Attention is turning towards understanding how
drugs affect the long-term progression of disease.
Dr Holford is engaged in studies of Parkinson's
Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, osteoporosis
and depression which describe both the effects of
drugs and the natural progression of the disease
over time.

Bioavailability, metabolism and
transport of Phytochemicals

(Drs Paxton, Reid & Tingle)

It is now accepted that a high intake of
phytochemicals from a diet rich in fruit and
vegetables results in a reduced risk of cancer,
cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and other
age-related degenerative illnesses. Most research
on these dietary "phyto-pharmaceuticals" has
focussed on their mechanisms of action, but to be
effective, these bioactive food ingredients must
cross the gut epithelium, gain access to the
bloodstream, and reach their target site of action
in the hepatocytes, or tumour cells, or other
organs in the body. A better understanding of
these interactions with the uptake and efflux
systems and drug metabolizing enzymes in the
body will allow strategies to improve the
beneficial effects of these bioactive food
ingredients to prevent cancer and ageing
diseases by diet supplementation tailored to the
individual. In addition, these studies will allow the
identification of possible detrimental drug-
phytochemical interactions. It is also highly likely
that these studies will lead to the identification of
diet-derived compounds for development as a
clinical agent to reverse multidrug resistance, one
of the major factors responsible for the failure of
cancer chemotherapy.

The pathogenesis and treatment of asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
being investigated. Airway remodelling is being
studied with a particular interest in factors
influencing the growth of cultured lung
fibroblasts. Clinical studies have focused on novel
treatments for asthma and for treating COPD.

Toxicology

(Dr Tingle)

The toxicity of many foreign compounds involves
metabolism to a reactive intermediate that can
interact with a critical macromolecule and induce
direct toxicity (cell death), genotoxicity or
hypersensitivity reactions.

Research is focussed on:

1. Interspecies and inter-individual differences in
the expression and activity of xenobiotic
metabolizing enzymes and their effect on the
toxicity of drugs and environmental toxicants;

2. The effect of drugs on the metabolism and
disposition of endogenous factors that results
in adverse drug reactions;

3. The ability of compounds present in foodstuff
to alter the balance between detoxication,
bioactivation (toxication) and bioinactivation
(detoxification) of xenobiotics.

Signal Transduction and High
Content Analysis Research

(Prof Dragunow)

This group uses cell line models of the nervous
system to dissect out the signal transduction
cascades regulating processes such as neuronal
differentiation, nerve cell death, survival, axon
growth, astrocyte migration, and microglial
activation. These cell lines (alone and in
co-culture) are also used to make in vitro models

I 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

of neurodegenerative disorders and as cell-based
screens for bioactive & biotoxic substances. This
group is also involved in molecular and cellular
studies of the diseased and normal human brain,
and in the development of high-content and
High-throughput screening technologies for
cell-based assays using automated fluorescence
microscopy, morphometry and image analysis.

Receptor Signalling Lab

(Dr Michelle Glass)

The Laboratory of Receptor Signalling focuses
predominantly on the signalling interactions of
G-protein coupled receptors, and their potential
role in neurodegenerative disease. We have a
particular interest in cannabinoid CB1 receptors,
their signalling interactions with other G PCRs
and their contribution to neuroprotection or
neurodegeneration in diseases such as
Huntington's disease. Our work focuses on using
cell models to understand receptor signalling and
cross talk, as well as utilizing cells to model
disease processes such as those that occur in
Huntington's disease. We correlate information

gained in this way with the pathology seen in
animal models of disease, as well as in the
human brain, through collaborations with the
Neurological Foundation Human Brain bank,
and other researchers.

New Therapies for Brain Diseases

(Dr Young)

This group is interested in understanding
disease mechanisms and developing novel
therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative
disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and
Huntington's disease, stroke and epilepsy. Key
research areas in the lab include gene therapy
and vaccine/antibody-based therapeutic
approaches, understanding how environment
affects brain structure and function, developing
neurodegenerative disease models and
optimising viral vector-mediated gene transfer
technology. The research covers the full
spectrum from molecular biology through to
animal behaviour, with the aim being to
advance promising approaches to human
clinical trials

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 9

Course and Programmes

Science

The prerequisites for pharmacology stage III level courses are:
MEDSCI 204, and MEDSCI 205 or MEDSCI 206 or BIOSCI 203
BSc (Majoring in Pharmacology)

A BSc requires at least 360 points with 300 chosen from a minimum of 3 subjects listed in the BSc
schedule. At least 180 points must be above stage I. At least 75 points must be obtained from stage III
courses. For a single or first major in pharmacology, you must obtain at least 60 points from courses
MEDSCI 303 - MEDSCI 307. A second major must include 45 points from MEDSCI 303-307.

In addition, a student must pass 30 points from courses offered in the General Education Schedule
approved for this degree.

Up to 30 points may be taken from courses available for other programmes offered at this University.

A typical course of study to obtain a BSc majoring in Pharmacology might be as follows:
(Note that 120 points per year is the normal load for full time study).

Stage I

2 MEDSCI 142
1 BIOSCI 101
1 BIOSCI 106
2 BIOSCI 107
'CHEM 110
CHEM 120
STATS 107
COMPSCI 111
PHYSICS 160

General Education Courses

Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms
Foundations of Biochemistry

Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes & Development

Chemistry of the Living World

Chemistry of the Material World or

Statistics for Science and Technology or

Mastering Cyberspace or

Physics for the Life Sciences or

Prerequisites for BIOSCI 203
Prerequisites for MEDSCI 205 and 206

| 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Stage II

Course

Title

Pts

Coordinator

Prerequisites

MEDSCI 204 SH

Introduction to Pharmacology and

15

D. Young

GPA>3

Toxicology

Additional Stage II courses might include:

* MEDSCI 205

The Physiology of Human Organ Systems

* MEDSCI 206

Introduction to Neuroscience

MEDSCI 203

Mechanisms of Disease or

CHEM 240

Measurement Analysis in Chemistry and Health Sciences or

BIOSCI 201

Cellular and Molecular Biology or

BIOSCI 202

Genetics or

* BIOSCI 203

Biochemistry or

MEDSCI 202

Microbiology and Immunology

General Education Course

* Core courses - you must pass at least one of these core courses to enter the Stage 3 pharmacology
courses.

Stage I

Course

Title

Pts

Coordinator

Prerequisites

MEDSCI 303 FH

Principles of Pharmacology

15

J. Paxton

MEDSCI 204 and
one of the following:
MEDSCI 205 or
MEDSCI 206 or
BIOSCI 203 and a
GPA > 5.

Students with GPA<
5 will be waitlisted.

MEDSCI 304 FH

Molecular Pharmacology

15

M. Glass

MEDSCI 305 SH

Systematic Pharmacology

15

B. Connor

MEDSCI 306 SH

Principles of Toxicology

15

M. Tingle

MEDSCI 307 FH

Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology

15

M. Dragunow

Additional Stage III courses might include:

BIOSCI 356 Developmental Biology and Cancer or

BIOSCI 350 Protein Structure and Function or

BIOSCI 351 Molecular Genetics or

BIOSCI 353 Molecular and Cellular Regulations or

MEDSCI 308 - MEDSCI 311 any of the Physiology papers or

MEDSCI 301 Molecular Basis of Disease

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

advance to either the one year BSc (Hons) or one year PGDipSci or PGDipHSci. The prerequisites are at
least 60 points in stage III pharmacology with a minimum average grade of B+ for BSc (Hons) and B for
PGDip. BSc (Hons) students undertake courses (75 points) and a dissertation (45 points). The courses are
usually chosen from the 700 level courses listed below. BSc (Hons) is a fast track to PhD. Students with
an average grade B in the PGDipSci or PGDipHSci may proceed to a one year MSc or MHSci by research
thesis only (120 points). Students with good marks in either the BSc (Hons) or MSc programme are able
to proceed to a further three years research for a PhD.

BSc (Hons)

Prerequisites:

Requirements:

MSc

Prerequisites:
Requirements:

PGDipSci

Prerequisites:

Requirements:

A degree with at least 60 points in pharmacology from
MEDSCI 303 -MEDSCI 307

BSc (Hons) Dissertation PHARMCOL 788 (45 points) plus 75 points
from MEDSCI 701/702, MEDSCI 715 - 723.

PGDipSci (in Pharmacology) with an average grade B, or BSc (Hons)
MSc Thesis PHARMCOL 796 (120 points).

A BSc including at least 45 points from MEDSCI 303 - 307.

120 points at 700 level with at least 60 points
from MEDSCI 701 or 702, MEDSCI 715 - 723.

12 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Stage IV

(Enrolment to all 700 level courses requires permission of the HOD).

Not all 700 level courses will be taught every year and you must check their availability with the
Department

Course

Title

Pts

Coordinator

MlUjLI /u I//U/ rn/on

Special Studies in Medical Science (1&2)

1 ^
I J

rv Doom

IVJ QUjLI / Ij rn

Molecular Toxicology

1 ^
I J

M. Tingle

N/lFn^("l 71fi Pl-I

ivj lUjli / i d rn

Drug Disposition and Kinetics

1 ^
I D

J. Pcixton

M tLoLJ / I / rn

Advanced Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology

1 ^
I D

B. Connor/M. Glass

MEDSCI 718 FH

Pharmacology of Anaesthetics/Analgesics

15

A. Merry/G. Warman

MEDSCI 719 FH

Pharmacometrics

15

N. Holford

MEDSCI 720 FH

Biomedical Research Techniques

15

D. Young

MEDSCI 721 SH

Advanced Toxicology

15

M. Tingle

MEDSCI 722 SH

Clinical Pharmacology

15

N. Holford

MEDSCI 723 SH

Cancer Pharmacology

15

KA N/lrK'pnnp

1 V 1 _ 1 V 1 U l\CU C

PHARMCOL 788 DH

BSc(Hons) Dissertation

45

PHARMCOL 796 DH

MSc Thesis

120

Medicine

Clinical pharmacology is taught in the following courses:

Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery

Course

Title

Pts

Coordinator

MBChB 209B DH

Principles of Medicine

15

C. Print/P. Black

MBChB 256 SH

The Genitourinary System

15

S. Ali/N. Holford

MBChB302 FH

Medical Neuroscience

15

R. Faull/J. Lipski/M.
Dragunow

MBChB 355 SH

Regulation of Body Function

15

B. Smaill/P. Black

MBChB 401 DH

MBChB Part 1

120

P. Black

MBChB 501 DH

MBChB Part 2

120

P. Black

FH = first semester Medicine & Health Science Campus
SH = second semester Medicine & Health Science Campus
DH = double semester Medicine & Health Science Campus

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 13

Description of
Course Content

MBChB 209 Principles of Medicine

Topics covered include: the concepts of receptor
function in relation to the action of drugs, how
drugs modify the action of neurotransmitters and
hormones; the principles of drug disposition and
the time course of drug action; introduction to
poisoning.

MBChB 302 Medical Neuroscience

A co-ordinated, multidisciplinary approach to the
central and peripheral nervous systems and gives
a firm scientific understanding of the structure
and function of the nervous system and the
clinically important aspects of the nervous
system.

MBChB 355 Regulation of Body Function

Integrated physiology of human organ systems
and associated aspects of pharmacology. Topics
covered include the regulation of electrolytes and
extracellular fluid volume, control of
cardiovascular function, control of respiration and
regulation of body temperature.

MEDSCI 204 Introduction to Pharmacology
and Toxicology

(Second semester, three lectures and one
computer-based laboratory per week)

A principles-based introduction to pharmacology
and toxicology. Topics covered include drug
targets and action, ADME and pharmacokinetics,
drugs of the autonomic system, toxicity and
adverse drug reactions, selective toxicity of
chemotherapy; integrated clinical pharmacology;
drug discovery and development.

Assessment:

Project 20%

Mid-semester test 10%

Laboratory exam 20%

Final exam 50%

MEDSCI 303 Principles of Pharmacology

(First semester, two lectures and one laboratory
per week)

This is a basic course on the principles of
pharmacology. The topics include; passage of
drugs across membranes; drug absorption,
distribution, metabolism and excretion;
pharmacokinetics; novel drug delivery systems;
mechanisms of drug action; pharmacogenetics;
drug analysis; drug development and evaluation;
drugs in selected populations.

Assessment:

Practical reports 25%

Laboratory test 15%

Mid-semester test 10%

Final exam 50%

14 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

MEDSCI 304 Molecular Pharmacology

MEDSCI 306 Principles of Toxicology

(First semester, two lectures and one laboratory
per week)

This course explores the cellular and molecular
mechanisms of drugs acting at receptors, ion
channels, enzymes and intermediate messengers.
These basic concepts are developed further in a
detailed examination of the molecular basis of
drug addiction and mechanisms of action of
common recreational drugs and anaesthetics.
Finally, the course investigates novel drug targets
presented by the cell cycle and apoptotic

pathways.

Assessment:

Practical reports 12.5%

Laboratory test 12.5%

Project 15%

Mid-semester test 10%

Final exam 50%

MEDSCI 305 Systematic Pharmacology

(Second semester, two lectures and one
laboratory per week)

This course considers the modification by drugs of
human systems under physiological and
pathological conditions. Consideration will be
given to the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal,
reproductive, respiratory and the central nervous
systems. The cellular and molecular mechanisms
of action of the drugs are considered.

Assessment:

Laboratory practical test 12.5%

Practical reports 12.5%

Laboratory project 15%

Mid-semester test 10%

Final exam 50%

(Second semester, two lectures and one
laboratory per week)

This course introduces the principles and
concepts involved in toxicology. The lectures cover
the general mechanisms involved in the toxicity of
foreign compounds,

including the formation and detoxification of
chemically reactive metabolites and their
interactions with macromolecular targets. The
course describes the secondary and tertiary
consequences of these interactions, such as direct
toxicity, genotoxicity and hypersensitivity
reactions, plus the basis of organ-selective
toxicity. The course covers the toxicity of
compounds such as drugs, food additives and
contaminants, plant and animal toxins as well as
environmental toxicants.

Assessment:

Mid-semester test 10%

Project presentation 15%

Practical reports 25%

Final exam 50%

MEDSCI 307

Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology

(First Semester, two lectures and one laboratory
per week)

This course introduces the principles and
concepts involved in neuropharmacology.
It covers the anatomy, neurochemistry and
pharmacology of the normal and diseased
human brain; the biochemical causes of
psychiatric and neurological diseases; and the
types and mechanisms of action of drugs used to
treat human brain disorders.

Assessment:

Mid-semester test 15%

Practical exam 15%

Practical reports 10%

Final exam 60%

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 15

MEDSCI 701/702

Special Studies in Medical Science (1 & 2)

Special topics in pharmacology may be arranged
with the permission of the HOD after
consultation with supervisor.

Assessment:

Course work 100%

MEDSCI 715 Molecular Toxicology

This course involves advanced study into the role
of metabolism (including induction/inhibition and
genetic polymorphisms) in the toxicity of
xenobiotics and molecular events following
exposure to toxic xenobiotics, such as
mutagenesis, teratogenesis and apoptosis. The
toxicity of several classes of drugs, including
anticancer, antibacterial and antimalarial drugs
is also studied in detail.

Assessment:

Project presentation and essay 25%
Final exam 75%

MEDSCI 716 Drug Disposition and Kinetics

This course is concerned with the advanced study
of: the absorption, distribution, metabolism and
excretion of drugs; in vivo and in vitro techniques
for ADME studies; and the analysis of these
processes.

Assessment:

Course work 25%
Final exam 75%

MEDSCI 717

Advanced Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology

An advanced discussion of current research in
neuroscience. The course will involve critical
analysis of the literature within the context of a
series of major research themes. Each theme will
encompass models from molecular through to
systems level neuroscience. In this course, themes
will be selected from the following areas:
neuroscience; neurodegeneration and addiction.

Assessment:

Course work 30%
Final exam 70%

MEDSCI 718

Pharmacology of Anaesthetics/Analgesics

This course deals with the general aspects of
anaesthetics and analgesics.

Assessment:

4000 word essay 33%

Seminar 33%

Final exam 34%

MEDSCI 719 Pharmacometrics

This course deals with the application of
mathematical models to interpretation of
pharmacological observations. Models provide
an explanation for experimental observations as
well as a description. Computer based analysis
methods are used for individuals and
populations. Typical areas of application are
pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, ligand
binding, enzyme kinetics and time course of drug
effect.

Assessment:

Course work 50%
Final exam 50%

16 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

MEDSCI 720

Biomedical Research Techniques

Introduction to a broad base of research
techniques ranging from tissue culture through
microcopy to gene cloning and RNA interference.
Emphasis is on theoretical basis, application and
interpretation.

Assessment:

Course work 60%
Lab test 40%

MEDSCI 721 Advanced Toxicology

The course addresses current issues and recent
advances in toxicology. This course is aimed
primarily at students wishing to undertake
research in a field related to toxicology.

Assessment:

Course work 100%

MEDSCI 722 Clinical Pharmacology

This course deals with therapeutic drug
monitoring and clinical pharmacokinetics; disease
progress and variability in drug response;
adverse drug reactions; pharmacoeconomics and
clinical trial evaluation. Drug disposition and
action in the elderly, young and in pregnancy will
also be considered. Emphasis is placed on the use
of medicines in humans and application of
clinical pharmacology to drug development.

Assessment:

Course work 25%
Final exam 75%

MEDSCI 723 Cancer Pharmacology

This course focuses on the clinical pharmacology
and development of drugs for treating cancer.
The course deals with the main classes of
anticancer drugs, including alkylating agents,
platinum-based drugs, antimetabolites,
topoisomerase-interactive drugs, antimicrotubule
agents, targeted therapies and vascular targeting
drugs. Other topics include the pharmacological
basis of cancer chemotherapy, pharmacological
variability and individualisation of cancer therapy,
oncology clinical trials, drug interactions and
combination chemotherapy, and selected
research topics.

Assessment:

Course work 40%
Final exam 60%

BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology

Students must undertake 75 points in courses
from the 700 level pharmacology courses and
complete a 45 point dissertation of a research
project by the end of the second semester.

Diploma in Pharmacology

Pharmacology courses (Stage III) may also be
taken as part of the Diploma in Science (DipSci)
and (stage IV courses) the postgraduate Diploma
in Science (PGDipSci). Students are referred to the
current University Calendar for further
information regarding these diplomas.

PGDipSci or PGDipHSci

At least 60 points from MEDSCI 701 (or 702),
715-723, and up to 60 points from other 700
level courses as approved by Head of
Department.

MScorMHSc

120 point Masters thesis in pharmacology

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Lecture and Laboratory
Timetable

F or S = First or Second Semester
MEDSCI 204 SH

H = Medical and Health Sciences Campu

MEDSCI 303 FH

MEDSCI 304 FH

MEDSCI 305 SH

MEDSCI 306 SH

MEDSCI 307 FH

Lectures: Tues / Wed / Thurs 7:55 am - 8:45am

*Note: Labs are done online

Lectures: Tues / Wed 7:55am - 8:45am
plus one of the following Laboratories:

Stream i Tuesday 10am - 1 pm
Stream ii Wednesday 10am - 1 pm
Steam iii Wednesday 3pm - 6pm

Lectures: Thurs / Fri 1pm - 2pm

plus one of the following Laboratories:

Stream i Friday 10am - 1pm
Stream ii Friday 3pm - 6pm

Lectures: Thurs / Fri 7:55am - 8:45am
plus one of the following Laboratories:

Stream i Thursday 10am - 1 pm
Stream ii Thursday 3pm - 6pm
Stream iii Friday 10am - 1pm

Lectures: Mon / Thurs 9am - 10am
plus one of the following Laboratories:

Stream i Monday 10am - 1 pm
Stream ii Monday 2pm - 5pm

Lectures: Mon / Thurs 9am - 10am
plus one of the following Laboratories:

Stream i Monday 10am - 1 pm
Stream ii Monday 2pm - 5pm

I 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Possible Careers

The study of the way in which drugs work is the basis for a number of career possibilities. Some of these
are briefly listed below and give examples of the opportunities available.

Teaching and Research in Higher
Educational Institutions

In New Zealand most teachers of pharmacology
are concerned with training students for the
medical, veterinary and pharmaceutical
professions. Pharmacology is also taught to
science students at the University of Auckland
and University of Otago. It should be noted that
appointment to a university teaching post usually
requires the possession of a research degree or
equivalent experience.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical
Research and Development (R and D)

The discovery and development of new and better
medicines for the treatment of diseases in man
and animals, as well as chemicals for food
processing and agricultural application requires
pharmacologists as part of the multi-disciplinary
research and development teams. The
pharmaceutical industry is a major source of
employment opportunities but this mostly occurs
overseas in Europe, the US and also Japan. In
New Zealand pharmaceutical research is mainly
confined to clinical trials with little basic
pharmacological research being undertaken.
However a number of small Biotech companies
have started in New Zealand and offer some
career opportunities. Pharmacologists can also
find key roles in the medical, regulatory and
marketing divisions of the pharmaceutical
industry in New Zealand.

Clinical Teaching and Research

Medically qualified clinical pharmacologists are
employed by pharmaceutical companies for
evaluating drug activity in patients. In these
studies, their work is supported by non-clinically
qualified graduates and non-graduate technicians
who contribute to the laboratory aspects of the
clinical studies. Increasingly, more offices of
multinational pharmaceutical companies and
clinical research organisations are offering posts
for clinical research assistants.

Government Department and
Research Institutions

A number of opportunities are available for work
in Government or government-sponsored
research institutions. Examples of the type of
work available are: research and development
studies, assessment of the cost and safety of
medicines and advisory and safety aspects of
chemicals used in the food processing and
agricultural industries. In addition there are a
number of private research institutions and
companies, such as Neuronz, Genesis Research
and Development Corporation, The Cancer
Research Laboratory (sponsored by the New
Zealand Cancer Society) in Auckland, or the
Mallagan Research Institution in Wellington
which can provide research opportunities for
pharmacologists.

continued...

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 19

Medical Publishing And Drug
Information

A background in pharmacology and toxicology is
ideal for entry into medical publishing and drug
information dissemination. There are many
opportunities in this expanding field. For example,
Adis International is an international publishing
and drug information company which has its
headquarters at Mairangi Bay in Auckland.

Toxicology

A pharmacology/toxicology qualification is one of
the principal entry routes into employment as a
toxicologist. The training and ability to appreciate
and measure the many aspects involved in the
assessment of drug action and the adverse
effects of chemicals forms an ideal basis for a
career in toxicology. Toxicologists are employed in
all the career categories mentioned above. The
increasing use of food additives and agricultural
chemical products, and increasing environmental
hazards arising from pollution provide additional
areas of career employment.

20 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

"he Academic Year - 2009

Semester 1 - 2009

Semester 1 Begins

Mid Semester /Easter Break

ANZAC Day

Graduation

Queen's Birthday

Lectures End

Study break/Exams

Semester 1 Ends

Inter Semester Break

Semester 2 - 2009

Semester 2 Begins
Mid Semester Break
Graduation
Lectures End
Study break/Exams
Labour Day
Semester 2 Ends

Semester 1 - 2010

Semester 1 Begins

Monday 2 March

Monday 6 April - Friday 17 April

Saturday 25 April

Thursday 30 April - Friday 8 May

Monday 1 June

Saturday 6 June

Saturday 6 June - Monday 29 June
Monday 29 June

Tuesday 30 June - Saturday 18 July

Monday 20 July

Monday 31 August - Saturday 12 September
Tuesday 22 September and Thursday 24 September
Saturday 24 October

Saturday 24 October - Monday 16 November
Monday 26 October
Monday 16 November

Monday 1 March 2010

THE UNIVERSITY
OF AUCKLAND

FACULTY OF MEDICAL
AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Contact

Department of Pharmacology and
Clinical Pharmacology
School of Medical Sciences
The University of Auckland
Private Bag 92019
Auckland 1142, New Zealand

0800 61 62 63

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86733
Fax: +64 9 373 7090
Web: www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/sms/pharmacology

www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz