This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.
Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
Recitations: 1 session / week, 1 hour / session
This course covers the chemical and biological analysis of the metabolism and distribution of drugs, toxins and chemicals in animals and humans, and the mechanism by which they cause therapeutic and toxic responses. Metabolism and toxicity as a basis for drug development, metabolic polymorphisms and biomarkers of exposure are also covered.
Golan, David E., Editor-in-chief; Armen H. Tashjian, Deputy Editor; Ehrin J. Armstrong, et al., eds. Principles of Pharmacology: The Pathophysiologic Basis of Drug Therapy. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004. ISBN: 9780781746786.
Klaassen, Curtis D., ed. Casarett and Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical Pub Division, 2001. ISBN: 9780071347211.
There will be a recitation session offered throughout the term. Several of these sessions will consist of seminars presented by scientists from local pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The other sessions will be run by the TA and will entail answering questions relating to the lecture material, homework assignments, and projects and providing background help with concepts in several areas, including elements of chemistry and biochemistry.
Additional assignments will include:
The homework is due as noted in the lecture schedule. There is a 20% reduction in the grade for each day the assignment is late.
There will be two quizzes during the term. All are non-comprehensive, in-class quizzes given during the regular lecture period. There is no final examination.
The class will be divided into groups of 3-5 students (depending on class size) to work as a team on a project to investigate a drug. The investigation will center on concepts developed during the term, with emphasis on understanding drug mechanisms and the successful development of drugs.
Percentage contributions to the final grade are as follows:
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Quizzes (30% each) | 60% |
| Paper | 10% |
| Final Team Presentation of Project | 10% |
| Homework Assignments | 10% |
| Class Participation | 10% |
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