Measuring Pharmacodynamics: From Ligand Binding to Clinical Outcomes from edX

In this course about measuring biological activity, students will learn different methods of activity measurement encountered at different stages of a drug program. The three-week course starts with an introduction to drug targets, which are biological molecules affected by drugs. The second week emphasizes biochemical, cellular, and computational methods for determining the extent to which a drug can affect the action of its target and associated signal pathways. In the final week, students will transition to in vivo studies and the interpretation of dose-response curves.

Students in the course should understand the concepts of proteins and biological pathways. Students should also be comfortable with algebraic expressions, including logarithmic functions. The course is designed in modules. Each module opens with a short video on a selected topic. The module continues with a short reading or exercise with an assessment activity. Each module will require approximately 1 hour to complete, and the course includes 15 modules. Two approaches to the course are recommended. One, a student might spend an hour per day on the course and complete all 15 modules in approximately three weeks. Two, a student with additional available time may be able to work through the entire course in just a single week or over an extended weekend.

Students signed up for the Audit Track have access to the instructional video materials. Students enrolled through the Verified Track have access to the instructional videos, the readings and activities, the assessments, as well as selected additional videos related to the primary instructional videos.

What you'll learn

the general idea of target-based drug discovery, in which a drug’s action on a target alters the function of a biological pathway
common types of biological molecules that serve as drug targets, especially enzymes and receptors
different outcomes of drug-target interactions, including inhibitors, agonists, inverse agonists, and antagonists
representative biochemical and cellular methods for measuring drug-target binding
types of outcomes used to determine the success of clinical trials
the generation and interpretation of dose-response curves

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers important concepts in biology, such as biological pathways, targets, and drug effects

Provides a comprehensive understanding of drug target measurement

Emphasizes biochemical and cellular methods for activity measurement

Includes hands-on exercises and assessments for practical learning

Suitable for students with a basic understanding of proteins and biological pathways

Requires comfort with algebraic expressions and logarithmic functions

Career center

Learners who complete Measuring Pharmacodynamics: From Ligand Binding to Clinical Outcomes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Scientist

As a Research Scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, understanding pharmacodynamics is essential for developing and evaluating new drugs. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods used to measure drug activity, which will enable you to effectively design and conduct experiments to investigate the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of new drug candidates.

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Clinical Pharmacologist

A Clinical Pharmacologist plays a critical role in drug development and evaluation, and this course can provide a strong foundation for your understanding of pharmacodynamics. Through this course, you will gain insights into the biochemical, cellular, and computational methods used to assess drug-target interactions. This knowledge is essential for designing and conducting clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

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Pharmacokineticist

As a Pharmacokineticist, understanding the principles and methods of pharmacodynamics is crucial for your work in studying the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of dose-response curves, which are essential for determining the appropriate dosage and administration schedule of drugs to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.

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Biostatistician

For a career in Biostatistics, this course can be particularly valuable. It provides a solid foundation in the statistical methods and analytical techniques used in pharmacodynamics, which are essential for designing and analyzing clinical trials. The course covers topics such as dose-response modeling, PK/PD modeling, and clinical trial design, all of which are crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of clinical research.

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Laboratory Scientist

For a career as a Laboratory Scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, this course can provide a strong foundation in the principles and methods used to measure the biological activity of drugs. The course covers topics such as biochemical assays, cell-based assays, and data analysis, which are essential for conducting preclinical studies and evaluating the safety and efficacy of drugs.

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Drug Safety Associate

For a career as a Drug Safety Associate, this course can provide a solid foundation in the principles and methods used to assess the safety and efficacy of drugs. The course covers topics such as dose-response curves, clinical trial design, and adverse event reporting, which are essential for ensuring the safety of patients using pharmaceutical products.

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Regulatory Affairs Associate

For a career as a Regulatory Affairs Associate, this course can provide a strong foundation in the principles and methods used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs. The course covers topics such as clinical trial design, data analysis, and regulatory submissions, which are essential for ensuring the approval and marketing of new drugs.

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Toxicologist

This course can be beneficial for individuals aspiring to become Toxicologists. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods used to measure the biological activity of drugs, which is essential for understanding the potential toxic effects of chemicals and substances on living organisms.

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Science Writer

For a career as a Science Writer specializing in healthcare or pharmaceuticals, this course can provide a solid foundation in the principles and methods used to measure the biological activity of drugs. By understanding the different techniques and concepts involved in pharmacodynamics, you can effectively communicate complex scientific information to a non-specialist audience.

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Medical Writer

The knowledge and skills gained in this course, Measuring Pharmacodynamics: From Ligand Binding to Clinical Outcomes, can be highly beneficial for a career as a Medical Writer. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles and methods used to measure the biological activity of drugs, which is essential for effectively communicating scientific and medical information to various audiences. By understanding the different techniques for determining drug-target interactions, dose-response curves, and clinical outcomes, you can effectively convey complex scientific concepts to healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and the general public.

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Medical Science Liaison

As a Medical Science Liaison, understanding pharmacodynamics is essential for effectively interacting with healthcare professionals and providing them with scientific information about drugs. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods used to measure drug activity, which will enable you to effectively communicate the mechanisms of action, clinical benefits, and potential side effects of drugs.

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Quality Assurance Associate

As a Quality Assurance Associate in the pharmaceutical industry, understanding pharmacodynamics is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of drugs. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods used to measure drug activity, which will enable you to effectively evaluate the quality of drug products and ensure their compliance with regulatory standards.

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Biomedical Engineer

The knowledge and skills gained in this course can be beneficial for a career as a Biomedical Engineer, particularly in the field of drug development and delivery. By understanding the principles and methods of pharmacodynamics, you can effectively design and develop drug delivery systems that optimize drug efficacy and minimize side effects.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

The knowledge gained in this course can be instrumental for a career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. By understanding the concepts of pharmacodynamics, you can effectively communicate the mechanisms of action, clinical benefits, and potential side effects of drugs to healthcare professionals.

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Healthcare Consultant

As a Healthcare Consultant, understanding pharmacodynamics is beneficial for providing strategic advice to pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods used to measure drug activity, which will enable you to evaluate the efficacy and safety of drugs and make informed recommendations regarding their use in clinical practice.

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