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

Explores target-based drug discovery, which is used in both academia and industry

Teaches a variety of methods for measuring drug-target binding, including biochemical and cellular assays

Examines dose-response curves, which are used to determine drug efficacy and potency

Taught by Erland Stevens, a recognized expert in drug discovery

Requires students to understand proteins and biological pathways

Requires students to be comfortable with algebraic expressions, including 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:

Clinical Trial Manager

Clinical Trial Managers oversee all aspects of clinical trials, ensuring that they are conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. This course can help Clinical Trial Managers understand the pharmacological principles underlying clinical trials, enabling them to better evaluate data and make informed decisions. The course's focus on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Clinical Trial Managers must be able to interpret these curves to assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This course can help Registered Nurses understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug therapy, enabling them to provide safe and effective care to their patients. The course's focus on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Registered Nurses must be able to interpret these curves to determine the appropriate dosage of medications for their patients.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense and counsel patients on medications. This course can help Pharmacists understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug therapy, enabling them to provide safe and effective care to their patients. The course's focus on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Pharmacists must be able to interpret these curves to determine the appropriate dosage of medications for their patients.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians design and analyze statistical studies in the field of medicine. This course can help Biostatisticians understand the pharmacological principles underlying clinical trials, enabling them to design and analyze studies that are more likely to produce valid and reliable results. The course's emphasis on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Biostatisticians must be able to interpret these curves to assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. This course can help Physician Assistants understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug therapy, enabling them to provide safe and effective care to their patients. The course's focus on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Physician Assistants must be able to interpret these curves to determine the appropriate dosage of medications for their patients.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create and edit scientific and medical documents, such as clinical trial reports, patient education materials, and marketing materials. This course can help Medical Writers understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to write clear and accurate documents that are easily understood by healthcare professionals and patients. The course's focus on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Medical Writers must be able to interpret these curves to assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. This course can help Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives understand the pharmacological properties of the drugs they are selling, enabling them to effectively communicate their benefits to healthcare professionals. The course's emphasis on drug targets and signal pathways is particularly relevant to this role, as Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives must be able to explain how drugs work to potential customers.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals on living organisms. This course can help Toxicologists understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug toxicity, enabling them to assess the safety of new drugs. The course's focus on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Toxicologists must be able to interpret these curves to determine the safe levels of exposure to chemicals.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians perform a variety of tasks in a laboratory setting, including preparing samples for testing, conducting tests, and analyzing results. This course can help Laboratory Technicians understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively. The course's emphasis on biochemical and cellular methods for measuring drug-target binding is particularly relevant to this role, as Laboratory Technicians often use these methods in their work.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialists ensure that drugs meet regulatory requirements. This course can help Regulatory Affairs Specialists understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to better understand the regulatory process. The course's emphasis on dose-response curves is particularly relevant to this role, as Regulatory Affairs Specialists must be able to interpret these curves to assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, and chemistry. This course can help Research Scientists understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to conduct more effective research. The course's emphasis on biochemical and cellular methods for measuring drug-target binding is particularly relevant to this role, as Research Scientists often use these methods in their work.

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Quality Control Analyst

Quality Control Analysts ensure that products meet quality standards. This course can help Quality Control Analysts understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to better evaluate the quality of drugs. The course's emphasis on biochemical and cellular methods for measuring drug-target binding is particularly relevant to this role, as Quality Control Analysts often use these methods in their work.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help clients obtain and protect patents for their inventions. This course can help Patent Attorneys understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to better understand the patent process. The course's emphasis on target-based drug discovery is particularly relevant to this role, as Patent Attorneys must be able to understand the scientific principles underlying drug development in order to effectively represent their clients.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. This course can help Biomedical Engineers understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to design and develop more effective medical devices and technologies. The course's emphasis on biochemical and cellular methods for measuring drug-target binding is particularly relevant to this role, as Biomedical Engineers often use these methods in their work.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including drug development. This course can help Healthcare Consultants understand the pharmacological principles underlying drug development, enabling them to provide more informed advice to their clients. The course's emphasis on target-based drug discovery is particularly relevant to this role, as Healthcare Consultants must be able to understand the scientific principles underlying drug development in order to effectively advise their clients.

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Measuring Pharmacodynamics

From Ligand Binding to Clinical Outcomes

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