Pharmacology and

Clinical Pharmacology
Handbook 2009
 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
Handbook - 2009

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.

2 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

About the Department
Physical Location Direct access is available to a Storm
phosphoimager and a Confocal microscope. An
2nd Floor,
ICP-mass spectrometer and an Ion Trap capillary
Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
LC-mass spectrometer are also available as core
The University of Auckland, Grafton Campus
facilities.
85 Park Road
Grafton The Department also houses the Discovery-1
Auckland High-content screening platform which is a high
throughput automated fluoresecence microscope
Postal Address and image analysis system for drug discovery
Department of Pharmacology and Clinical and functional genomics.
Pharmacology
Sources of support from outside The University
The University of Auckland
include the:
Private Bag 92119
Auckland 1142 • Health Research Council,
New Zealand • Cancer Society of New Zealand
• NZ Neurological Foundation
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86733
• National Heart Foundation
Fax: +64 9 373 7090
Website: • National Child Health Research Foundation
www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/sms/pharmacology • Lotteries Health Board
• Auckland Medical Research Foundation
• The Wellcome Trust
The Department of Pharmacology and Clinical • The Marsden Fund
Pharmacology was established in 1978 and is
situated on the second floor of the Clinical • FORST
Building (503) at The University of Auckland • The National Research Centre for Growth and
Medical and Health Sciences Campus. Development (NRCGD)

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, HPLC and immunoassay. HPLC
equipment includes multiple dual pump systems,
automatic injectors, multiwavelength detectors,
direct radioactivity monitor and gradient
controllers.

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 3

 Staff
Academic
Head of Department Associate Professor in Clinical
and Associate Professor Pharmacology
James Paxton, Mark McKeage,
PhD Glasgow MBChB Otago MMedSci , PhD
Ext 86413, Room 3287 LondonFRACP
[email protected] Ext 87322, Room 3291
[email protected]

Professor Michael Dragunow, Associate Professor in

PhD Otago Pharmacology
Ext 86403, Room 3293 Michelle Glass,
[email protected] PhD Auckland
Ext 86247, Room 3233
[email protected]

Professor in Clinical Associate Professor in

Pharmacology Pharmacology
Peter Black, Bronwen Connor,
MBChB, FRACP PhD Auckland
Ext 89797, Room 3245 Ext 83037, Room 3221
[email protected] [email protected]

Associate Professor in Clinical Senior Lecturer in Toxicology

Pharmacology Malcolm Tingle,
Nicholas Holford, PhD Liverpool
MSc MBChB Manc, MRCP(UK), Ext 84949, Room 3295
FRACP [email protected]
Ext 86730, Room 3229
[email protected]

4 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

 Senior Lecturer
Debbie Young,
PhD Auckland
Ext 84491, Room 3337
[email protected]

Senior Pharmacology Tutors

Liam Anderson, Rachel Cameron

BTech, PGDip Forensic PhD Auckland
Auckland Ext 86950, Room 3299
Ext 86037, Room 3297 [email protected]
[email protected]

Deanna Bell Richard De Grandpre

MSc Auckland PhD Vermont
Ext 86950, Room 3299 Ext 86950, Room 3299
[email protected] [email protected]

Annarosa Petrucci
MSc Industrial Pharmacy, Naples
Ext 86037, Room 3297
[email protected]

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 5

 Teaching Technicians Joint Honorary Appointments
Adina Giurgiu, Professor Lynn Ferguson (Pathology)
MSc Romania Prof Alan Merry (Anaesthesiology)
Ext 85058, Room 2361 Professor Murray Mitchell (Liggins Institute)
[email protected] Dr Guy Warman (Anaesthesiology)
Professor Bill Wilson (Pathology)
Dr David Woolner (Merck Sharpe & Dohme)
Mr Trevor Speight (Medicines Information
Company)

Research Fellows
Gabriella Blidarean Hannah Gibbons, PhD Auckland
MSc Romania Scott Graham, PhD Aberdeen
Ext 85058, Room 2361 Yan Li, PhD Otago
[email protected] Johnson Liu, PhD Guangzhou
Shu Chin Ma, PhD Yale
Christof Maucksch, PhD Munich
Ailsa McGregor, PhD Glasgow
Lian Wu, PhD Auckland

Carrie Lin Research Technicians

BSc (Hons) Auckland Miranda Aalderink, MSc Massey
Ext 85058, Room 2361 Claire Lill, MSc Massey
[email protected] 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
[email protected]

6 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Areas of
Research
Interest
Anticancer Drugs Neural Repair & Neurogenesis
(Drs McKeage, Paxton, Tingle, Wilson) (Dr Connor)

Cancer is the most common cause of death The laboratory of Neural Repair & Neurogenesis
between the ages of 30 to 60. Chemotherapy has focuses predominantly on developing new
emerged as a form of cancer treatment which, medicines and therapeutic strategies to treat
although it may have very disagreeable side disorders of the brain that involve nerve cell
effects, has dramatically improved survival for death such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
some cancers, particularly in children. More disease, Huntington’s disease, head injury,
effective and less toxic drugs are required. New epilepsy and stroke. Research is being undertaken
drugs have been developed locally in the Auckland to develop novel treatment strategies to prevent
Cancer Society Research Centre and collaborative cell death, replace lost nerve cells and reduce
research is under way into their fate (i.e. clinical symptoms of neurodegenerative disease
absorption, distribution, metabolism and and brain injury using techniques such as gene
elimination) in various animal models and in delivery and stem cell therapy.
human subjects; the construction of concentration-
effect models; tumour-targeted drug delivery and Clinical Trial Simulation
action; mechanisms of toxicity, and the
(Dr Holford)
extrapolation of these results to patients for more
effective therapy and less adverse drug reactions. A rational approach to the clinical phases of drug
development is based on the application of
Cancer Clinical Pharmacology pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
(Drs McKeage & Liu) principles. The use of mathematical models to
describe and explain human responses to new
We are a research group of eight staff and drugs is being explored using mixed effect
students working on translational and clinical nonlinear regression and clinical trial simulation.
projects concerned with the clinical Current work is exploring methods for the optimal
pharmacology and development of anticancer design of clinical trials.
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.

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 7

 Disease Progress And Drug Action Respiratory Pharmacology
(Dr Holford) (Dr Black)

Clinical pharmacology expresses the combined The pathogenesis and treatment of asthma and
knowledge of disease and how drugs affect it. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
Attention is turning towards understanding how being investigated. Airway remodelling is being
drugs affect the long-term progression of disease. studied with a particular interest in factors
Dr Holford is engaged in studies of Parkinson’s influencing the growth of cultured lung
Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease, osteoporosis fibroblasts. Clinical studies have focused on novel
and depression which describe both the effects of treatments for asthma and for treating COPD.
drugs and the natural progression of the disease
over time. Toxicology
(Dr Tingle)
Bioavailability, metabolism and
transport of Phytochemicals The toxicity of many foreign compounds involves
(Drs Paxton, Reid & Tingle) metabolism to a reactive intermediate that can
interact with a critical macromolecule and induce
It is now accepted that a high intake of direct toxicity (cell death), genotoxicity or
phytochemicals from a diet rich in fruit and hypersensitivity reactions.
vegetables results in a reduced risk of cancer,
cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and other Research is focussed on:
age-related degenerative illnesses. Most research 1. Interspecies and inter-individual differences in
on these dietary “phyto-pharmaceuticals” has the expression and activity of xenobiotic
focussed on their mechanisms of action, but to be metabolizing enzymes and their effect on the
effective, these bioactive food ingredients must toxicity of drugs and environmental toxicants;
cross the gut epithelium, gain access to the
bloodstream, and reach their target site of action 2. The effect of drugs on the metabolism and
in the hepatocytes, or tumour cells, or other disposition of endogenous factors that results
organs in the body. A better understanding of in adverse drug reactions;
these interactions with the uptake and efflux
systems and drug metabolizing enzymes in the 3. The ability of compounds present in foodstuff
body will allow strategies to improve the to alter the balance between detoxication,
beneficial effects of these bioactive food bioactivation (toxication) and bioinactivation
ingredients to prevent cancer and ageing (detoxification) of xenobiotics.
diseases by diet supplementation tailored to the
individual. In addition, these studies will allow the Signal Transduction and High
identification of possible detrimental drug- Content Analysis Research
phytochemical interactions. It is also highly likely (Prof Dragunow)
that these studies will lead to the identification of
diet-derived compounds for development as a This group uses cell line models of the nervous
clinical agent to reverse multidrug resistance, one system to dissect out the signal transduction
of the major factors responsible for the failure of cascades regulating processes such as neuronal
cancer chemotherapy. 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

8 | 2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

of neurodegenerative disorders and as cell-based gained in this way with the pathology seen in
screens for bioactive & biotoxic substances. This animal models of disease, as well as in the
group is also involved in molecular and cellular human brain, through collaborations with the
studies of the diseased and normal human brain, Neurological Foundation Human Brain bank,
and in the development of high-content and and other researchers.
High-throughput screening technologies for
cell-based assays using automated fluorescence New Therapies for Brain Diseases
microscopy, morphometry and image analysis.
(Dr Young)

Receptor Signalling Lab This group is interested in understanding

(Dr Michelle Glass) disease mechanisms and developing novel
therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative
The Laboratory of Receptor Signalling focuses disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and
predominantly on the signalling interactions of Huntington’s disease, stroke and epilepsy. Key
G-protein coupled receptors, and their potential research areas in the lab include gene therapy
role in neurodegenerative disease. We have a and vaccine/antibody-based therapeutic
particular interest in cannabinoid CB1 receptors, approaches, understanding how environment
their signalling interactions with other G PCRs affects brain structure and function, developing
and their contribution to neuroprotection or neurodegenerative disease models and
neurodegeneration in diseases such as optimising viral vector-mediated gene transfer
Huntington’s disease. Our work focuses on using technology. The research covers the full
cell models to understand receptor signalling and spectrum from molecular biology through to
cross talk, as well as utilizing cells to model animal behaviour, with the aim being to
disease processes such as those that occur in advance promising approaches to human
Huntington’s disease. We correlate information 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 Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
1
BIOSCI 101 Essential Biology: From Genomes to Organisms
1
BIOSCI 106 Foundations of Biochemistry
2
BIOSCI 107 Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes & Development
1
CHEM 110 Chemistry of the Living World
CHEM 120 Chemistry of the Material World or
STATS 107 Statistics for Science and Technology or
COMPSCI 111 Mastering Cyberspace or
PHYSICS 160 Physics for the Life Sciences or
General Education Courses
1
Prerequisites for BIOSCI 203
2
Prerequisites for MEDSCI 205 and 206

10 | 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 III

Course Title Pts Coordinator Prerequisites

MEDSCI 303 FH Principles of Pharmacology 15 J. Paxton MEDSCI 204 and

one of the following:
MEDSCI 304 FH Molecular Pharmacology 15 M. Glass MEDSCI 205 or
MEDSCI 206 or
MEDSCI 305 SH Systematic Pharmacology 15 B. Connor BIOSCI 203 and a
GPA ≥ 5.
MEDSCI 306 SH Principles of Toxicology 15 M. Tingle Students with GPA <
5 will be waitlisted.
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 | 11

 BSc (Hons), PGDipSci, PGDipHSci, MSc or PhD
Students who have completed a BSc in Pharmacology, are able, subject to appropriate grades, to
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: A degree with at least 60 points in pharmacology from
MEDSCI 303 –MEDSCI 307

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

MSc
Prerequisites: PGDipSci (in Pharmacology) with an average grade B, or BSc (Hons)

Requirements: MSc Thesis PHARMCOL 796 (120 points).

PGDipSci
Prerequisites: A BSc including at least 45 points from MEDSCI 303 – 307.

Requirements: 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

MEDSCI 701/702 FH/SH Special Studies in Medical Science (1&2) 15 R. Booth
MEDSCI 715 FH Molecular Toxicology 15 M. Tingle
MEDSCI 716 FH Drug Disposition and Kinetics 15 J. Paxton
MEDSCI 717 FH Advanced Neuroscience: Neuropharmacology 15 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 M. McKeage
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 MEDSCI 204 Introduction to Pharmacology
Topics covered include: the concepts of receptor and Toxicology
function in relation to the action of drugs, how
(Second semester, three lectures and one
drugs modify the action of neurotransmitters and
computer-based laboratory per week)
hormones; the principles of drug disposition and
the time course of drug action; introduction to A principles-based introduction to pharmacology
poisoning. and toxicology. Topics covered include drug
targets and action, ADME and pharmacokinetics,
drugs of the autonomic system, toxicity and
MBChB 302 Medical Neuroscience adverse drug reactions, selective toxicity of
A co-ordinated, multidisciplinary approach to the chemotherapy; integrated clinical pharmacology;
central and peripheral nervous systems and gives drug discovery and development.
a firm scientific understanding of the structure
Assessment:
and function of the nervous system and the
clinically important aspects of the nervous Project 20%
system. Mid-semester test 10%
Laboratory exam 20%
MBChB 355 Regulation of Body Function Final exam 50%
Integrated physiology of human organ systems
and associated aspects of pharmacology. Topics
MEDSCI 303 Principles of Pharmacology
covered include the regulation of electrolytes and
extracellular fluid volume, control of (First semester, two lectures and one laboratory
cardiovascular function, control of respiration and per week)
regulation of body temperature.
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 (Second semester, two lectures and one
per week) laboratory per week)
This course explores the cellular and molecular This course introduces the principles and
mechanisms of drugs acting at receptors, ion concepts involved in toxicology. The lectures cover
channels, enzymes and intermediate messengers. the general mechanisms involved in the toxicity of
These basic concepts are developed further in a foreign compounds,
detailed examination of the molecular basis of
drug addiction and mechanisms of action of including the formation and detoxification of
common recreational drugs and anaesthetics. chemically reactive metabolites and their
Finally, the course investigates novel drug targets interactions with macromolecular targets. The
presented by the cell cycle and apoptotic course describes the secondary and tertiary
pathways. consequences of these interactions, such as direct
toxicity, genotoxicity and hypersensitivity
Assessment: reactions, plus the basis of organ-selective
Practical reports 12.5% toxicity. The course covers the toxicity of
compounds such as drugs, food additives and
Laboratory test 12.5%
contaminants, plant and animal toxins as well as
Project 15% environmental toxicants.
Mid-semester test 10%
Assessment:
Final exam 50%
Mid-semester test 10%
MEDSCI 305 Systematic Pharmacology Project presentation 15%
Practical reports 25%
(Second semester, two lectures and one
Final exam 50%
laboratory per week)

This course considers the modification by drugs of MEDSCI 307

human systems under physiological and Neuroscience:Neuropharmacology
pathological conditions. Consideration will be
given to the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, (First Semester, two lectures and one laboratory
reproductive, respiratory and the central nervous per week)
systems. The cellular and molecular mechanisms This course introduces the principles and
of action of the drugs are considered. concepts involved in neuropharmacology.
It covers the anatomy, neurochemistry and
Assessment: pharmacology of the normal and diseased
Laboratory practical test 12.5% human brain; the biochemical causes of
Practical reports 12.5% psychiatric and neurological diseases; and the
types and mechanisms of action of drugs used to
Laboratory project 15%
treat human brain disorders.
Mid-semester test 10%
Final exam 50% Assessment:
Mid-semester test 15%
Practical exam 15%
Practical reports 10%
Final exam 60%
2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 15
 MEDSCI 701/702 MEDSCI 717
Special Studies in Medical Science (1 & 2) Advanced Neuroscience:Neuropharmacology

Special topics in pharmacology may be arranged An advanced discussion of current research in

with the permission of the HOD after neuroscience. The course will involve critical
consultation with supervisor. analysis of the literature within the context of a
series of major research themes. Each theme will
Assessment: encompass models from molecular through to
Course work 100% systems level neuroscience. In this course, themes
will be selected from the following areas:
neuroscience; neurodegeneration and addiction.
MEDSCI 715 Molecular Toxicology
Assessment:
This course involves advanced study into the role
of metabolism (including induction/inhibition and Course work 30%
genetic polymorphisms) in the toxicity of Final exam 70%
xenobiotics and molecular events following
exposure to toxic xenobiotics, such as
MEDSCI 718
mutagenesis, teratogenesis and apoptosis. The
Pharmacology of Anaesthetics/Analgesics
toxicity of several classes of drugs, including
anticancer, antibacterial and antimalarial drugs This course deals with the general aspects of
is also studied in detail. anaesthetics and analgesics.

Assessment: Assessment:
Project presentation and essay 25% 4000 word essay 33%
Final exam 75% Seminar 33%
Final exam 34%
MEDSCI 716 Drug Disposition and Kinetics

This course is concerned with the advanced study

MEDSCI 719 Pharmacometrics
of: the absorption, distribution, metabolism and
excretion of drugs; in vivo and in vitro techniques This course deals with the application of
for ADME studies; and the analysis of these mathematical models to interpretation of
processes. pharmacological observations. Models provide
an explanation for experimental observations as
Assessment:
well as a description. Computer based analysis
Course work 25% methods are used for individuals and
Final exam 75% 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 MEDSCI 723 Cancer Pharmacology
Biomedical Research Techniques
This course focuses on the clinical pharmacology
Introduction to a broad base of research and development of drugs for treating cancer.
techniques ranging from tissue culture through The course deals with the main classes of
microcopy to gene cloning and RNA interference. anticancer drugs, including alkylating agents,
Emphasis is on theoretical basis, application and platinum-based drugs, antimetabolites,
interpretation. topoisomerase-interactive drugs, antimicrotubule
agents, targeted therapies and vascular targeting
Assessment: drugs. Other topics include the pharmacological
Course work 60% basis of cancer chemotherapy, pharmacological
Lab test 40% variability and individualisation of cancer therapy,
oncology clinical trials, drug interactions and
combination chemotherapy, and selected
MEDSCI 721 Advanced Toxicology research topics.

The course addresses current issues and recent Assessment:

advances in toxicology. This course is aimed Course work 40%
primarily at students wishing to undertake Final exam 60%
research in a field related to toxicology.

Assessment: BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology

Course work 100% Students must undertake 75 points in courses
from the 700 level pharmacology courses and
MEDSCI 722 Clinical Pharmacology complete a 45 point dissertation of a research
project by the end of the second semester.
This course deals with therapeutic drug
monitoring and clinical pharmacokinetics; disease
Diploma in Pharmacology
progress and variability in drug response;
adverse drug reactions; pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacology courses (Stage III) may also be
clinical trial evaluation. Drug disposition and taken as part of the Diploma in Science (DipSci)
action in the elderly, young and in pregnancy will and (stage IV courses) the postgraduate Diploma
also be considered. Emphasis is placed on the use in Science (PGDipSci). Students are referred to the
of medicines in humans and application of current University Calendar for further
clinical pharmacology to drug development. information regarding these diplomas.
Assessment:
PGDipSci or PGDipHSci
Course work 25%
Final exam 75% 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.

MSc or MHSc

120 point Masters thesis in pharmacology

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 17

 Lecture and Laboratory
Timetable
F or S = First or Second Semester H = Medical and Health Sciences Campus

MEDSCI 204 SH Lectures: Tues / Wed / Thurs 7:55 am - 8:45am

*Note: Labs are done online

MEDSCI 303 FH Lectures: Tues / Wed 7:55am - 8:45am

plus one of the following Laboratories:
Stream i Tuesday 10am - 1pm
Stream ii Wednesday 10am - 1pm
Steam iii Wednesday 3pm - 6pm

MEDSCI 304 FH Lectures: Thurs / Fri 1pm - 2pm

plus one of the following Laboratories:
Stream i Friday 10am - 1pm
Stream ii Friday 3pm - 6pm

MEDSCI 305 SH Lectures: Thurs / Fri 7:55am - 8:45am

plus one of the following Laboratories:
Stream i Thursday 10am - 1pm
Stream ii Thursday 3pm - 6pm
Stream iii Friday 10am - 1pm

MEDSCI 306 SH Lectures: Mon / Thurs 9am - 10am

plus one of the following Laboratories:
Stream i Monday 10am - 1pm
Stream ii Monday 2pm - 5pm

MEDSCI 307 FH Lectures: Mon / Thurs 9am - 10am

plus one of the following Laboratories:
Stream i Monday 10am - 1pm
Stream ii Monday 2pm - 5pm

18 | 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 Clinical Teaching and Research

Educational Institutions Medically qualified clinical pharmacologists are
In New Zealand most teachers of pharmacology employed by pharmaceutical companies for
are concerned with training students for the evaluating drug activity in patients. In these
medical, veterinary and pharmaceutical studies, their work is supported by non-clinically
professions. Pharmacology is also taught to qualified graduates and non-graduate technicians
science students at the University of Auckland who contribute to the laboratory aspects of the
and University of Otago. It should be noted that clinical studies. Increasingly, more offices of
appointment to a university teaching post usually multinational pharmaceutical companies and
requires the possession of a research degree or clinical research organisations are offering posts
equivalent experience. for clinical research assistants.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Government Department and

Research and Development (R and D) Research Institutions
The discovery and development of new and better A number of opportunities are available for work
medicines for the treatment of diseases in man in Government or government-sponsored
and animals, as well as chemicals for food research institutions. Examples of the type of
processing and agricultural application requires work available are: research and development
pharmacologists as part of the multi-disciplinary studies, assessment of the cost and safety of
research and development teams. The medicines and advisory and safety aspects of
pharmaceutical industry is a major source of chemicals used in the food processing and
employment opportunities but this mostly occurs agricultural industries. In addition there are a
overseas in Europe, the US and also Japan. In number of private research institutions and
New Zealand pharmaceutical research is mainly companies, such as Neuronz, Genesis Research
confined to clinical trials with little basic and Development Corporation, The Cancer
pharmacological research being undertaken. Research Laboratory (sponsored by the New
However a number of small Biotech companies Zealand Cancer Society) in Auckland, or the
have started in New Zealand and offer some Mallagan Research Institution in Wellington
career opportunities. Pharmacologists can also which can provide research opportunities for
find key roles in the medical, regulatory and pharmacologists.
marketing divisions of the pharmaceutical
industry in New Zealand. continued...

2009 Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology | 19

 Medical Publishing And Drug Toxicology
Information A pharmacology/toxicology qualification is one of
A background in pharmacology and toxicology is the principal entry routes into employment as a
ideal for entry into medical publishing and drug toxicologist. The training and ability to appreciate
information dissemination. There are many and measure the many aspects involved in the
opportunities in this expanding field. For example, assessment of drug action and the adverse
Adis International is an international publishing effects of chemicals forms an ideal basis for a
and drug information company which has its career in toxicology. Toxicologists are employed in
headquarters at Mairangi Bay in Auckland. 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

The Academic Year – 2009
Semester 1 – 2009
Semester 1 Begins Monday 2 March
Mid Semester /Easter Break Monday 6 April – Friday 17 April
ANZAC Day Saturday 25 April
Graduation Thursday 30 April - Friday 8 May
Queen’s Birthday Monday 1 June
Lectures End Saturday 6 June
Study break/Exams Saturday 6 June - Monday 29 June
Semester 1 Ends Monday 29 June

Inter Semester Break Tuesday 30 June - Saturday 18 July

Semester 2 – 2009
Semester 2 Begins Monday 20 July
Mid Semester Break Monday 31 August - Saturday 12 September
Graduation Tuesday 22 September and Thursday 24 September
Lectures End Saturday 24 October
Study break/Exams Saturday 24 October - Monday 16 November
Labour Day Monday 26 October
Semester 2 Ends Monday 16 November

Semester 1 – 2010
Semester 1 Begins Monday 1 March 2010
 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