Instructions

I want you to explore more about Pharmacodynamics (PD) and its relationship to Pharmacokinetics (PK) along with other topics discussed in this module. Part of learning is discovering more about a topic by researching, watching, consuming, and digesting new information.

I want you to research the terms found in this module: PD, PK, receptor sites, efficacy, dose-response, loading doses, Cmax, curves, Tmax, half-life, clearance, agonists, antagonists, plasma, results – you can decide to research some, many, or all of these key topics. I want you to take me on a research journey with you. Tell me what term you started with, where did that term lead you, where did you go next, what did you learn along the way, where did you go (what did you research) after that? Let's go on a trip.

I know some of you need a jumping-off point, and others are already researching. If you know what you're going to do, or are at least ready to start, that's fine – get going. If you want an example, keep reading.

While reading the module resources, I wanted to know more about ligands, receptors, and binding. I typed pharmacodynamics and ligand into the search engine. I found an article titled An overview of pharmacodynamic modeling, ligand-binding approach, and its application in clinical practice. I didn't read too much of this article, it didn't interest me, so I decided to search ligand binding and cardiovascular drugs since I want to do CV research. I next found an article titled Biased Ligands for Better Cardiovascular Drugs. (link attached). Immediately, GPCR were discussed, which I remember learning about in this module.

You may choose to present what you have learned in any way you prefer (PowerPoint, using an interactive presentation platform such as Prezi, Loom (recording a presentation), writing an essay, a detailed flow-chart or pictochart, creating a PowerPoint Poster (Google PPT science poster templates, or look here for other poster creation ideas)), but it should be detailed.

Why are we doing this? Well, as I mentioned in the first paragraph, learning is a journey. But more than that, in research, you will be given a study and not all of the details will make sense immediately. You will have to research a new type of drug, a new discovery, a recent diagnostic tool under study. Or, you may move into a new area of research and have more to learn about the diseases, medications, diagnostic tests, or treatment options available in this new area. Lastly, you will have to explain something about what you've learned (think about a new clinical trial, the rationale or background about the trial, or information about a new type of drug therapy) to a colleague or patient. This may be as part of a formal presentation, or just a quick explanation during a conversation. This assignment is a way to prepare you for future clinical presentations.