Time Schedule:
Susan R. Heckbert
EPI 533
Seattle Campus
Overview of pharmacoepidemiology including drug development and approval; application of epidemiologic methods to study drug safety and effectiveness; exploration of the interplay between research and public policy; introduction to resources for information about drugs; introduction to pharmacology principles pertinent to pharmacoepidemiology. Prerequisite: health sciences graduate student or with permission. Offered: jointly with PHARM 533; even years; Sp.
Class description
Overview of pharmacoepidemiology including drug development and approval; application of epidemiologic methods to study drug safety and effectiveness; exploration of the interplay between research and public policy; introduction to resources for information about drugs; introduction to pharmacology principles pertinent to pharmacoepidemiology.
Student learning goals
1. Explain the US drug development and approval process, its strengths and limitations
2. Define key pharmacology principles necessary for conducting pharmacoepidemiologic research
3. Describe resources for information about drugs and drug effects
4. Explain research methods appropriate to pharmacoepidemiology
5. Explain strengths and limitations of studies in the field
6. Describe the interplay between research and public policy
General method of instruction
Lecture and discussion format with student presentations during the last few class sessions of the quarter.
Recommended preparation
Graduate student status is required. Some background in epidemiologic methods is recommended.
Class assignments and grading
Readings from the text and from the literature are assigned for each lecture/discussion session. Students prepare a 5-page term paper on a pharmacoepidemiology topic of their choosing. They also present this paper to the class.
Grades are based upon class participation and a term paper and oral presentation of that paper at the end of the quarter.
