Researchers predict that the medicines of the future may not only look and work differently than those taken today, but tomorrow’s medicines will be tailored to genes. In 10 to 20 years, many scientists expect that genetics —the study of how genes influence actions, appearance, and health—will pervade medical treatment. Today, doctors usually give an “average” dose of a medicine based on body size and age. In contrast, future medicines may match the chemical needs of the body, as influenced by genes. Knowing the individual's unique genetic make-up could help doctors prescribe the right medicine in the right amount, to boost its effectiveness and minimize possible side effects. Along with these so-called pharmacogenetic approaches, many other research directions will help guide the prescribing of medicines. The science of pharmacology—understanding the basics of how our bodies react to medicines and how medicines affect our bodies—is already a vital part of 21st-century research. Chapter 1, “ABCs of Pharmacology,” tracks a medicine’s journey through the body and describes different avenues of pharmacology research today. Chapter 2 looks at how the body can heal itself and how it interacts with pharmaceuticals. Chapter 3 takes the reader through a journey of how medicines were made from nature and the processes which changed the composition from then to now. Finally chapter 4 provides an analysis of the challenges associated with producing medicines with the least impact on molecules.
Type of Material:
Open (Access) Textbook
Recommended Uses:
Reference text
In Classroom
Self directed reading
Preparing lecturers
Technical Requirements:
Internet Access
Web browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Per the textbook, "Medicines By Design aims to explain how scientists unravel the many different ways medicines work in the body and how this information guides the hunt for drugs of the future. Pharmacology is a broad discipline encompassing every aspect of the study of drugs, including their discovery and development and the testing of their action in the body."
After completing the educational material, the learner will:
Describe the basics of pharmacology.
Discuss how the body interacts with medications.
Explain the changes which have occurred over the years with regards to producing medications.
Discuss how nature has produced natural products which contribute to medication production.
Discuss opportunities for future advances in the production of medications.
Target Student Population:
College Upper Division
Pharmacology students
Undergraduate medical students
Health professionals; doctors, nurses, pharmacists
Lecturers in Health Sciences
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Anatomy and Physiology
Pharmacokinetics
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The content supports the goals in a concise, meaningful and relevant approach.
The content is well written and further supported by appropriate examples and graphics.
The format is consistent with outlining of chapters and questions at the end of the chapter.
The book is well laid out well with clear headings and sub headings.
The book includes a glossary of terms.
Concerns:
The content is well described by giving credit to researchers; an addition of references would add to the quality of the open access textbook.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The aim/goal is easily identified with the Forward of the book describing rationale for several chapters.
The 8 chapters of content with side bar questions at the end of the chapter and glossary, promotes learning and understanding; in several areas, it appears the author stimulates further exploration.
The book can be used at various levels of health education
Appeals to varied learning styles.
Glossary is an added bonus for persons who are not familiar with some of the terminology being used.
Concerns:
There are no overarching learning objectives nor specific objectives for each chapter.
The pre requisites for the learning material is not identifies.
Although the material is relevant it requires updating.
The book lacks referencing.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Page layout is attractive.
The open access text is easy to use and navigate that includes a menu option to access chapters or one can toggle up and down through the publication.
Pages are easy to navigate
Good use of pictorials
The site is in good working order.
Graphics, pictures and colors are of high quality.
Creative Commons:
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