A required course in human genomics, pharmacogenomics, and bioinformatics.

OBJECTIVES: To provide students with an understanding of the principles and applications of human genetics and genomics in drug therapy optimization, patient care, and counseling.

DESIGN: A 2-credit hour course entitled Principles of the Human Genome, Pharmacogenomics, and Bioinformatics was offered to third-professional year PharmD students. Written examinations, in-class exercises, and a written paper evaluating the current literature were used to evaluate student learning.

ASSESSMENT: Student course ratings on the pedagogical format of the course and the relevance of course material to professional practice have improved significantly since first implementation in 2002.

CONCLUSION: This course provided pharmacy students with an understanding of pharmacogenetics ranging from genetic principles and the inheritance of complex traits to specific examples of pharmacogenomics in drug therapy.