PHM5013 – Precision Drug Discovery and Pharmacogenomics
Course Overview
This course provides an integrated understanding of modern drug discovery within the framework of precision medicine. It bridges computational, genomic, and regulatory sciences to demonstrate how drug response and safety are influenced by molecular structure, genetic variation, and population diversity. Students will learn key computational approaches—such as virtual screening, QSAR modelling, molecular dynamics, and AI-based prediction—alongside pharmacogenomic principles that guide individualized therapy. The course further explores regulatory pathways and pharmacovigilance through case studies from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and international agencies, highlighting the translation of genomic data into clinical and policy applications.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
1. Explain the principles of modern drug discovery and pharmacogenomics.
2. Apply computational and AI tools to optimize molecular drug design.
3. Interpret genetic and population-based determinants of variability in drug efficacy and safety.
4. Evaluate regulatory frameworks and real-world case studies of pharmacogenomics-driven pharmacovigilance
Course Outline
1. Pharmaceutical Development Pipeline: An integrated overview of the drug discovery and development continuum, from target identification through preclinical optimization and clinical trial design to regulatory submission
2. Target Identification and Computer-driven Drug Discovery: Systematic approaches to drug target validation and virtual screening methodologies
3. Structural Biology and Computational Modelling in Drug Design: Application of biomolecular structure prediction and Molecular Dynamics simulations for structure-based drug discovery
4. Translation and Clinical Pharmacogenomics: Integration of genomic variation into drug development, clinical pharmacology, and population health—from pharmacogenetic biomarkers to regulatory frameworks
Course Requirements
Students must have taken the core course PHM5001 Human Genomics in Precision Medicine and PHM5005 AI and Machine Learning in Precision Medicine.