Describes an interdisciplinary, college-level course on the chemical and physiological properties of selected drugs and medications. The course, which could be adapted for secondary school use, assumes no prior chemical or biological knowledge. Source materials, films used, credit/grading policies, instructional strategies, and course outline are…

Information in this guide is simply presented to give adults a clear understanding of depression. Personal narratives are included to demonstrate how depression affects people's lives. Sections are included on the four steps for understanding, recognizing the symptoms, and getting help for depression. A discussion is included on suicidal thoughts,…

Regulatory agencies around the world require that those involved in producing pharmaceutical products be adequately trained. E-learning can accomplish this, providing consistent delivery and learner assessment. However, there are some unique expectations that regulators and the pharmaceutical industry have of e-learning solutions. These include…

One application of modeling is studying the ways in which molecules fit together to form chemical compounds. Describes the forces acting between molecules and how three-dimensional graphical modeling is employed in developing rational principles for drug design. (JN)

A one week rotation in home health care for the aged, included in a required clinical clerkship, provided students with exposure to medical, social, and economic influences on the elderly and provided the patient with nondispensing pharmaceutical services. Improved communication skills and knowledge of geriatric drugs and diseases resulted. (MSE)

Describes project which investigated the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with pharmacology undergraduates and documented significant instructional interactions, using three treatment groups--CAI, CAI with lecture, and lecture. No significant differences in learning, retention, or attitude toward CAI were found. It was concluded that…

Inability to see the relevance of mathematics to understanding the time course of drugs in the body may discourage interest in pharmacokinetics. A UNC-developed computer graphics simulation program helps visualize the nature of pharmacokinetic-patient interactions, generates classroom handouts, and is used in the pharmaceuticals industry to…

Literature suggests that the factual approach to drug education may cause an increase in drug usage. The pharmacological approach was used in a college drug education course, and an assessment of students' drug consumption was made. No statistically significant changes were found for the substances surveyed. (Author)

Reviews research on the treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa, including the general approach, treatment setting, treatment of medical complications, nutritional management, psychopharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, treatment efficacy and outcome studies, comparison studies, and prevention programs. (EV)

A multidisciplinary team, including representatives from medicine, psychology, and residential living, examined 436 mentally retarded residents' regimen of psychotropic medications, with the goal of finding the least restrictive method of behavior management and lowest drug dosage. Significant reductions in psychotropic drug use were observed,…

Describes how student learning from a series of laboratory practicals was improved using small group methods and a structured learning cycle that encouraged reflection on group performance and investigative techniques. Discussion includes evaluation of learning benefits by means of written records, a questionnaire, observation, and the role of…

At the Duquesne University (PA) school of pharmacy, five self-paced computer exercises using a molecular modeling program have been implemented to teach stereochemical concepts. The approach, designed for small-group learning, has been well received and found effective in enhancing students' understanding of the concepts. (Author/MSE)

This paper describes the application of the Student Edition of MathCAD as a computational aid in an introductory graduate level pharmacokinetics course. The program allows the student to perform mathematical calculations and analysis on a computer screen. The advantages and disadvantages of this application are discussed. (GLR)

Discusses the wave of cocaine abuse that followed the drug's recommendation by the late nineteenth-century medical community as a cure all. Details drug addiction among ethnic and social groups at the turn of the century. Warns that drug epidemics have important social and legal consequences. Suggests legal pressure may alter the form of drug…

The large, exclusive research deal the Scripps Research Institute (California) made with one drug company has drawn criticism for conflict of interest. Critics fear researchers will focus more on marketing than on pure science and will protect corporate interests. Much of the deal-making is with foreign companies, sending profits overseas. (MSE)