Teaching of clinical pharmacogenetics for pharmacy students at the National University of Singapore

Clinical pharmacogenetics is an important discipline that studies the genetic basis underlying variable drug response in individual patients. This study aimed to identify the relevant topics, approaches, emerging problems and possible solutions in the teaching of clinical pharmacogenetics for pharmacy students at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The teaching of clinical pharmacogenetics was conducted by incorporating other modules such as pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics. The topics taught consisted of the concept of pharmacogenetics, the approach to pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenetics of major drug metabolising enzymes, drug transporters and drug targets, clinical application of pharmacogenetics and the role of pharmacists in pharmacogenetic practice. The major teaching methods for pharmacogenetics at NUS included classroom lecturing, case studies, group or individual projects, problem-based study, tutorial and continuous assessments with the use of a variety of teaching resources. Proper approaches should be adopted to address concerns about the teaching of pharmacogenetics from pharmacy students.