New Simulation Methods to Facilitate Achieving a Mechanistic Understanding of Basic Pharmacology Principles in the Classroom |
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| Authors: | Anita Grover Tai Ning Lam and C Anthony Hunt |
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| Institution: | (1) The Biosystems Group, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, The University of California, 513 Parnassus Ave., S-926, San Francisco, CA 94143-0912, USA |
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| Abstract: | We present a simulation tool to aid the study of basic pharmacology principles. By taking advantage of the properties of agent-based
modeling, the tool facilitates taking a mechanistic approach to learning basic concepts, in contrast to the traditional empirical
methods. Pharmacodynamics is a particular aspect of pharmacology that can benefit from use of such a tool: students are often
taught a list of concepts and a separate list of parameters for mathematical equations. The link between the two can be elusive.
While wet-lab experimentation is the proven approach to developing this link, in silico simulation can provide a means of
acquiring important insight and understanding within a time frame and at a cost that cannot be achieved otherwise. We suggest
that simulations and their representation of laboratory experiments in the classroom can become a key component in student
achievement by helping to develop a student’s positive attitude towards science and his or her creativity in scientific inquiry.
We present results of two simulation experiments that validate against data taken from current literature. We follow with
a classroom example demonstrating how this tool can be seamlessly integrated within the traditional pharmacology learning
experience. |
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| Keywords: | Education Pharmacology Systems biology In silico Model Simulation Mechanism |
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