Objective: To develop a genotype exercise to improve pharmacy students' comprehension of pharmacogenetic principles that apply to patient care.
Design: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was collected during class from 10 student volunteers and subjected to genotype analysis. The results were presented to the class and discussed in the context of a patient genetic counseling session. Students completed a survey instrument regarding their attitudes toward this learning experience.
Assessment: Students indicated that the exercise engaged them with the course content and would positively influence their ability to apply pharmacogenetic principles to patient care.
Conclusion: An applied genotype exercise enhanced learning of pharmacogenetic principles. Based on these findings, conducting a genotype exercise in a large classroom setting is feasible in terms of time and expense, and meaningful in terms of student satisfaction.
Keywords: angiotensin converting enzyme; cardiovascular disease; genotype; pharmacogenetics; polymerase chain reaction.