Basic pharmacokinetic concepts can be taught by experimenting with the interplay between dose and dosage interval with drug absorption (e.g. absorption rate, bioavailability), drug distribution (e.g. volume of distribution, protein binding) and drug elimination (e.g. clearance) on drug concentrations using library ('canned') pharmacokinetic models.

Such 'what if' approaches are found in calculator-simulators such as PharmaCalc, Practical Pharmacokinetics and PK Solutions.

Others such as SAAM II, ModelMaker, and Stella represent the 'systems dynamics' genre, which requires the user to conceptualise a problem and formulate the model on-screen using symbols, icons, and directional arrows.

The choice of software should be determined by the aims of the subject/course, the experience and background of the students in pharmacokinetics, and institutional factors including price and networking capabilities of the package(s).

Enhanced learning may result if the computer teaching of pharmacokinetics is supported by tutorials, especially where the techniques are applied to solving problems in which the link with healthcare practices is clearly established.

There are 2 major modules. the compartmental module and the numerical module.

An important learning feature of the compartmental module is that the user initially conceptualises the biological process then links the inputs, transfers and delays in movement between compartments directly on-screen using model-building icons via an excellent graphics interface.

The program automatically translates the model into the necessary sets of differential equations following which experimental data can be fitted.

The numerical module allows one to fit data to one of a number of predefined models (e.g. sums of exponentials, Michaelis-Menten kinetics, Scatchard analysis for enzyme kinetics) or a nonlibrary model can be defined algebraically.

Flexibility is permitted in the modelling environment including simultaneous fitting of multiple experiments to a particular model, a variety of routes and multiple dosage regimens, and alteration in experimental conditions at any time (e.g. deterioration in renal function, altered bio-availability).

SAAM 11 operates from a Windows-compatible workstation and network platform.