Pharmacology and Toxicology Core Courses
Drug Disposition & Metabolism (PCOL 550)
Principles of absorption, distribution and excretion of drugs, with emphasis on mechanisms of drug metabolism.
Biostatistics (EPID 576a)
This course introduces biostatistical methods and applications, and will cover descriptive statistics, probability theory and a wide variety of inferential statistical techniques that can be used to make practical conclusions about empirical data. Students will also be learning to use a statistical software package (STATA).
Pharmacology I (PCOL 571a)
Continuation of the comprehensive survey of the pharmacology of drugs, including agents acting on the autonomic, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and inflammatory systems. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a current topic.
Pharmacology II (PCOL 571c)
This course is the second of a two-semester course covering the basic science of pharmacology. Generally, pharmacology is concerned with all aspects of the action of drugs on living systems. In its entirety, pharmacology embraces biochemical and physiological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic and diagnostic uses of drugs. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth term/research paper related to any didactic topic presented in the course.
Systems Physiology (PSIO 580)
Principles of systems physiology. Designed for graduate students throughout the university.
Lab Rotation (PCOL 586a)
Each first-year student must participate in three (3) research laboratory rotations (PCOL 586a,b). The objective of the required laboratory research rotations is the introduction of the graduate student to research and familiarization with the scope and nature of the faculty's research endeavors. The research laboratory rotation constitutes a major part of the first-year graduate curriculum and performance in the rotation will bear heavily upon overall evaluation of the student. Performance criteria to be used by the laboratory director will include assessment of the student's initial familiarity with the research, the development of library and literature skills, ability to apply the scientific method and use pharmacological and toxicological principles, the development of laboratory skills, attitude toward the research project and a final written report prepared by the student. The lab rotation evaluation forms are found on the College of Pharmacy Graduate Program Web site under Important Forms.
Advanced Toxicology (PCOL 596c)
The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports and/or papers.
Genomics and Proteomics (PCOL 601)
Lecture and laboratory on the qualitative and quantitative effects of toxic substances on mammalian genes and proteins. Modern instrumental techniques will be employed whenever appropriate. Lecture may be taken separately by non-majors.
General and Systems Toxicology (PCOL 602a)
Survey of tissue and organ system effects of environmental chemicals. Introduction to adsorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of chemicals; toxicology of liver, lung, kidney, central nervous system, skin, reproductive systems, hematopoeitic system and immune system. Introduction to carcinogenesis and developmental toxicology.
Cellular Communications and Signal Transduction (PCOL 630 A & B)
Principles of molecular signaling regulating membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear events in eukaryotic cells. Topics include extracellular signals, intracellular transduction pathways, modulation of cell signaling and biological processes controlled by specific signaling pathways.
Science, Society, and Ethics (MCB 695e)
Provide students with skills to write/communicate effectively for a variety of scientific audiences; including scientific journals, funding institutions, potential employers as well as administration in academia and industry.
Seminar (PCOL 696a)
The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports and/or papers.
REQUIRED UNITS: 40 units of major coursework, 9 units of minor coursework and 18 units of dissertation
See the Pharmacology and Toxicology Student Handbook for an Example Course Schedule
Further information
For general questions regarding the graduate programs in the College of Pharmacy, contact Nancy Colbert, (520) 626-7265 or by fax (520)626-2466