Laboratory Rotations & Research
The graduate programs in Pharmacology and Toxicology require first-year students to do three to four rotations. The objective of the rotations is to introduce the graduate student to research and familiarize him or her 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, development of library and literature skills, ability to apply the scientific method and use pharmacological and toxicological principles, development of laboratory skills, attitude toward the research project and a final written report/or oral presentation prepared by the student.
By the end of the first year’s rotations, students will have selected a faculty adviser who will guide their dissertation research for the remainder of their graduate studies.
Pharmacology & Toxicology Course Information
This section describes the core courses of the Pharmacology and Toxicology research track in the college's graduate programs.
Students are required to complete 9 units of coursework in the minor subject, 18 units of dissertation and a minimum of 36 units of coursework in the major subject including:
- 4 seminar credits (minimum)
- 6 laboratory rotation units
- 4 research conference credits (minimum)
Core Courses:
The course will present basic principles that underlie each of these program tracks and will provide a basis for more advanced work in these areas of study.
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.
Survey of tissue and organ system effects of toxins and toxicants. 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; examine carcinogenesis and developmental toxicology.
Introduction to 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.
The class emphasizes writing; manuscripts, manuscript and grant reviews, Scientific presentations, and applications for awards, future employment etc. Significant class participation is mandatory. This course satisfies the bioethics requirement of NIH funded grants. Signature of Course Director is required for individuals who do not meet the pre-requisite requirement.
The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting.
Lab Meeting
ABBS students: (MCB 792, fall & spring) / Track Specific Admission students: (PCOL 792, fall & spring)
Electives
Students will choose electives to total a minimum of 36 units for the major. For a list of electives avilable, refer to the Pharmacology & Toxicology Handbook.