Graduate Degrees:

MASTER OF SCIENCE with a major in Pharmacology

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY with a major in Pharmacology

The discipline of pharmacology is concerned with all aspects of the effects of drugs and chemicals on living systems. The field ranges from investigations at the molecular level to population studies on a global level. Drug development and evaluation make up an important part of pharmacology, but the field also includes the use of drugs as tools to probe the functions of macromolecules, cells, organs and even whole animals, and investigation of the harmful effects of chemicals on cells, organs and animals (toxicology). The breadth of interests encompassed by pharmacology provides excellent opportunities for individuals with strong interests and training in biology or chemistry to apply their knowledge to the understanding of fundamental biological processes.

MASTER OF SCIENCE and DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

The Department of Pharmacology offers programs leading to the Master of Science degree and to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. In general, it is not recommended that students elect to register for a master's degree program, except under unusual circumstances. A joint M.D./Ph.D program is also available.

Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the and the Graduate Programs of the School of Medicine. Applicants to the graduate program of the Department of Pharmacology should have a background in one of the chemical or biological sciences. Students with diverse backgrounds will be considered individually if they have special competence related to one of the departmental areas of interest. Applicants are expected to provide scores from the Graduate Record Examination. A subject test is not required, but is helpful in making the admission decision. Personal interviews are recommended. Letters of inquiry should be directed to the Chair, Graduate Admissions Committee of the Department.

Scholarship: All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the School of Medicine governing graduate scholarship and degrees.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of basic biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology in order to pass their general examination for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. For each student in the program, a unique plan is constructed to allow utilization of previous educational experience and individual interests, permitting the student to progress as rapidly as possible. The program consists of a small number of required courses, several research rotation projects, a qualifying examination, and a doctoral dissertation based on new and significant research findings. The research opportunities available for graduate students include the areas of biochemical, cellular, cardiovascular, autonomic, muscle, renal and clinical pharmacology: neuropharmacology; protein chemistry; molecular biology; cancer biology; carcinogenesis; cancer chemotherapy; drug metabolism; and environmental toxicology. The master's degree requires successful completion of a thesis based on original laboratory research.

ASSISTANTSHIPS and RESEARCH

The department has graduate assistantships and graduate research positions available for a number of qualified students. All students accepted into the graduate degree program are considered for financial assistance and no application forms are necessary for this purpose. Students on assistantships are advised to elect no more than twelve credits in a given semester. All students, whether or not they hold a fellowship or assistantship, are required to assist the graduate faculty in teaching and research activities as a component of their educational experience. For more complete information, students should consult or write to: