Curriculum

Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Degree Requirements

The training program is very flexible, allowing students to gain a strong foundation in biochemistry, physiology, and cellular and molecular biology and apply this background in a wide variety of laboratory experiences. Training in the first year of the program consists of required core courses and research rotations in laboratories. Second year students begin laboratory research leading to the thesis, and take the remaining core courses as well as elective courses relevant to the thesis work. At the end of the second year, as a qualifying exam, the student prepares and defends a research proposal, typically related to the intended thesis research. Subsequent years are devoted to the research, writing and defense of the PhD thesis. The trainee is aided in this not only by the faculty mentor, but also by an advisory committee of expert faculty which meets regularly.

Coursework

  • First year fall semester: Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology I and Mechanisms in Human Disease
  • First year spring semester: Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology IIĀ 
  • Second year spring semester: Responsible Conduct of Research and Statistics for Basic Science