Departmental degree requirements

Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum semester hours required: 96 beyond the baccalaureate, not including any courses that have already applied toward another degree.

Coursework: All first-year students are required to take General Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS) courses in the first semester, which include Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Integrative Physiology and Research Methods I. In the second semester, students interested in pharmacology will take Receptor Pharmacology and Cell Signaling, Research Methods II, Medical Pharmacology I (PCOL 501) and have the option of taking one 500-level elective (see below).

The second-year course requirements include Medical Pharmacology II (PCOL 502), Scientific Integrity and Responsible Research (GC 401) and a 500-level elective chosen from Molecular Pharmacology Of The Cardiovascular System and Platelets (PCOL 510); Pharmacology and Biology of the Vessel Wall (PCOL 530); and Ion Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology and Pathology (PCOL 540). In addition, all students will register for PCOL 595 (seminar) and PCOL 599 (thesis research).  

Seminars: Required attendance.

Preliminary oral examination: Required before the start of the fall semester of the third year.

Dissertation: Required.

Other departmental requirements: Students will rotate through three laboratories in the first year prior to choosing an advisor. After beginning their second year, students must also present a seminar on their research each year.

Graduate students may be asked to assist in teaching and research activities of the department

Master of Science

** The Department does not enroll graduate students into an M.S. program. **