Graduate Studies in Pharmacognosy
PROGRAM OUTLINE
The Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy offers studies leading to degrees in Pharmacognosy at both the masters and doctoral levels. Major research areas concern the isolation, structure elucidation, bioassay and mechanism of action of plant constituents having biological activity. The department also offers work leading to graduate degrees in Medicinal Chemistry. Studies in biomolecular interactions and structural biology are also pursued. Individual faculty profiles should be consulted for their specific areas of research interest.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:
Baccalaureate Field: Pharmacy, chemistry, or the biological sciences.
Prior academic work should include a year each of biology and organic chemistry.
Grade Point Average: At least 3.00 (A=4.00) for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
Tests Required: GRE general.
Minimum TOEFL Score: 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based)
GRE and TOEFL submission code: 1851
Letters of Recommendation: Three required.
Personal Statement: Required.
Other Requirements: PhD applicants strongly preferred.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:
Master of Science
Minimum Semester Hours Required: 32.
Course work: At least 16 hours must be in didactic courses.
Required Courses: PmPg 480, 510, and one hour of 595.
Comprehensive Examination: None.
Thesis or Project: Thesis required. No other options available.
Other Requirements: Candidates must assist in one or more of the courses offered by the college or the department.
Doctor of Philosophy
Minimum Semester Hours Required: 96 from the baccalaureate.
Course work: At least 26 semester hours must be in didactic courses.
Required Courses: PmPg 480, 510, and two hours of PmPg 595.
Electives: Vary by student’s area of research interest; PmPg 521, GCLS 501, MdCh 560, and 562 are recommended. At least 4 hours must be in 500-level courses outside the program.
Qualifying Examination: None, incorporated into Preliminary Examination.
Preliminary Examination: Required; written and oral.
Dissertation: Required, with an oral defense.
Other Requirements: Candidates must assist in one or more of the courses offered by the college or the department.
APPLICATIONS
Applications can be obtained from the UIC Graduate College website. You need Adobe Acrobat software to read the file. The deadline for Fall applications is January 1 for both domestic and international students. International students also need to fill out a Declaration and Certification of Finances form. If you wish to apply online, you may do so.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Most students in the program receive financial support as a Teaching or Research Assistant, or as University Fellow.
Program Specializations
The Graduate Program in Pharmacognosy has four tracks. Students select from one of the following specializations:
1. Natural Products Drug Discovery
2. Medical Ethnobotany
3. Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
4. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Individual tracks may have additional didactic course requirements.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information about Graduate Studies in Pharmacognosy, please visit the Information Hub for Applicants and Students first, then if you have additional questions, contact:
Dr. Guido F. Pauli
Director of Graduate Studies in Pharmacognosy
College of Pharmacy
University of Illinois, Chicago
833 South Wood Street (M/C 877)
Chicago, IL 60612-7231
Phone: (312) 355-1949
Fax: (312) 996-7107
E-mail: pharmacognosy@uic.edu