Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology Curriculum
The MCP Program is designed as an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary Program consisting of about 63 trainers. Participating faculty members are from the Departments of Biochemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry, Neuroscience, Oncology, Genetics, Cellular and Regenerative Biology, Dermatology, Medical Microbiology, Psychiatry, Medicine, Zoology and the School of Pharmacy. The interdepartmental nature of the Graduate Program results in a flexible and yet rigorous set of degree requirements and training opportunities. The diversity of the research faculty encourages the graduate students to build upon the fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology and the principles of modern pharmacology in designing their focus of advanced studies and research.
The faculty stimulate each student to develop an independent and creative approach to science. The first year of the Graduate Program emphasizes formal course work with focus on advanced Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Toxicology and Pharmacology. These courses provide the foundation for a more specialized set of studies, which is defined by the students with the advice of their research mentors and their Thesis Committees. The Thesis Committee consists of the student, his or her research advisor, and four other faculty. Students begin research in the laboratories of their mentors in their first year.
Seminars and research progress reports are part of the formal training. A preliminary examination is offered at the beginning of the third year; it is a research proposal in combination with an oral examination. At the end of their studies and research, graduate students defend their thesis, which is based on the students' original research in the form of a final seminar and oral examination. The Thesis Committee meets with each student on a yearly basis, providing a source of encouragement and a formal opportunity for the exchange of research ideas. Students and faculty enjoy weekly seminars and informal social get togethers, establishing scientific and social interactions which create an atmosphere of cohesive scientific communication.
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1st Year, Fall
Required:
- Pharmacology/Biochemistry/Zoology 630 (3 cr): Cellular Signal Transductions Mechanisms
- Pharmacology 901 (1 cr): Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars
- Pharmacology 990 (3-5 cr): Rotations (three rotations required)
- Pharmacology 625 (3 cr): Molecular and Environmental Toxicology I
- Pharmacology 875/Ob/Gyn 955 (2 cr): Responsible Conduct in Research for Biomedical Research
1st Year, Spring
Required:
- Pharmacology 710 (2 cr): Cytosolic and Nuclear Signaling Mechanisms (if offered - taught even years)
OR Pharmacology 711 (2 cr): Molecular Principles in Pharmacology (if offered - taught odd years) - Pharmacology 901 (1 cr): Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars
- Pharamcology 990 (3-5 cr): Research
Recommended:
- Pathology 750 (3 cr): Cell and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology 620 (2 cr): Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology 626 (3 cr): Molecular and Environmental Toxicology II
- Pharmacology 875, Lecture 5 (2 cr): Cell Signaling and Human Disease
- Physiology 435 (3-5 cr): Fundamentals of Human Physiology
- Breadth and focal research area courses (credits vary)
1st Year, Summer
Required:
- Pharmacology 990 (3-5 cr): Research (Every Summer-every graduate student)
2nd Year, Fall
Required:
- Pharmacology 901 (1 cr): Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars
- Pharmacology 990 (3-5 cr): Research
Recommended:
- Oncology 675 (2 cr): Protein Purification (taught odd years).
- Oncology 703 (3 cr): Carcinogenesis and Tumor Cell Biology (taught even years)
- Biochemistry 601 (2 cr): Enzyme Structure and Function OR other advanced biochemistry course (3 cr)
- Talk to your Mentor regarding courses that fit your research
- Breadth and focal research area courses (credits vary)
2nd Year, Spring
Required:
- Pharmacology 710 (2 cr): Cytosolic and Nuclear Signaling Mechanisms (if offered - will be taught 2010 and 2012)
OR Pharmacology 711 (2 cr): Molecular Principles in Pharmacology (if offered - will be taught 2013 and 2015) - Pharmacology 901 (1 cr): Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars
- Pharmacology 990 (3-5 cr): Research
Recommended:
- Pathology 750 (3 cr): Cell and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology 620 (2 cr): Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology 626 (3 cr): Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology 677 (1-3 cr): Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology
- Breadth and focal research courses (credits vary)