Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Curriculum

The MCP Program is designed as an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary program consisting of over 90 trainers. Participating faculty members are from the Departments of Biochemistry, Biomolecular Cell & Regenerative Biology, Chemistry, Dermatology, Integrative Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Oncology, Medical Microbiology, Pathology, Psychiatry, Medicine, the School of Pharmacy, the College of Engineering, and more. The interdepartmental nature of the program results in a flexible yet rigorous set of degree requirements and training opportunities. The diversity of the research faculty encourages 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 encourage each student to develop an independent and creative approach to science. The first and second years of the program emphasize formal course work with focus on advanced Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Statistics, 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, their research advisor, and at least three other faculty members. Students begin research in the laboratories of their mentors in their first year.

Seminars and annual progress reports are part of the formal training. A preliminary examination is completed by 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 annual 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 events, establishing scientific and social interactions which create an atmosphere of cohesive scientific communication.