Courses

PHCL 2001: Basic Principles of Pharmacology

Students will develop a foundational understanding of the principles of pharmacology related to pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. These concepts will be presented through in-person lectures with open discussion encouraged. Topics covered will be broken into three modules beginning with pharmacodynamics wherein drug binding, differences between affinity and efficacy, types and interpretation of dose-response curves, and modern receptor theory will be introduced. Module 2 will be comprised of types of receptors and the canonical signal transduction utilized by receptor classes such as G-protein coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, and ligand-gated ion channels. Lastly, module 3 will focus on pharmacokinetics which entails drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.  Each module will be followed by a non-cumulative mid-term exam worth 20% of the overall grade with a final cumulative exam at the end of the semester also entailing 20% of the overall grade and the last 20% of the grade being dependent on attendance.

PHCL 3101: Pharmacology for Pre-Med and Life Science Students

This course is tailored for students interested in clinical medicine, biological science research, health care professions, or those just wanting a taste of how drugs work. The emphasis is on "therapeutic drugs," with the goal of preparing students for future success in modern medicine, research, industry, graduate schools, or other health science programs. This course covers different drug categories for major organ systems including the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the endocrine/reproductive systems, as well as drugs for disease conditions like cancer and infectious disease. This course is required for students pursuing a Pharmacology Minor.

PHCL 4001: Integrated Pharmacology Principles: Mechanisms of Drug Action

This pharmacology course offers a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms of drug action, with an emphasis on understanding how drugs exert effects at the molecular and cellular level. Through course lectures, in-class discussion, and reading research papers, students will explore key principles in pharmacodynamics (how drugs interact with molecular targets, influence cellular pathways, and produce therapeutic effects), pharmacokinetics (what mechanisms regulate the process of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination), and pharmacogenomics (how individual genetic variations contribute to drug response). The course will also introduce the process of drug discovery and development, and how researchers establish drug efficacy and safety in preclinical studies and clinical trials. No previous knowledge of pharmacology is necessary, though introductory biology and chemistry are required.

PHCL 4003: Pharmacology of Microbes and Infectious Diseases 

Infections caused by microbes significantly impact global health. This course explores the principles of anti-infective drugs through their mechanisms of action on the biology of microbial life cycles and infections. Different modules of the course will cover viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, with a focus on discussing the features of these microbial pathogens that are exploited for pharmacological targets. Students will explore the pharmacological principles behind major drug classes and their mechanisms for targeting pathogens. The course will examine the cellular and molecular basis of drug action, efficacy, limitations, resistance, and current challenges. Each module will also include the discussion of a recent research paper, allowing students to apply the principles learned in that module to explore emerging topics in the development of novel anti-infective drugs. By understanding the principles and mechanisms of anti-infective drugs, students will gain a solid foundation in current medicines used for treating infectious diseases and a strong basis for building further knowledge on the application and development of novel anti-infective agents.

PHCL 4011: Frontiers in Pharmacology: Current Research Topics in Therapeutic Research

Through exploring cutting-edge research in diverse disciplines of pharmacology in addiction, cancer, and infection, PHCL 4011 (formerly PHCL4010) will help students develop essential skills of scientific reasoning and inquiry that drive pharmacology research and drug development. Students will develop those skills through activities that include reading research articles and attending guest seminars, short reflective written assignments, class discussions, and a group project on a recently approved clinical drug, examining its development from inception through discovery to clinical application. No prior expertise beyond fundamental biology (1000-levels, or equivalent) is required. Throughout the semester, students will engage with peers on pharmacological topics while receiving continuous guidance and feedback from instructors. There are no exams. Assessment is based on engagement in discussions, short written assignments, and group project discussion and presentation. PHCL 4011 is the new course number for the former PHCL 4010.

PHCL 4021: Cancer Pharmacology: Current and Future Therapeutics

Cancer is a major health problem that affects millions. PHCL 4021 (formerly PHCL 4020) will provide students with a strong foundation in the pharmacological principles of anti-cancer therapies by examining the mechanisms of drug action on the cellular and molecular biology of cancer. Lectures will cover how major classes of anti-cancer drugs target key cancer hallmarks, including growth regulation, cell death, metabolism, genome stability, signaling pathways, and metastasis. Drug modalities from small molecules to advanced biologics will be discussed. The course will focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy, side effects, and limitations of these therapies, and how these factors shape the development of new treatment strategies. Students will also explore emerging areas of cancer therapy through reading recent research studies and working with peers on a group project, with continual guidance and feedback from the instructors. Additionally, the course will cover the drug discovery and development process for anti-cancer drugs. Upon completing the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of current cancer therapies and a solid foundation of knowledge to further explore the development of novel cancer therapeutics. PHCL 4021 is the new course number for the former PHCL 4020.

PHCL 4343: Pharmacology of the Synapse

This hybrid course studies the synapse as a pharmacological gateway to the nervous system. Students explore the physiology of and signaling at the synapse, as well as the genes, molecules, and pathways that influence synaptic transmission. Students will connect changes in synaptic signaling to conditions such as Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, pain, and addiction. Students will also explore how various drugs modify signaling at the synapse and how this translates into physiological effects at the whole organism level.

PHCL 4993: Directed Study 

This course involves individual study ("dry lab" experience) on selected topics in pharmacology with a faculty mentor. The emphasis of this course is on readings and the use of scientific literature.

PHCL 4994: Directed Research 

This course involves laboratory research ("wet lab" experience) in the areas of pharmacological/biomedical research. Each student identifies their faculty mentor and conducts a research project in the faculty mentor’s laboratory.

PHCL 5108: Introduction to Laboratory Research

This course provides students with practical experience in a biomedical research laboratory, with a focus on developing and refining skills required for productive and safe lab work. Topics covered in this class include lab safety, proper use of equipment, making solutions and related calculations, and fundamental concepts and techniques in molecular biology and signal transduction. Key course concepts and content will be reinforced by conducting experiments in the lab under the supervision of an experienced instructor. This is a required course for first-year graduate students in the MPaT (MS track).

PHCL 5109: Introduction to Scientific Communication

This course is an interactive classroom experience focused on developing student communication skills. The primary emphasis is on student presentations of their research projects. In addition to making oral presentations, students are expected to provide constructive criticism and feedback to their peers. Students also work on scientific writing skills by preparing an NIH-style Specific Aims page outlining their research projects. This is a required course for first-year graduate students in MPaT (MS track).

PHCL 5110: Introduction to Pharmacology

This course introduces students to the basic principles of pharmacology, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms of drug action. Topics covered in the course include pharmacodynamics, signal transduction pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics. This course is required for all first-year students in MPaT (MS & PhD tracks) and is open to graduate students from other programs and to undergraduates with suitable backgrounds and Course Director consent.

PHCL 5111: Pharmacogenomics in Personalized Medicine

This interactive, discussion-based course explores human genetic variation and its implications for pharmacology in personalized medicine, with a focus on pharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics, and proteomics. Students will examine how genetic differences influence drug responses, including medication effectiveness, toxicity, and overall health outcomes. The course combines principles from functional genomics and proteomics to understand individual variability in drug metabolism and therapeutic responses. Through in-depth discussions, students will explore how genetic factors impact drug development, personalized medicine, and health care strategies.

PHCL 5112: Foundations of Biomedical Research

This course will introduce graduate students to concepts needed to be successful in a scientific research laboratory. Over the duration of this course there will be: an introduction to the scientific method and principles of experimental design, and an overview of data analysis techniques, including basic biostatistics and machine learning. All material presented in this course will place an emphasis on how these topics relate to modern pharmacology.

PHCL 5993: Directed Study 

This course involves individual study ("dry lab" experience) on selected topics in pharmacology with a faculty mentor. The emphasis of this course is on readings and the use of scientific literature.

PHCL 5994: Directed Research 

This course involves laboratory research ("wet lab" experience) in the areas of pharmacological/biomedical research. Each student identifies their faculty mentor and conducts a research project in the faculty mentor’s laboratory.

PHCL 8100: Laboratory Research in Pharmacology

This is the formal course designation for lab rotations, immersion experiences required of students in MS (Plan A/B) and PhD program tracks. During lab rotations, students gain exposure to research questions and related techniques under the supervision of a Graduate Faculty member. 

PHCL 8200: SciComm I: Critical Analysis & Publishing

This course will focus on how to critically evaluate and comprehend the scientific literature, properly present scientific literature/figures, and critique presentations related to the field of pharmacology and therapeutics. Students will get an opportunity to present the literature in front of their peers as well as moderate a question and answer session related to these literature presentations, empowering the students to engage in critical scientific dialogue. This is a required course for students in MPaT (PhD track).

PHCL 8211: Advanced Pharmacology 

This hybrid course offers a combination of online and in-class lectures with interactive literature discussion and flipped classroom components. The course has three modules: 1) Drug Target Identification. This module focuses on the analysis of 'big-data', with an emphasis on novel anti-cancer drug target identification from transcriptomic/proteomic datasets. 2) Drug Target Validation. This module highlights the use of animal models as tools for pharmacological discovery, with a focus on neurological and psychiatric drug target validation. 3) Drug Discovery and Development. This module covers strategies for identifying new small molecule and biological probes for known targets and moving promising leads to and through clinical trials. Throughout, course instructors will highlight key features of currently utilized therapeutic agents and underscore recent advances in basic and clinical research that underpin emerging or potential approaches to pharmacotherapy.

PHCL 8212: Medical Pharmacology

This course is built around pre-recorded lectures from MPaT training faculty focused on clinical pharmacology, with coverage of autonomic, cardiovascular, and renal pharmacology; neuropharmacology; gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive pharmacology; and chemotherapy. Drug families relevant to standard-of-care and emerging therapeutics are introduced, along with exemplar family members. Upon completing this course, students will be knowledgeable regarding current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of prevalent medical problems.

PHCL 8220: The Ethical Scientist

This course focuses on scientific integrity in research and medicine. Topics discussed in class include best practices for experimental design, data collection and analysis, regulatory requirements for human and animal studies, collaboration and authorship practices, and other social and ethical issues. This is a required course for students in MPaT(MS & PhD tracks).

PHCL 8221: SciComm II: Writing & Research Presentation

This course is designed to teach skills in oral and written scientific communication, with the developing thesis research project serving as the focal point. Throughout the class, participants will be expected to engage with their advisors in strategic planning of their thesis research project, become knowledgeable about the state of their respective fields and associated literature, develop critical thinking skills, provide constructive feedback to their peers, and practice self-advocacy with their mentors, colleagues, and classmates in soliciting constructive criticism.

PHCL 8555: Master's Project