Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Pharmacology M.S.

Pharmacology
Medical School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Pharmacology, 6-120 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis MN 55455 (612-626-1248; fax: 612-625-8408)
Email: phclgrad@umn.edu
Website: https://med.umn.edu/pharmacology/education-training/masters-degree
  • Students will no longer be accepted into this program after Summer 2022. Program requirements below are for current students only.
  • This program is being renamed to Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics effective fall semester 2022. The curriculum for the new program is identical to this curriculum.
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Length of program in credits: 30 to 35
  • This program requires summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
Pharmacology is the study of the interactions of chemicals with biological systems. Courses and research training in biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, and molecular biology provide a solid foundation for performing original research in pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and cancer chemotherapy.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.50.
A four-year BA or BS degree (or its equivalent) in a basic science program is required.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Candidates for admission are evaluated on the basis of undergraduate record, previous research experience, and letters of recommendation.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their scholarship and research potential; a complete set of transcripts; and a clearly written statement of career interests, goals, and objectives.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 100
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 600
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 7.5
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires 25 major credits, 0 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is written and oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 30 major credits and 0 credits outside the major. The final exam is oral. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:A research project the format of which is determined by the student's advisor and committee.
Plan C: Plan C requires 30 major credits and 0 credits outside the major. There is no final exam.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 2.80 is required for students to remain in good standing.
Courses offered on both the A-F and S/N grading basis must be taken A-F, with a minimum grade of C earned for each.
Required Courses (17 to 25 credits)
All students take 4 credits of PHCL 5109. Plan A and Plan B students take PHCL 8100 twice for a total of 8 credits. Plan C students are exempt from the PHCL 8100 requirement.
PHCL 5108 - Introduction to Laboratory Research (4.0 cr)
PHCL 5109 - Introduction to Scientific Communication (1.0-18.0 cr)
PHCL 5110 - Introduction to Pharmacology (3.0 cr)
PHCL 8100 - Laboratory Research in Pharmacology (4.0 cr)
PHCL 8211 - Advanced Pharmacology (5.0 cr)
PHCL 8220 - The Ethical Scientist (1.0 cr)
Electives
Plan B and Plan C students select electives in consultation with the advisor to meet the required 30-credit minimum.
BIOC 8007 - Molecular Biology of the Genome (2.0 cr)
CHEM 8322 - Advanced Organic Chemistry (4.0 cr)
CMB 5340 - Structural Biology in Biomedical Research (2.0 cr)
GERO 8021 - Application of Proteomics to Aging (1.0 cr)
GERO 8022 - Fostering a Career in Aging Research (1.0 cr)
MEDC 8753 - MOLECULAR TARGETS OF DRUG DISCOVERY (3.0 cr)
MICA 8003 - Immunity and Immunopathology (4.0 cr)
MICA 8004 - Cellular and Cancer Biology (4.0 cr)
MICA 8013 - Translational Cancer Research (2.0 cr)
MLSP 5011W - Professional Issues in the Health Care Community [WI] (2.0 cr)
MLSP 5311 - Fundamental Biomedical Laboratory Techniques (4.0 cr)
MLSP 5511 - Principles of Immunobiology (3.0 cr)
NSC 5461 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3.0 cr)
NSC 8026 - Neuro-Immune Interactions (3.0 cr)
OBIO 5010 - Molecular Virology (1.0 cr)
OBIO 5020 - Virus Pathogenesis and Host Interactions (1.0 cr)
PHAR 6738 - Pharmacokinetics (3.7 cr)
PHCL 5111 - Pharmacogenomics (3.0 cr)
PHCL 8208 - Neuropsychopharmacology (3.0 cr)
PHCL 8209 - Substance Abuse at the Bedside (1.0 cr)
PHSL 5510 - Advanced Cardiac Physiology and Anatomy (2.0-3.0 cr)
PUBH 6420 - Introduction to SAS Programming (1.0 cr)
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I (4.0 cr)
Plan Options
Plan A
Take at least 10 master's thesis credits.
PHCL 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
 
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PHCL 5108 - Introduction to Laboratory Research
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
In this course, students will gain practical experience working in a biomedical research laboratory. Students will develop and refine skills required for productive and safe lab work. Topics covered in this class include lab safety, proper equipment usage, 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.
PHCL 5109 - Introduction to Scientific Communication
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 18.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
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 verbal presentations, students are expected to provide constructive criticism and feedback to their peers. Students also work on scientific writing skills by preparing a one-page NIH-style Specific Aims page outlining their research project. Prerequisites: student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology (MS program) or approval from the Director of Graduate Studies Keywords: Pharmacology, Directed, Independent Study, Biomedical, Basic Science, Research, Drug
PHCL 5110 - Introduction to Pharmacology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is a course for first-year students in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology. The course introduces students to the basic principles of pharmacology and focuses on molecular mechanisms of drug action. Topics covered include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, signal transduction, toxicology pharmacogenomics, and drug discovery. Prerequisites: student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology or approval from the Course Director(s) Keywords: Introduction, Pharmacology, Molecular, Drug, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Protein, Pharmacokinetics
PHCL 8100 - Laboratory Research in Pharmacology
Credits: 4.0 [max 8.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Supervised independent research in pharmacology. Modern biomedical/pharmacology research methodology, data generation/analysis. Formulation/testing of basic science hypotheses. prereq: Grad student or instr consent Keywords: Pharmacology, Lab, Research, Data, Analysis, Benchwork, Hypothesis, Basic Science
PHCL 8211 - Advanced Pharmacology
Credits: 5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This hybrid course offers a combination of online and in-class lectures coupled with interactive literature discussion/flipped classroom components. The course has three sections focusing on 1) pharmacology of the autonomic, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, 2) anti-cancer and anti-microbial therapeutics and 3) pharmacology of the nervous system. 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. student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology, or Course Director consent Keywords: Pharmacology, Drug, Therapy, Medical, Biomedical, Clinic
PHCL 8220 - The Ethical Scientist
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course focuses on scientific integrity in research and medicine. Topics to be discussed 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. Prerequisite: student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology (GPP), or Course Director consent
BIOC 8007 - Molecular Biology of the Genome
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the molecular biology of the eukaryotic genome and transcriptome, focusing on fundamental genetic processes, molecular mechanisms, and their relationships to biology and disease. Students gain a firm understanding of the key concepts and techniques through lectures, reading, and discussions. Students learn to critically analyze scientific papers through student-led presentations and discussions. They gain experience in articulating scientific questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and designing experiments. This course promotes development of science writing skills.
CHEM 8322 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Modern studies. Topics, which vary by year, include natural products, heterocycles, asymmetric synthesis, organometallic chemistry, and polymer chemistry. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CMB 5340 - Structural Biology in Biomedical Research
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Structural biology plays a central role in biomedical research, but it is a challenging field to learn. This course teaches basic structural biology and its applications to biomedical research in an accessible and practical fashion. We will cover the principles and procedures of structural biology as well as structural biology databases and software. Students will also learn how structural biology is used to solve scientific problems (e.g., elucidating molecular mechanisms and designing drugs and vaccines) and acquire skills that may facilitate their own research (e.g., reading structural biology literature and designing mutations). Student learning is achieved through classroom lectures, computer labs, written critique and oral presentation of research literature, and participation in discussion. The overall goal of this course is to help students understand structural biology and use it in their own research.
GERO 8021 - Application of Proteomics to Aging
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Proteomic technology in aging research. Faculty/student led discussions on topics relevant proteomic research. Overview of special techniques/analytical approaches complementary to proteomics, hands-on experience with data analysis, discussion of literature. prereq: [Grad students, post-doctoral fellows involved in National Institutes on Aging training grant Functional Proteomics of Aging] or grad students or post-doctoral fellows with instr consent
GERO 8022 - Fostering a Career in Aging Research
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Gero 8022/RSC 8022
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Prepare pre-doctoral students/post-doctoral fellows for next step in academic career. Student/faculty led discussions on preparing for job interviews, including composing CV/cover letter, preparing grant applications/manuscripts, developing course syllabus based on biology of aging. prereq: Grad students/post-doctoral fellows involved in National Institutes on Aging training grant Functional Proteomics of Aging or grad students or post-doctoral fellows with instr consent
MEDC 8753 - MOLECULAR TARGETS OF DRUG DISCOVERY
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Structure of biological macromolecules that are targets of drugs. Techniques to accelerate directed drug discovery. Protein structure/interactions. Popular target classes. Computational tools for visualizing/analyzing protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions. Structural characterization at a level sufficient to underpin critical data evaluation. Biophysical techniques to assess weak ligand binding and suitable for fragment-based lead discovery. prereq: 5710 or 8002 or CHEM 5412 or structural biochemistry or instr consent
MICA 8003 - Immunity and Immunopathology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Lymphocyte activation, signal transduction in lymphocytes, antigen receptor genetics, antigen presentation, lymphoid anatomy, adaptive immune responses to microbes, immunodeficiency, immunopathology, cytokines, transplantation, autoimmunity. prereq: Upper level undergrad immunology course or instr consent
MICA 8004 - Cellular and Cancer Biology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental concepts in cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of disease. Molecular basis of inflammation and cancer metastasis. Genetic basis for inherited disorders and gene therapy. Molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. prereq: [One undergrad or grad course each in [biochemistry, cell biology]] or instr consent
MICA 8013 - Translational Cancer Research
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Clinical issues in cancer research. Discuss translational research projects as they pertain to a variety of cancers. prereq: 8004 or instr consent
MLSP 5011W - Professional Issues in the Health Care Community (WI)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Current literature and written discussion to explore the laboratory profession: healthcare systems, professional scope of practice, regulatory and licensure issues, medical ethics, Interprofessional practice models and current topics impacting health care delivery. Focus is on the medical laboratory’s crucial role in patient care.
MLSP 5311 - Fundamental Biomedical Laboratory Techniques
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: CLSP 4305/MLSP 5311
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Foundations of biomedical laboratory methods, development of technical skills: safety, lab math, total testing process, method validation, Quality Control and Assurance. Emphasis on documentation and analysis, analytical techniques, microscopy, spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrochemical, immunologic, nucleic acid (molecular) techniques.
MLSP 5511 - Principles of Immunobiology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Comprehensive exploration of the immune system and functions. Fundamental principles of humoral and cellular immunity. Adaptive immunity, clinical outcomes, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, cancer, transplantation, immunotherapy, and immunity against infectious diseases. Immunologic testing methods and immune function assessment are discussed.
NSC 5461 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Lectures by team of faculty, problem sets in important physiological concepts, discussion of original research papers. prereq: NSc grad student or instr consent
NSC 8026 - Neuro-Immune Interactions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: MVB 8361/NSc 8026/Psy 8026
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Regulatory systems (neuroendocrine, cytokine, and autonomic nervous systems) linking brain and immune systems in brain-immune axis. Functional effects of bidirectional brain-immune regulation. Course is offered fall of even-numbered years. prereq: 5561, MicB 4131
OBIO 5010 - Molecular Virology
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course provides graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students with a knowledge base for understanding the molecular aspects of replication strategies utilized in virus replication. Topics for the course will focus on the molecular aspects of virus replication for the major virus families (e.g., arenaviruses, bacteriophages, flaviviruses, herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, picornaviruses, and retroviruses) as well as virus evolution, structure, and taxonomy.
OBIO 5020 - Virus Pathogenesis and Host Interactions
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course provides graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students with a knowledge base for understanding virus pathogenesis and host interactions. Topics for the course will focus on the molecular, cellular, and organismal aspects of virus pathogenesis and host interactions. The concepts of cellular pathogenesis, tissue tropism, portals of entry, local replication and virus spread, virus dissemination, and congenital infections will be covered. A particular emphasis will be placed on virus pathogenesis of the major virus families (e.g., arenaviruses, bacteriophages, flaviviruses, herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, picornaviruses, and retroviruses) and virus-host cell interactions that can restrict virus replication and are responsible for immunity will be discussed.
PHAR 6738 - Pharmacokinetics
Credits: 3.7 [max 3.7]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Designed to give generalist practitioners fundamental skills to solve pharmacokinetically-based problems in patient care, particularly in regards to dosage regimen design/adjustment. Builds on concepts learned in Drug Delivery I/II. Follows path of drug molecule from incorporation into dosage form to release/disposition in biological system. prereq: Drug Delivery I concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in II
PHCL 5111 - Pharmacogenomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Human genetic variation, its implications. Functional genomics, pharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics, proteomics. Interactive, discussion-based course. prereq: Grad student or instr consent Keywords: Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics, Toxicogenomics, Proteomics, Genetics, Drug
PHCL 8208 - Neuropsychopharmacology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Relationships between drugs/biochemical, behavioral, neurophysiological consequences. Functional biogenic amine, peptidergic. How manipulations alter neuronal function or behavior. Feedback mechanisms, induction, inhibition. Reinforcement of, tolerance to, or dependence on drugs. prereq: [5212, Psy 5021, Psy 5061] or instr consent
PHCL 8209 - Substance Abuse at the Bedside
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Clinical management of addictive diseases. Students discuss how observed clinical interactions can influence a basic science project in which they are involved. prereq: Grad student in any basic-science program
PHSL 5510 - Advanced Cardiac Physiology and Anatomy
Credits: 2.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental concepts, advanced topics related to clinical/biomedical cardiac physiology. Lectures, laboratories, workshops, anatomical dissections. Intense, one week course. prereq: instr consent
PUBH 6420 - Introduction to SAS Programming
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Summer
Use of SAS for analysis of biomedical data. Data manipulation/description. Basic statistical analyses (t-tests, chi-square, simple regression).
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will cover the fundamental concepts of exploratory data analysis and statistical inference for univariate and bivariate data, including: ? study design and sampling methods, ? descriptive and graphical summaries, ? random variables and their distributions, ? interval estimation, ? hypothesis testing, ? relevant nonparametric methods, ? simple regression/correlation, and ? introduction to multiple regression. There will be a focus on analyzing data using statistical programming software and on communicating the results in short reports. Health science examples from the research literature will be used throughout the course. prereq: [College-level algebra, health sciences grad student] or instr consent
PHCL 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required [Plan A only]