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

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

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

This is a course for first-year students in the Graduate Program of Pharmacology. This course will introduce graduate students to the basic operating principles and techniques of a scientific research laboratory, general concepts surrounding experimental design and experimental controls, and familiarity with common laboratory calculations. Discussion of scientific techniques will include recombinant DNA and molecular biology techniques, protein expression and purification, protein assays, biochemical data analysis and fitting methods, transcriptomics and proteomics studies, and cell culture & mouse models of disease. Methods are presented in the context of highlighting general principles in experimental design. Prerequisites: student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology Keywords: Basic Science, Pharmacology, Personnel, Writing, Presentation, Protein, DNA, Molecule, Microscope, Bioinformatics, Drug

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

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

In collaboration with their mentors, students will develop thesis projects and scientific communication skills. Specifically, students will learn the principles of oral presentation, hone speaking style and slide content, and prepare for the departmental second-year talk. They will prepare sections of an NIH-style fellowship proposal in time for those eligible to submit an F31 NRSA application for the December deadline. This proposal will also comprise the written component of the preliminary exam. Students will also learn the elements of the closed-door component of the preliminary exam and how best to prepare. Throughout the class, students will provide feedback to their peers, develop critical thinking skills, and practice self-advocacy with their mentors, colleagues, and classmates in soliciting constructive criticism. Prerequisites: student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology (PhD program) Keywords: Pharmacology, Basic Science, Writing, Presentation, Practice, Thesis, Dissertation