PharmacologyProgram Courses
Critical Analysis of the Scientific Literature in Pharmacology
The goal of the Critical Analysis of the Scientific Literature class is to enable students to understand the underlying logic behind the design of scientific experiments. Students should be able to identify hypotheses, variables, assays, rationales, and approaches in scientific papers. Students should also be able to use the principles of assay-based experimental design to propose experiments that are suitable for addressing scientific questions.
Students are required to be familiar with experimental approaches used in the papers that are discussed in class. We encourage students to use "Protocols in Molecular Biology," as well as other resources to become familiar with the methodology, advantages and limitations of these approaches. It is expected that students will have to read background papers for each of the papers discussed in class.
Genes, Drugs and Behavior: Neuropharmacology
This course is jointly sponsored by the Neuroscience and Pharmacology Programs. It is designed to present current concepts of the major central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters and their functional neuroanatomy. The course will integrate discussions of the mechanisms of neurotransmitter biosynthesis and release, receptor signal transduction and the alterations produced by CNS drugs. Genes, Drugs and Behavior: Neuropeptides, Pain and Drugs of Abuse This course considers the unique features of neuropeptides as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the CNS, as well as, their role in neuroendocrine regulation. It will focus on opiates and pituitary peptides as specific examples of this large class of signaling molecules.
Genes, Drugs and Behavior: Neuropeptides, Pain and Drugs of Abuse
This course considers the unique features of neuropeptides as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the CNS, as well as their role in neuroendocrine regulation. It will focus on opiates and pituitary peptides as specific examples of this large class of signaling molecules.
Pharmacology Seminar Series
Topics of contemporary pharmacological interest and new concepts and methodological approaches in biological research will be presented by guest speakers from universities, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacology faculty members. The presentations are followed by a discussion session which provides an opportunity for students to meet and talk to leading scientists in the field.
Principles of Pharmacology I: Chemical Biology
Students should develop an understanding of the chemical reactions used in biological and laboratory synthesis and manipulation of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Students should also develop an understanding for the chemical principles that underlie enzyme function. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable reading journal articles on chemical biology and will be expected to give an oral presentation and written report on a topic in the field.
Principles of Pharmacology II: Signal Transduction
This course provides students with an understanding of the basic recurring themes in cell signaling mechanisms and to familiarize the students with a majority of the key signal transduction pathways. Additionally, an emphasis is placed on the use of pharmacologic and chemical tools to study problems in signal transduction, and structural insights into signaling mechanisms, based on X-ray, NMR, and computational approaches. By the end of the course, students should feel comfortable with reading and comprehending journal articles that relate to the latest findings in signal transduction.
Principles of Pharmacology III: Principles and Systems Pharmacology
This nine week course is arranged into three parts or modules: five sessions in the first part covering general pharmacological principles, nine sessions in the second part focusing on nervous and circulatory systems, and ten sessions in the third and final module covering the remainder of the circulatory system along with host defense and endocrine systems.
Principles of Pharmacology IV: Cancer Pharmacology
Cancer Pharmacology will focus on the principles and applications of modern cancer therapeutic approaches. The topics considered range from traditional cytotoxic and anti-mitotic agents, to natural products and their chemistry, to biologic and immunologic therapies, to rationally designed targeted small molecule inhibitors. Basic principles underlying mechanisms of cancer cell death, angiogenesis, and radiobiology and imaging are also covered.
Responsible Conduct of Research
The objectives of this course are to heighten students' awareness of ethical considerations relevant to the conduct of research; inform students of federal, state, and institutional policies, regulations, and procedures; and provide students with critical analysis and problem solving skills for ethical decision-making.
