PDD Curriculum
Overview of MS in Pharmacology & Drug Development Curriculum
The MS in Pharmacology & Drug Development (PDD) program provides students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in pharmacology, drug discovery, and biomedical research. Students engage in required and elective didactic courses that provide foundational knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences. Additionally, they participate in graduate seminars and journal clubs, designed to deepen their understanding of drug development and translational medicine.
The program culminates in an laboratory-based MS thesis, which allows students to explore key areas of experimental therapeutics and biomedical science.
Key Benefits of The PDD Curriculum:
- Strong Foundation in Pharmacology & Drug Development: Comprehensive coursework in clinical pharmacology, drug discovery, and biomedical sciences.
- Practical Research Experience: Hands-on laboratory rotations in the first year to develop research skills and identify a thesis advisor.
- Opportunity for Original Research: A culminating MS thesis project that contributes to drug discovery or biomedical research.
- Understanding of Regulatory Affairs: Insight into the regulatory landscape and human subjects research in drug development.
- Industry Exposure: An optional summer internship with pharmaceutical, biotech, or research firms to gain real-world industry experience.
- Mentorship from Experts: Access to multidisciplinary faculty from pharmacy, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, and biomedical sciences.
Rotations
During their first year, students complete two laboratory rotations to explore different research areas and techniques, gaining valuable hands-on experience. These semester-long rotations allow students to build upon and significantly expand their laboratory or clinical research skills in different areas of Pharmacology. The thesis work during the second year can be done in one of the rotation laboratories or a third PDD laboratory where the student has not rotated in.
Optional Summer Internship
Students have the opportunity to further enhance their pharmacology expertise by completing a summer internship for academic credit between their first and second years. This experiential learning opportunity takes place at an external company site and provides training in research techniques, analytical tools, and assays used in drug discovery and biomedical research. Internships are designed to enrich students’ thesis research and foster collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and other industry leaders in drug development.
Coursework
The first year of the program includes a rigorous series of courses designed to provide a deep and broad understanding of pharmacology and drug development. Core courses focus on clinical pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery.
Students must also complete elective courses that further specialize their knowledge in areas like experimental therapeutics, biomedical sciences, and biotherapeutics. Students are required to complete one elective from the program, with an additional elective available from any GSBS graduate program.
Additionally, all students participate in credit-bearing graduate seminars and journal clubs to stay updated on trends in drug development.
For more information on specific courses, please refer to the GSBS Catalog.