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Masters Program

Curriculum

Students must choose one of the three sequences for their program of study, and are required to take a minimum of 36 credits (a maximum of six credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions). An average GPA of 3.0 or higher is expected in the didactic work. Coursework aimed at correcting an academic deficiency in a student’s background will not count toward program requirements.

At the completion of this course of study and research, students will:

  • demonstrate written and verbal communication skills
  • understand the purpose and value of ethical decision-making when conducting scholarly and creative activities
  • demonstrate an understanding of key areas of research and practice in pharmaceutical sciences, such as medicinal chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy
  • evaluate relevant background information from literature and database sources about topics within pharmaceutical sciences

Students choose one of the following sequences:

This sequence emphasizes the coursework, laboratory and literature research skills centering on drug discovery principles, including determining the mechanisms, extent and character of drug actions. Students who pursue this sequence will be under the tutelage of faculty in the department of pharmaceutical sciences, a group with expertise in areas such as: pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, toxicology, and biochemistry. Particular areas of expertise include cardiovascular disease, cancer and autism with research focus in these areas.

At the completion of this course of study and research students will:

  • demonstrate an understanding in areas of biology, human genetics, molecular and cell biology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology
  • exhibit knowledge, research skills and familiarity with biomedical tools and methodologies
  • bridge basic pharmaceutical sciences to clinical settings
  • demonstrate familiarity of analytical approaches to molecular and cellular synthesis, structure and function, genetics and gene regulation, cell communications, organ systems and pathophysiology.
  • understand biopharmaceutics/pharmacokinetics principles and process by which a drug is released, absorbed, distributed, metabolized and eliminated

Curriculum Outline

The courses below are representative of the overall requirements of the program at the time of publication, and are subject to change. The curriculum is revised, as needed, to meet the demands of the profession.  

FIRST & SECOND YEARS

Course Course Name Credits
PHRM 5004 Advanced Physical Pharmacy 3
PHRM 5012 Clinical Drug Development: Adv Pharmacokinetics
and Biopharmaceutics
3
PHRM 5014 Molecular and Cellular Pharmacodynamics 3
PHRM 5020 Advanced Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Medicine 3
PHRM 5030 Biostatistics 3
PHRM 5060 Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Design 1
PHRM 5204 Research Techniques and Instrumentation 3
PHRM 5212 Bioethics: Principles of Life Science Research

 

3
PHRM 5610 Scientific Writing 1
PHRM 5700 Research Project 4
PHRM 5701 Graduate Seminar** 4
PHRE Electives 6

 

**repeatable course

This sequence emphasizes the coursework, laboratory and literature research skills centering on the delivery of the drug to the desired target. A plan of study focusing on the theory and practice of incorporating drugs into the forms and formulations that best deliver the drugs to the site of the intended medical action.  Students who pursue this sequence will be under the tutelage of faculty in the department of pharmaceutical sciences, a group with expertise in pharmaceutics-related disciplines.  Areas of expertise include a variety of drug formulations and novel drug delivery systems.

At the completion of this course of study and research students will:

  • demonstrate an understanding of various stages of drug discovery and development
  • provide formulation proficiency and insight into solid, semisolid, solution, and disperse system dosage forms
  • grasp the fundamental principles of pharmaceutical research including design, methods, data analysis and bioethics 
  • understand biopharmaceutics/pharmacokinetics principles and process by which a drug is released, absorbed, distributed, metabolized and eliminated

Curriculum Outline

The courses below are representative of the overall requirements of the program at the time of publication, and are subject to change. The curriculum is revised, as needed, to meet the demands of the profession.  

FIRST & SECOND YEARS

Course Course Name Credits
PHRM 5004 Advanced Physical Pharmacy 3
PHRM 5012 Clinical Drug Development: Adv Pharmacokinetics
and Biopharmaceutics
3
PHRM 5014 Molecular and Cellular Pharmacodynamics 3
PHRM 5030 Biostatistics 3
PHRM 5060 Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Design 1
PHRM 5204 Research Techniques and Instrumentation 3
PHRM 5212 Bioethics: Principles of Life Science Research

 

3
PHRM 5229 Product Development and Industrial Pharmacy 4
PHRM 5610 Scientific Writing 1
PHRM 5700 Research Project 4
PHRM 5701 Graduate Seminar** 4
PHRE Electives 6

 

**repeatable course

This sequence emphasizes the coursework and literature research skills centering on the interface between pharmacy and society (pharmacy outcomes).  A plan of study focuses on the various facets of the practitioner-patient interface, with emphasis on gerontology and ethnic experience.  Students in this sequence will be under the tutelage of faculty in the department of sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy, a group with expertise in pharmacoeconomics, health disparities and vulnerable populations, cultural competency, development and implementation of sustainable pharmacy services, patients' decision making, pharmacy marketing, assessment management and risk reduction, and related areas.

At the completion of this course of study and research, students will:

  • demonstrate an understanding in areas of pharmacoeconomic and health policy analysis
  • demonstrate the skills for pharmacoepidemiologic methods and study designs
  • exhibit the knowledge of advanced biostatistics and database management, health policy and behavioral interventions and their assessment
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of pharmaceuticals in healthcare and society

Curriculum Outline

The courses below are representative of the overall requirements of the program at the time of publication, and are subject to change. The curriculum is revised, as needed, to meet the demands of the profession.  

FIRST & SECOND YEARS

Course Course Name Credits
PHRM 5001 Health Economics 3
PHRM 5021 Population Health & Public Policy 3
PHRM 5025 Pharmacy Management and Finance 3
PHRM 5030 Biostatistics 3
PHRM 5203 Social Measurement and Techniques 3
PHRM 5209 Pharmacoeconomics 3
PHRM 5211 Theories of Health-Seeking Behavior 3
PHRM 5212 Bioethics: Principles of Life Science Research

 

3
PHRM 5610 Scientific Writing 1
PHRM 5700 Research Project 4
PHRM 5701 Graduate Seminar** 4
PHRE Elective 3

 

**repeatable course

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