Curriculum

This course presents application of underlying physical principles to formulate and to develop various pharmaceutical products. It describes physical principles in both solid and non-solid states. Students learn how basic physical principles are applied in development of current and novel pharmaceutical solids, semi-solids, homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. This course describes the importance, properties and application of different polymer systems, new drug carriers and rheology modifiers in developing current and novel dosage forms. Drug stability and solubility, and approaches to enhance the solubility of the poorly soluble drugs will also be discussed. (48-0-3)

This course introduces methods for presenting data in summary form, analyzing data, and designing experiments. It emphasizes the application of statistical ideas and methods to the analysis and interpretation of experiments and comparative data. The student will be able to assess a situation involving data analysis, state the null and alternative hypotheses proposed, decide on the correct statistical procedure to test the null hypothesis and the assumptions of the test used, calculate the statistic, assess its statistical significance, and interpret the data in light of the calculated results. (48-0-03)

This course deals with the principles that explain the processes of absorption, distribution, and elimination of drugs. The advances in pharmacokinetic modeling, compartmental analysis, model-independent methods, single and multiple dosing, protein binding, metabolite kinetics, interspecies scaling to translate animal data to humans, effect of disease states and data analysis using relevant software will be discussed. Applying the principles of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics to the design of controlled release and targeted drug delivery systems. Emphasis is on bioequivalence and bioavailability of traditional pharmaceutical dosage forms and novel drug delivery systems including the assessment of biosimilars. (48-0-3)

This course will equip students with the necessary tools to prepare and present lucid reports on their own research, as well as the research of others. The course will consist of weekly lectures that will be required of all graduate students throughout their course of study and research. Speakers will include faculty members, students, and guests presenting aspects of their research. (16-0-1)

This course studies the considerations in operating and regulating cellular processes by manipulating receptors for therapeutic advantage through coupled signaling pathways. Recent developments in this technique as it applies to the treatment of disease will be presented. (48-0-3)

This course provides an analysis of the study designs most commonly employed in experimental research with emphasis in basic and clinical pharmacological research. Upon completion of the course students will understand the considerations that go into selecting qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods of research design. The course prepares students to select the most appropriate design to better answer a specific research question, as well as to understand the strengths and limitations of such design. (16-0-1)

This course will provide students with a broad overview of technologies and instruments used in pharmaceutical sciences research. Topics cover the fundamentals of spectroscopy and chromatography, basic protein and molecular biology techniques, and others. It will allow students to read the literature with greater understanding as methodological terminology begins to have more meaning. (48-0-3)

The aim of the course is to give students the opportunity to attain and practice scientific writing skills in a low stress environment. The course focuses on writing for scientific publication and includes every step of the process from organization of the first draft to the editorial review process. Students will work using material from their own discipline, preferably from original data that they have or intend to collect. Students will be writing a section of manuscript each week and will receive editorial suggestions and criticisms from a variety of reviewers. Little emphasis will be placed on English grammar, vocabulary, or spelling since students are expected to be proficient prior to taking this course. Students who are deficient in the mechanics of writing may wish to pursue an elective course to enhance their proficiency. (16-0-1)

The Advanced Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Medicine course is designed to educate students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the cellular and molecular bases which has evolved as the basis of human diseases. The course offers the state of art of molecular biological concepts to apply towards understanding of molecular bases of individual variation, its application to drug response and possible new interventions. The students will be able to understand and apply the knowledge of modern molecular biological techniques for diagnostics and detection of infection, gene defects, & finger printing, transgenesis, biopharming, immunotherapies and ever developing field of gene therapy and regenerative medicine. (48-0-3)

To provide an understanding of the ethical issues associated with Life Science Research. To acculturate students to the mores of the Life Science Research community. To discuss issues related to the use of animals and human subjects in research. To develop skills for communicating Life Science Research to diverse audiences. To develop skills needed to be a successful Life Science researcher. (48-0-3)

Under the direction of faculty, students will craft a mentored research project that draws on the educational experiences of their specialized track and electives. This research is provided to develop increased independence for students while still maintaining the structure and faculty oversight necessary to ensure that learning goals are met. The research may be a combination of classroom, laboratory, field, or in silico study. This supervised experience will allow students to work on projects that complement classroom work in the context of a structured course. The project will be designed to include practical instruction on evidence based study development, data collection, and scientific writing. (64-0-4)

This course presents application of underlying physical principles to formulate and to develop various pharmaceutical products. It describes physical principles in both solid and non-solid states. Students learn how basic physical principles are applied in development of current and novel pharmaceutical solids, semi-solids, homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. This course describes the importance, properties and application of different polymer systems, new drug carriers and rheology modifiers in developing current and novel dosage forms. Drug stability and solubility, and approaches to enhance the solubility of the poorly soluble drugs will also be discussed. (48-0-3)

This course introduces methods for presenting data in summary form, analyzing data, and designing experiments. It emphasizes the application of statistical ideas and methods to the analysis and interpretation of experiments and comparative data. The student will be able to assess a situation involving data analysis, state the null and alternative hypotheses proposed, decide on the correct statistical procedure to test the null hypothesis and the assumptions of the test used, calculate the statistic, assess its statistical significance, and interpret the data in light of the calculated results. (48-0-03)

This course deals with the principles that explain the processes of absorption, distribution, and elimination of drugs. The advances in pharmacokinetic modeling, compartmental analysis, model-independent methods, single and multiple dosing, protein binding, metabolite kinetics, interspecies scaling to translate animal data to humans, effect of disease states and data analysis using relevant software will be discussed. Applying the principles of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics to the design of controlled release and targeted drug delivery systems. Emphasis is on bioequivalence and bioavailability of traditional pharmaceutical dosage forms and novel drug delivery systems including the assessment of biosimilars. (48-0-3)

This course will equip students with the necessary tools to prepare and present lucid reports on their own research, as well as the research of others. The course will consist of weekly lectures that will be required of all graduate students throughout their course of study and research. Speakers will include faculty members, students, and guests presenting aspects of their research. (16-0-1)

This course studies the considerations in operating and regulating cellular processes by manipulating receptors for therapeutic advantage through coupled signaling pathways. Recent developments in this technique as it applies to the treatment of disease will be presented. (48-0-3)

This course provides an analysis of the study designs most commonly employed in experimental research with emphasis in basic and clinical pharmacological research. Upon completion of the course students will understand the considerations that go into selecting qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods of research design. The course prepares students to select the most appropriate design to better answer a specific research question, as well as to understand the strengths and limitations of such design. (16-0-1)

This course will provide students with a broad overview of technologies and instruments used in pharmaceutical sciences research. Topics cover the fundamentals of spectroscopy and chromatography, basic protein and molecular biology techniques, and others. It will allow students to read the literature with greater understanding as methodological terminology begins to have more meaning. (48-0-3)

The aim of the course is to give students the opportunity to attain and practice scientific writing skills in a low stress environment. The course focuses on writing for scientific publication and includes every step of the process from organization of the first draft to the editorial review process. Students will work using material from their own discipline, preferably from original data that they have or intend to collect. Students will be writing a section of manuscript each week and will receive editorial suggestions and criticisms from a variety of reviewers. Little emphasis will be placed on English grammar, vocabulary, or spelling since students are expected to be proficient prior to taking this course. Students who are deficient in the mechanics of writing may wish to pursue an elective course to enhance their proficiency. (16-0-1)

This course provides the student with the essential information about the various stages of the new drug approval process and drug development, including pre-formulation, comparison studies, suitability of pharmaceutical excipients, and formulation. Additionally, it provides the student with the principles of pharmaceutical processing such as filtration, milling, mixing, drying, and compression of pharmaceutical solids. It also deals with the production and quality control of tablets, capsules, liquid dosage forms, semi-solid dosage forms, and sterile products. Coverage includes the science of packaging materials, production management, quality assurance, and regulations in the pharmaceutical industry, including validation, good manufacturing practice, and FDA guidelines for stability of pharmaceutical dosage forms. (48-0-3)

To provide an understanding of the ethical issues associated with Life Science Research. To acculturate students to the mores of the Life Science Research community. To discuss issues related to the use of animals and human subjects in research. To develop skills for communicating Life Science Research to diverse audiences. To develop skills needed to be a successful Life Science researcher. (48-0-3)

Under the direction of faculty, students will craft a mentored research project that draws on the educational experiences of their specialized track and electives. This research is provided to develop increased independence for students while still maintaining the structure and faculty oversight necessary to ensure that learning goals are met. The research may be a combination of classroom, laboratory, field, or in silico study. This supervised experience will allow students to work on projects that complement classroom work in the context of a structured course. The project will be designed to include practical instruction on evidence based study development, data collection, and scientific writing. (64-0-4)

To provide an understanding of the ethical issues associated with Life Science Research. To acculturate students to the mores of the Life Science Research community. To discuss issues related to the use of animals and human subjects in research. To develop skills for communicating Life Science Research to diverse audiences. To develop skills needed to be a successful Life Science researcher. (48-0-3)

This course introduces methods for presenting data in summary form, analyzing data, and designing experiments. It emphasizes the application of statistical ideas and methods to the analysis and interpretation of experiments and comparative data. The student will be able to assess a situation involving data analysis, state the null and alternative hypotheses proposed, decide on the correct statistical procedure to test the null hypothesis and the assumptions of the test used, calculate the statistic, assess its statistical significance, and interpret the data in light of the calculated results. (48-0-03)

This course will equip students with the necessary tools to prepare and present lucid reports on their own research, as well as the research of others. The course will consist of weekly lectures that will be required of all graduate students throughout their course of study and research. Speakers will include faculty members, students, and guests presenting aspects of their research. (16-0-1)

This course provides an overview of management theories, human resources, and financial management applied to pharmacy and healthcare institution operations. Elements of supervision, management, and leadership are discussed in an effort to help students develop the skills needed to operate a pharmacy effectively. Also covered are finance topics such as capital costs, profit analysis, cost structures, budgeting, payment for services rendered, and accounting. (48-0-3)

This highly interactive course introduces students to: (1) the fundamental concepts and frameworks used for the study of population health and public policy; (2) the financing and managing of health systems at the local and international levels; and (3) the formulation and analysis of public health policies. The course will emphasize the intersection of public health and the determinant of drug use and pharmacy-related policies. Students will have the opportunity to analyze and critically evaluate existing health policies, public health actions, and reforms. Students are expected to contribute and participate in the discussion of current research, case studies, and policies. Student learning will be assessed through oral exams, written assignments, presentations, and an analytical paper. This course will provide skills for the conceptualization of research projects addressing current health issues related to pharmacy. (48-0-3)

The aim of the course is to give students the opportunity to attain and practice scientific writing skills in a low stress environment. The course focuses on writing for scientific publication and includes every step of the process from organization of the first draft to the editorial review process. Students will work using material from their own discipline, preferably from original data that they have or intend to collect. Students will be writing a section of manuscript each week and will receive editorial suggestions and criticisms from a variety of reviewers. Little emphasis will be placed on English grammar, vocabulary, or spelling since students are expected to be proficient prior to taking this course. Students who are deficient in the mechanics of writing may wish to pursue an elective course to enhance their proficiency. (16-0-1)

This course introduces students to the concepts of advanced measurement theory and methods used in research. This course acquaints students with cutting edge models in measurement theory and methods, as well as with the application of computer software with which to implement those methodologies. After completing the course, students should be prepared to begin working on advanced applications of measurement in the sociobehavioral sciences. (48-0-3)

This course focuses on the application of economic analysis as it relates to provision of health care and emerging health care trends in the United States and throughout the world. The course also focuses on understanding how healthcare markets differ from other markets, specifically on the economics of the health care sector and its major players, e.g., the government, insurers, providers, and patients. Economic concepts and tools will be used to analyze the health care system, and to examine implications and issues in health policy. (48-0-3).

This course provides an overview of pharmacoeconomics and some of the health outcomes measurements that apply to health/pharmacy-related disciplines. The course is designed to focus on methodological principles of pharmacoeconomics analyses and the strengths and weaknesses of specific methods. Practical examples for successful implementation of these concepts are discussed. (48-0-3)

Under the direction of faculty, students will craft a mentored research project that draws on the educational experiences of their specialized track and electives. This research is provided to develop increased independence for students while still maintaining the structure and faculty oversight necessary to ensure that learning goals are met. The research may be a combination of classroom, laboratory, field, or in silico study. This supervised experience will allow students to work on projects that complement classroom work in the context of a structured course. The project will be designed to include practical instruction on evidence based study development, data collection, and scientific writing. (64-0-4)

This course covers social and behavioral theories related to medication use, health services utilization, provider patient communication, and other health seeking behaviors. Students will examine and apply select health behavior theories at the individual, interpersonal and community level. They will examine research conducted using the theories, with emphasis in the Pharmacy field. Students are expected to apply theories in defining research questions, in research design and data analysis. (48-0-3)