Program Overview
Because pharmacology and toxicology are interdisciplinary sciences, this is reflected in the breadth and diversity of training, which involves course work, seminars, journal clubs and laboratory research. During the first two years, students take course work in the basic biomedical sciences that form the underpinning of pharmacology and toxicology; these courses include cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. In addition, our students take a number of basic and advanced courses in pharmacology and toxicology. Also available is a huge array of graduate level courses that are offered by other programs in the Health Sciences Center, which can be taken depending on career development needs and interests of the students.
During their first year, students also undertake 15-week long research rotations in three different laboratories. These initial laboratory experiences enable the students to gain a sense of the scope of research activities within the department, to learn specific research techniques, to experience different mentoring styles, and ultimately, to chose a laboratory in which to conduct doctoral dissertation research. Students are not limited to laboratories within the Department; prospective faculty research advisors can be found in departments and programs throughout the Health Sciences Center. Students may begin their dissertation research as early as their second year.
Following completion of the required course work in the second year, and successful completion of the qualifying examinations, students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. The remainder of the student's training is devoted to conducting doctoral dissertation research. The program usually takes four-five years to complete.
Go to the Typical Program of Study page for more information on our graduate curriculum. Our detailed Graduate Policy and Procedures Manual (pdf) is also available online.
Throughout their training, students are supported by a stipend (currently $25,000 plus additional amounts for health insurance), and tuition charges are paid for by the University for five years while the student is in good standing. Students are encouraged to apply for fellowship support from outside agencies, and if successful may supplement their stipends by an additional $5,000.
