Pharmacology PhD

As a PhD in pharmacology, you will do research in our highly collaborative environment, present your findings in a variety of settings and acquire the skills of a well-rounded, independent research scientist. Our distinguished faculty will mentor you through the full scope of your research, from training you to use equipment and analyze data through writing grants. You will work with state-of-the-art synthetic and computational resources to develop novel molecules and study their effects in the body and the environment.

In this process, you will build interdisciplinary research skills with applications to careers in drug discovery, neuroscience, toxicology, endocrinology, public health and many other fields.

First Year Curriculum (32 credits)

The PhD Program in Pharmacology requires a minimum of 72 hours of coursework, including four to five years of laboratory research.

Our interdisciplinary PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS) offers you the chance to explore a variety of disciplines prior to committing to your specific research area. Our lab rotation system equips you with a broad base of experience and knowledge while you collaborate with renowned research scientists on cutting-edge research. The combination of a structured, interdisciplinary curriculum and strong support for your individual interests prepares you to pursue your career goals, whether in academia, industry or government.

1st Semester

BMS 509TUT - PPBS Lab Rotation I Credits: 3-5
BMS 510TUT - PPBS Lab Rotation II Credits: 3-5
BMS 514LEC - Introduction to Scientific Investigation and Responsible Conduct Credits: 2
BMS 515LEC - Fundamentals of Biomedical Research I Credits: 4
BMS 516LEC - Fundamentals of Biomedical Research II Credits: 3

2nd Semester

Number of credits may vary depending on choice made to complete the elective credits. Be sure to complete enough elective credit to reach 72 minimum total credit hours.

BMS 509TUT - PPBS Lab Rotation I Credits: 3-5
BMS 510TUT - PPBS Lab Rotation II Credits: 3-5
BMS 511SEM - Fundamentals in Biomedical Sciences-Critiquing Scientific Literature Credits: 1
2 electives from the PPBS curriculum

Electives from the PPBS curriculum

Select 2 from:

BCH 519LEC - Bioinformatics & Comp Bio Credits: 3
or
GGB 519LEC - Bioinformatics and Comp Biol Credits: 3
BCH 611LEC - Advanced Microbial Genetics Credits: 2
or
GGB 611LEC - Advanced Microbial Genetics Credits: 2
or
MIC 611LEC - Advanced Microbial Genetics Credits: 2
BCH 507LEC - Protein Structure/Function Credits: 2-3
BCH 508SEM - Gene Expression Credits: 2
BE 500LEC - Special Topics Credits: 3
BE 502LEC - Quantitative Analysis in Biomedical Engineering Credits: 3
BE 570LEC - Current Topics in Medical Nanotechnology Credits: 3
BMI 502SEM - Biomedical Informatics Application Domains: U.S. & International Credits: 3
BMI 504SEM - Research Methods in Biomedical Informatics Credits: 3
GGB 505LEC - Human and Medical Genetics Credits: 3
MIC 512LEC - Fundamentals of Immunology Credits: 3
MIC 516LEC - Fundamentals of Bacteriology Credits: 3
MIC 603SEM - Viruses and Cancer Credits: 2
NRS 520LEC - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Credits: 4
NRS 524SEM - Quantitative Neuroanatomy Credits: 4
ORB 510LEC - Saliva and the Oral Microbiome Credits: 4
PGY 505LEC - Cellular and Molecular Physiology Credits: 4
PMY 516LEC - Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Credits: 3
PMY 517LEC - Cancer and Cardiovascular Pharmacology Credits: 2
PMY 526LEC - Trends in Pharmacological Sciences Credits: 2
PMY 527LEC - Modern Approaches to Drug Discovery Credits: 2
STB 531LEC - Protein Prod & Molec Analysis Credits: 3
STB 535LEC - Structural Pharmacology Credits: 3
STB 612SEM - Structural Biology Sem Credits: 1

Additional Required Courses (16 credits)

The following courses are required for the pharmacology PhD. You can choose them as electives in the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences or take them after entering the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

PMY 503LEC - Fundamentals of Pharmacology Credits: 4
PMY 505SEM - Pharmacology Seminar Credits: 2
PMY 506SEM - Pharmacology Seminar Credits: 2
PMY 510LEC - Pharmacology of Biologics Credits: 4
PMY 516LEC - Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Credits: 3
PMY 540TUT - Pharmacology Research Proposal Credits: 2

Elective Courses (minimum 6 credits)

You need 6 credits of electives in a minimum of 3 courses chosen by you in consultation with your mentor. They must be at the 500 to 600 level in science or a related discipline. With approval from your mentor, you may earn elective credit for courses other than those listed above.

We recommend you take at least 1 elective from the list below in the second semester of your first year:

BCH 507LEC - Protein Structure/Function Credits: 2-3
BCH 508SEM - Gene Expression Credits: 2
NRS 520LEC - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Credits: 4
PMY 626LEC - Toxicology Princ Practice Credits: 3
PMY 627LEC - Target Organ Toxicity Credits: 2
STB 535LEC - Structural Pharmacology Credits: 3

Dissertation Research (18 credits)

Students will complete the UB offered Responsible Research Micro-Crediential to satisfy The Graduate School policy of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training.

PMY 751TUT - Research Credits: 1 - 12
PMY 752TUT - Research Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Students will demonstrate a mastery of the fundamental principles and concepts of pharmacology and toxicology.

2) Students will obtain an in-depth knowledge within a specialized field of study within pharmacology and toxicology, including an understanding and appreciation of the current issues and critical questions in their research area.

3) Students will develop the necessary bench skills and modern laboratory techniques needed to examine critical questions in their research area.

4) Students will develop analytical skills to critique and apply scientific information, including the ability to critically read and critique research papers.

5) Students will develop the ability to design, analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate hypothesis-based studies to address their research questions.

6) Students will become proficient in oral and written scientific communication, including the ability to organize and present their results in oral presentations, poster presentations, grant applications, manuscripts and their dissertation.

7) Students will develop an understanding of the career opportunities and paths that can be achieved with a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).