Pharmacology & Toxicology Course Descriptions

Physiology I, PC701

Course covers the correlation of morphologic, biochemical, and functional organization of the human body as related to both normal physiology and disease processes. Graduate students attend scheduled lectures in PC301, complete graduate study assignments based on relevant research literature, and take separate exams.

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Physiology II, PC702

This is a continuation of PC701.Graduate students attend scheduled lectures in PC302, complete graduate study assignments on relevant research literature, and take separate exams.
(Prerequisite: PC701)

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Pharmacology I, PC703

This course covers pharmacodynamics and toxicity of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Principles of drug absorption, distribution, biotransformation and elimination are explained. Consideration is given to antimicrobials, cancer chemotherapeutics, autonomic pharmacology, and neuropharmacology agents. Graduate students attend lectures in PC311, complete graduate study assignments based on relevant research literature, and take separate exams.

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Pharmacology II, PC704

This is a continuation of PC703, studying neuropharmacology, analgesic, psychotherapeutic, cardiovascular, renal, hematologic, and endocrine agents. Graduate students attend scheduled lectures in PC312, complete graduate study assignments on relevant research literature, and take separate exams.
(Prerequisite: PC703)

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Research (Master's Level), PC799

Candidates for the master of science degree complete an independent research project, equivalent to at least 10 research credits, under the direction of an advisory committee of graduate faculty.

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Research Literature in Pharmacology and Toxicology, PC801

Weekly presentations by graduate students and faculty on current research papers from journals relevant to the fields of pharmacology and toxicology are followed by group discussion. Attendance and active participation are required during fall and spring semesters.

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Research Techniques Laboratory, PC811

During the first year of enrollment, each student satisfactorily completes an experiential rotation through the research laboratories of at least two departmental graduate faculty members and selects a primary research topic.

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NOTE: The following sequence of four courses (PC851-854) is offered in an alternating two-year cycle. Before a student becomes eligible to take the comprehensive predoctoral qualifying examinations, at least six credits must be satisfactorily completed.

Advanced Pharmacology and Toxicology I, PC851

Advanced Pharmacology and Toxicology II, PC852

Advanced Pharmacology and Toxicology III, PC853

Advanced Pharmacology and Toxicology IV, PC854

These courses include instruction and group discussion of topics related to the research interests and expertise of departmental faculty. Theory and experimental methods, analysis and interpretation of data, and critical review of the literature are emphasized. Topics vary according to instructor preferences; two faculty members participate each semester.
(Prerequisites: PC703 and PC704 or permission of instructors) Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate

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Seminar, PC880

Reports on current research topics by guest scientists, departmental faculty, and graduate students are followed by group discussion. Attendance and participation are required during fall and spring semesters.

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Doctoral Research, PC899

Candidates for the doctor of philosophy degree fulfill their thesis-directed research requirement, equivalent to at least 20 research credits, under the supervision of an advisory committee of graduate faculty.

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Statistical Principles in Bioessay, ST702

Includes purpose, structure and types of bioassays; statistical principles; quantitative dose response relationship; linear regression analysis; inverse prediction; confidence limits by Fieller's approach; direct assay and relative potency; indirect assay; analysis of variance in bioassay; tests of validity; symmetrical and asymmetrical parallel line assay; experimental designs; slope ratio assay, covariance in bioassay; quantal response; probit analysis, EDoc and relative potency, adjustment to natural mortality; combining estimates; and combined drug action, potentiation, inhibition, synergism, antagonism, and independent joint action.
(Prerequisite: ST701 or permission of instructor)

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Statistics for Research, ST704

This class covers statistical inference on two samples, design of experiments, repeated measures, analysis of covariance, multiple regression, categorical data analysis, and factor analysis.
(Prerequisite: ST310 or permission of instructor)

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