Minimum Semester Hours Required:  96 beyond the baccalaureate, not including any courses that have already applied toward another degree.

Coursework:  All first-year students are required to take General Education in Medical Sciences (GEMS) courses in the first semester, which includes Biochemistry (GCLS 501), Molecular Biology (GCLS 502), Cell Biology (GCLS 503) and Research Methods I (GCLS 504). In the second semester, students interested in pharmacology will take Receptor Pharmacology and Cell Signaling (GCLS 515), Research Methods II (GCLS 505), and one 500-level GEMS elective.

The second-year course requirements include Graduate Pharmacology (PCL 560), Scientific Integrity and Responsible Research (GC 401) and a 500-level elective chosen from: Molecular Pharmacology of Platelets, Thrombosis and Vascular System (PCOL 510); Pharmacology and Biology of the Vessel Wall (PCOL 530); and Ion Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology and Pathology (PCOL 540).

In addition, all students starting in their second year will register for PCOL 595 (seminar) and PCOL 599 (thesis research).

Seminars:  Required attendance to Wednesday Visiting Professor Seminar Series and Friday Student Research Forums.

Preliminary Oral Examination:  Required before the start of the fall semester of the third year.

Dissertation:  Required.

Other Departmental Requirements:  Students will rotate three laboratories in the first year prior to choosing an advisor. After beginning their second year, students must also present a seminar on their research each year. Graduate students may be asked to assist in teaching and research activities of the department, as needed.