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Pharmacology and Physiology

General Information
Students in both the PhD and MS programs begin their coursework with a core curriculum in biomedical sciences, and immediately start laboratory rotations. Intensive graduate-level pharmacology and physiology courses round out the core programmatic courses. Specialization in ion channel physiology, smooth-muscle physiology, neuropharmacology, behavioral pharmacology, and signal transduction processes may involve the taking of several elective courses. Each program requires the defense of a thesis based on original research.

About the MS Program
The MS program, requiring two years of full-time study, provides a broad knowledge and technical expertise in pharmacology and physiology, allowing graduates to become partners in research in either an academic or an industrial environment. Students who wish to continue their graduate studies after the MS degree may apply to the PhD program, and their course credits may be applied to the doctoral program.

About the PhD Program
PhD candidates must pass a qualifying examination in the middle of their third year and also submit a minimum of two manuscripts (publications from their research) during the course of the program. The average amount of time required to complete the PhD requirements is five years.

For more information, visit the College of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology and Physiology web site.