Pharmacology and Physiology
About the Programs
Master of Science: 43.0 - 60.0 semester credits
Doctor of Philosophy: 96.0 semester credits
The Department of Pharmacology and Physiology offers graduate programs leading to the MS and the PhD degrees. The programs require independent research under the direction of departmental faculty members who are engaged in highly active research programs involving molecular, cellular, and behavioral approaches to experimental pharmacology and physiology in a strongly collaborative environment.
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, physiology and neuropharmacology courses round out the core programmatic courses. Specialization in ion channel physiology, smooth muscle physiology, 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 by November of their third year and they must have one first-author manuscript accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal during the course of the program.
Admission Requirements
Drexel University College of Medicine has a rolling admissions policy, which means that complete applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are therefore advised to apply early, as decisions to accept or deny admission may be made before the official deadlines.
To learn more about applying to Drexel College of Medicine programs visit the Drexel College of Medicine's Biomedical Studies website.
MS/PhD Degree Requirements
About the Curriculum
The core curriculum is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program of study for all first-year research master’s and PhD students in the Biomedical Graduate Studies programs. The goal of the core curriculum is to provide a broad foundation in biomedical sciences and serve as a framework for advanced study in more specialized areas.
Courses Repeatable for Credit
As well as taking all required courses, MS and PhD students may re-enroll in courses having the status “repeatable for credit” (such as journal club, seminar and research courses) for the duration of their program in order to meet the total number of credits required for graduation.
For more information about scheduling and developing a plan of study, visit the College of Medicine's Pharmacology and Physiology page.
| MS Degree Requirements: Non-Thesis Option | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| or NEUR 500S | Statistics for Neuro/Pharm Research | |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 850S | Literature Review Non-Thesis MS | 4.0 |
| PHRM 502S | CURRENT TOPICS IN PHARM & PHYS | 1.0 |
| PHRM 507S | Prin of Neuropharmacology | 3.0 |
| PHRM 512S | GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY | 3.0 |
| PHRM 516S | Special Topics In Pharm & Phys | 1.0 |
| PHGY 503S | GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | 4.0 |
| Advanced Pharmacology and Physiology electives | 4.0 | |
| Students are required to select a minimum of three advanced electives. Students normally consult with their committee to select advanced electives. | 9.0 | |
| Total Credits | 43.0 | |
| MS Degree Requirements: Thesis Option | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| or NEUR 500S | Statistics for Neuro/Pharm Research | |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 600S | THESIS DEFENSE | 9.0 |
| PHRM 502S | CURRENT TOPICS IN PHARM & PHYS | 1.0 |
| PHRM 503S | PHARM & PHYS 1ST LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PHRM 504S | PHARM & PHYS 2ND LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PHRM 507S | Prin of Neuropharmacology | 3.0 |
| PHRM 512S | GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY | 3.0 |
| PHRM 516S | Special Topics In Pharm & Phys | 1.0 |
| PHRM 600S | PHARMACOLOGY THESIS RESEARCH | 9.0 |
| PHGY 503S | GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | 4.0 |
| Advanced Pharmacology and Physiology Electives | ||
| Students are required to select a minimum of two advanced electives. For more information about advanced elective options, visit the College of Medicine's Pharmacology and Physiology website. | 8.0 | |
| Total Credits | 60.0 | |
| PhD Degree Requirements | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| During the third year, students develop a plan for their doctoral research in conjunction with their thesis advisor. A formal, written thesis proposal is then presented to the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee. Acceptance of this proposal after oral examination by the Committee leads to the final stage of doctoral training. PhD candidates then spend the majority of their time on thesis research. After concluding their research, they must submit and publicly defend their thesis before the Thesis-Examination Committee. | ||
| IDPT 500S | Scientific Integrity & Ethics | 2.0 |
| IDPT 501S | BIOSTATISTICS I | 2.0 |
| or NEUR 500S | Statistics for Neuro/Pharm Research | |
| IDPT 521S | Molecular Structure and Metabolism | 5.0 |
| IDPT 526S | Cells to Systems | 5.0 |
| IDPT 600S | THESIS DEFENSE | 9.0 |
| PHRM 502S | CURRENT TOPICS IN PHARM & PHYS | 1.0 |
| PHRM 503S | PHARM & PHYS 1ST LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PHRM 504S | PHARM & PHYS 2ND LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PHRM 505S | PHARM & PHYS 3RD LAB ROTATION | 4.0 |
| PHRM 507S | Prin of Neuropharmacology | 3.0 |
| PHRM 512S | GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY | 3.0 |
| PHRM 516S | Special Topics In Pharm & Phys | 1.0 |
| PHRM 600S | PHARMACOLOGY THESIS RESEARCH | 9.0 |
| PHGY 503S | GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | 4.0 |
| Advanced Pharmacology and Physiology Electives | ||
| Students are required to select a minimum of two advanced electives. For more information about advanced elective options, visit the College of Medicine's Pharmacology and Physiology website. | 8.0 | |
| Additional Electives | ||
| Students are required to select additional electives to complete the minimum of 96.0 credits for graduation. Additional courses from the Biograduate Medical programs may be taken as electives. Students should check with the College of Medicine's Biomedical Graduate Studies programs. | ||
| Total Credits | 96.0 | |
Interdepartmental Courses
IDPT 500S Responsible Conduct of Research 2.0 Credits
This two credit course is offered once a year, usually in the spring semester, one evening a week. It is presented using lecture, discussion and problem-based curriculum approaches, with associated requested readings in texts. Some topics additionally require web-based exercises and quizzes. Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty discuss current issues of scientific integrity that all scientists encounter in their research. Solutions to hypothetical and real research challenges and ethical dilemmas are discussed and debated by trainees and faculty. Course sessions and discussions are led by a team of faculty leaders, including department head, deans and provosts. Grades are based on quizzes, class participation, web-based exercises, a term paper and a PowerPoint presentation.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
IDPT 501S Biostatistics I 2.0 Credits
Introduction to the theory of probability, frequency distribution, correlation's and regression analysis, probability, chi-square and analysis of variance, applications of statistics in the laboratory.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 9 times for 999 credits
IDPT 503S SEARCHING BIOMEDICAL LITERATUR 1.0 Credit
This course surveys information sources in the library (books, journals, computer "finding tools"), with primary focus on finding biomedical journal articles via MEDLINE. Search planning is emphasized, including points on using Medical Subject Headings and precautions when searching title/abstract words. Resources for keeping up with the literature and maintaining personal files are briefly mentioned.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 505S BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH 9.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 506S BIOSTATISTICS II 2.0 Credits
Graduate Biostatistics II picks up where Biostatistics I leaves off. It teaches applications of commonly-used techniques in greater depth, with the intended audience being individuals who will be using statistics considerably in their work. This course includes one and two-way ANOVAs (and post hoc tests), multivariate techniques, power analysis, and other methods. The basic of the SPSS computer program is taught as well.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 521S Molecular Structure and Metabolism 5.0 Credits
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology. Topics covered include the structure and function of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids; enzymes; membrane transport phenomena; second messenger signaling; prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication; transcription and translation; protein processing and trafficking; and intermediary metabolism.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 524S Molecular Genetics 0.0 Credits
The goal of the molecular genetics core course is to familiarize students with the underlying mechanisms regulating the inheritance of genetic material. In addition, students will be introduced to genetic methodologies used to manipulate, interpret and define gene function.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 525S Immunology 0.0 Credits
Topics will include cells of the immune system and their development and function, antigen/antibody interactions and the generation of antibody diversity, the major histocompatibility complex, humoral immunity , cell-mediated immunity, transplantation immunology, and immune dysfunction and disease. immune mechanisms.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 526S Cells to Systems 5.0 Credits
Cells to Systems provides a foundation in cell biology, with topics in cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, membrane biology, endocytosis, intracellular signaling, cell cycle, cell growth (cancer), cell senescence, cell death (apoptosis), and genetic methodologies. A final section covers integrative topics on complex biological systems operating in intact organisms.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 528S Cell Biology II 0.0 Credits
This module covers basic membrane transport processes, the ionic basis of membrane excitability, various types of ion channels, the process and role of endocytosis in cell function, step in folding of nascent proteins and protein degradation, protein import into various organelles including the nucleus, ER and mitochondria, and protein processing and trafficking the Golgi.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 531S Integ of Bio Func in Organ Sys 0.0 Credits
This module will provide an introduction to aspects of endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology , and central nervous system function as a means of illustrating the integration of molecular and cellular biological functions in the intact organism.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 532S SUMMER MAKE-UP MED BIOCHEM 7.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 536S Molecular Genetics 1.5 Credit
The goal of the molecular genetics core course is to familiarize students with the underlying mechanisms regulating the inheritance of genetic material, In addition, students will be introduced to genetic methodologies used to manipulate, interpret and define gene function.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 537S Immunology 1.5 Credit
Topics will include cells of the immune system and their development and function, antigen/antibody interactions and the generation of antibody diversity, the major histocompatibility complex, humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity, transplantation immunology, and immune dysfunction and disease immune mechanisms.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 542S Integ of Bio Func in Org Sys 2.0 Credits
This module will provide an introduction to aspects of endocrinology, cardiovascular physiology, and central nervous system function as a means of illustrating the integration of molecular and cellular biological functions in the intact organism.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 550S Biochemistry and Biophysics 5.0 Credits
This course includes the fundamentals of metabolism, enzymology, protein synthesis and structure, and molecualr biology taught from neuroscience prospective. In addition, there are lectures on biophysics of ion channels, and neuronal circuits.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 600S THESIS DEFENSE 9.0 Credits
Students who have complete all course work and research requirements, but have not defended their thesis, may carry a status of "Registered for Thesis Defense Only". This registration carries no credit, has no fee and students receive no grade. Students may only be registered for thesis defense for no more than two semesters. Students may not be registered for this category if they are registered for any other graduate courses.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 9 times for 999 credits
IDPT 601S OPTIONAL ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during fall, spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of eact rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 7001S Professionalism in Medicine 1 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 7002S Professionalism in Medicine 2 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 7003S Professionalism in Medicine 3 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 7004S Professionalism in Medicine 4 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 703S HUMAN SEXUALITY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 9 times for 999 credits
IDPT 706S PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 710S PIL FALL SESSION 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 720S PIL WINTER SESSION 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 730S PIL SPRING SESSION 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 740S PIL SUMMER SESSION 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 750S PIL FALL SESSION II 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 751S INTR TO GERIATRICS/GERONTOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 752S INTRODUCTION TO AMBULATORY MEDICINE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 760S PIL WINTER SESSION II 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 770S PIL SPRING SESSION II 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 800S REGISTER FOR DEGREE ONLY 9.0 Credits
This is a course designated to allow students who recently defended the opportunity to finish up any loose ends while maintaining the graduate student status. Students can only register for this course after they have defended their thesis.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 801S CLINICAL PRACTICE EXAM (S/U) 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 802S FOURTH YEAR RESEARCH COURSE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 821S INTERDEPT. ELECT.-NUTRITION 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 822S ACADEMIC ELECTIVE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 823S MD/MPH RESEARCH 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 824S MD/Ph.D RESEARCH 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 850S Literature Review Non-Thesis MS 4.0 Credits
Literature Review of a specific topic directed at fulfillment of the degree requirement for a scholarly paper by non-thesis master¿s students. Progress is monitored by student¿s advisor and advisory committee.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 8 credits
IDPT 901S CLINICAL EXAM PREP 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 990S INDEPENDENT STUDY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 991S INDEPENDENT STUDY 2 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
IDPT 992S INDEPENDENT STUDY 3 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
IDPT 997S SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IDPT 998S TERM ACTIVATOR 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Pharmacology Courses
PHRM 502S CURRENT TOPICS IN PHARM & PHYS 1.0 Credit
Current topics in experimental pharmacology are presented via a journal club alternating with research presentations. In addition to active student participation, all members of the department of pharmacology and physiology (research assistants, postdoctoral fellows and faculty) participate.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHRM 503S PHARM & PHYS 1ST LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
First rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 504S PHARM & PHYS 2ND LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Second rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 505S PHARM & PHYS 3RD LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Third rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 507S Prin of Neuropharmacology 3.0 Credits
This course covers basic concepts in Neuropharmacology, all of the major neurotransmitter systems, behavioral pharmacology and addition, approaches to molecular and cellular physiology including photoactivated biomolecules, electrophysiology, phosphorylation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 512S GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY 3.0 Credits
This team taught course provides a basic knowledge of the pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, adverse reactions, contraindications, and drug interactions of drugs.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 516S Special Topics In Pharm & Phys 1.0 Credit
This required course serves to complement either Graduate Physiology or Graduate Pharmacology, and is taken concurrently with each. The focus is on fundamental concepts using typically published reports as examples. For instance, use of two-photon imaging paired with electrophysiology has been covered under Physiology, whereas inverse agonists and pharmacogenetics have been covered under Pharmacology. For Graduate Pharmacology, computer simulation exercises of pharmacokinetics and autonomic drugs are also included.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHRM 525S Drug Discovery and Development I 3.0 Credits
This course, the first of two, will provide in-depth exposure to the concepts and processes involved in drug discovery and development as practiced in the biopharmaceutical industry cover all facets from target identification through to the submission of the investigational New Drug Application (IND). Current unmet medical needs and case histories from difference therapeutic areas will be reviewed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 526S Drug Discovery and Development II 3.0 Credits
This course will provide in-depth exposure to the concepts and processes involved in drug discovery and development as practiced in the biopharmaceutical industry. It will follow the first course (Drug Discovery and Development I) and will cover all aspects from roval process to the submission of the NDA to regulatory approval and post-marketing surveillance.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHRM 525S [Min Grade: B]
PHRM 600S PHARMACOLOGY THESIS RESEARCH 9.0 Credits
Research toward the fulfillment of the dissertation is conducted beginning after successful completion of the qualifying examination. Progress is monitored by the student's advisor and department, Advisory Committee or Thesis Committee.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHRM 602S RESEARCH METHODS IN PHARMACOLO 2.0 Credits
A research course in which the student participates in several research projects under the direction of different staff members in order to become familiar with the specific areas of expertise of the faculty. This course emphasizes not only experimental methods but also the conceptual bases for investigating current problems in pharmacology.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 605S Research in Drug Discovery and Development 4.0 Credits
This course is designed to provide opportunities for the student to pursue research in the area of drug discovery and development. This can be done either in an academic or pharmaceutical laboratory under the supervision of a mentor. An alternative or an additional aspect can be the conduct of research for this thesis that is not laboratory research but library research based on an approved topic for the thesis requirement. Bother alternatives, laboratory or library research must be approved by the course directors.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 751S MEDICAL PHARMACOLGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 823S CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 895S PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH 0.0 Credits
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 9092S PHARMACOLOGY - ELECTIVE - 2WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 9094S PHARMACOLOGY -ELECTIVE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
PHRM 9750S RESEARCH-PHARMACOLOGY-16 wks 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 9754S PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
