百花视频

The M.D./Ph.D. Program in Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics is dedicated to training students to become outstanding scientists in the pharmacological sciences. The graduate school phase of the M.D./Ph.D. program includes formal coursework and an independent research project that culminates in a doctoral dissertation. After successful completion of their formal course work students will have acquired in-depth knowledge of pharmacology and basic knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and physiology.

After completion of their research project, students will have acquired expertise in their dissertation research area, including the ability to critically evaluate the related scientific literature, mastery of a variety of laboratory procedures, skills in planning and executing an important research project in Pharmacology, and the ability to communicate results in oral and written formats. Our training will provide you with a solid foundation for successful research careers in a wide range of disciplines in academia, health sciences, and government.

Coursework

During the first two years in the graduate school phase of the M.D./Ph.D. program students will be taking classes in the medical school as part of the normal medical school curriculum. After successful completion of the first two years of medical school, you will be required to complete graduate level courses in Methods in Biomedical Sciences, Ethics, Statistics, and Receptor Pharmacology. This formal coursework is normally completed by the end of the third year, after which you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding through successful completion of a Ph.D. qualifying examination. The Qualifying Examination will consist of preparation and oral defense of a mock grant proposal on a topic different from your intended dissertation research. The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to show that you have attained competency in the following areas:

ability to formulate a hypothesis or experimental question that is clearly stated, testable, and well-justified;

ability to design an experimental approach that is logical and that directly tests the hypothesis or experimental question;

knowledge and understanding of the Qualifying Exam topic and supporting scientific literature;

ability to clearly articulate and describe the research proposal. Once you pass this examination you will be formally admitted to candidacy in the Ph.D. Program.

RESEARCH

Our graduate program is committed to training outstanding research scientists. With the mentorship of a Faculty Advisor, you will undertake an independent research project culminating in new and significant contributions to the pharmacological sciences. Major areas of research emphasis are: Cell Surface Receptors; Signal Transduction Mechanisms; Neuropharmacology; Cancer Pharmacology; Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Selection of a Faculty Advisor will be based on research rotations, usually conducted between the Spring and Fall terms of the first two years of the M.D./Ph.D. program. After completion of at least two 6- to 8-week rotations in different faculty laboratories, a Faculty Advisor will be selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director (GPD). Your Faculty Advisor helps you prepare for the preliminary examinations, plan a written research proposal, and establish a Dissertation Committee. Throughout your tenure as a graduate student, your Faculty Advisor provides advice and direction on the research project, monitors your progress through program requirements, and provides any other help and counseling needed for successful completion of the program. Your Dissertation Committee provides further guidance in your dissertation research and in the writing of your dissertation document.