Coursework For Pharmacology & Neuroscience Graduate Program

The Ph.D. program in Pharmacology and Neuroscience provides an intensive year of didactic coursework, followed by development of a research project and immersion in a research experience. A foundation of coursework in Neuroscience and Pharmacology is coupled with electives in research methods, molecular biology and statistics. Students enroll in Pharmacology Seminar every spring and fall semester to provide experience in giving scientific presentations. There is a major emphasis on research, and most of the students’ time after the first year is devoted to development and completion of a research project.

The comprehensive examination will be developed by faculty members with expertise in each subject matter area (molecular pharmacology, cellular pharmacology, nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, endocrine system, reproductive system). Students will be required to pass this examination (80% correct responses) upon completion of their course work in order to receive their degree.  The examination will be administered at a testing center.

 

The typical curriculum follows:

First Year

Credits

Fall Semester (13 Credits):

 

PHRM 550A Principles of Pharmacology

4

PHRM 577 Neuroscience

4

MBMB 504 Research Methods

3

PHRM 501 Introduction to Seminar

1

PHRM 540 Responsible Conduct in Research

1
   

Spring Semester (11 Credits):

 

PHRM 550B Principles of Pharmacology

4

PHRM 530 Advanced Pharmacology and Neuroscience

3

PHRM 501 Introduction to Seminar

1

MBMB 530 Molecular and Cellular Biology

3
   

Summer Session (4 Credits):

 

Preliminary Exam

 

Choose Advisor and form Dissertation Committee

 

PHRM 551 Methods in Pharmacology

4
   

Second Year Credits

 

Fall Semester (8 Credits):

 

PHRM 552 Applied Statistics

3

PHRM 590 Readings or Research in Pharmacology

1

PHRM 600 Dissertation Research

3

PHRM 501 Introduction to Seminar

1
   

Spring Semester (8 Credits):

 

PHRM 501 Pharmacology Seminar

1

PHRM 590 Readings or Research in Pharmacology

4

PHRM 600 Dissertation Research

3

Admission to Candidacy when eligible

 
   

Summer Session (3 Credits):

 

PHRM 600 Dissertation Research

3
   

After Second Year Credits

 

Fall Semester (8 Credits):

 

PHRM 600 Dissertation Research

7

PHRM 500 Pharmacology Seminar

1
   

Spring Semester (8 Credits):

 

PHRM 600 Dissertation Research

7

PHRM 500 Pharmacology Seminar

1

Residency requirement fulfilled

 
   

Summer Session (3 Credits):

 

PHRM 600 Dissertation Research

3
 

 

 

 

Summary of Requirements for the Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Neuroscience

  • Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.00 (A = 4.0)
  • Complete 24 semester hours in residency
  • Pass a comprehensive written preliminary exam covering core course work
  • Complete 4 semester hours of PHRM 501 with a grade of B or better
  • Be admitted to candidacy
  • Present an oral proposal of proposed dissertation research
  • Submit at least one manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal
  • Complete 24 hours of dissertation research credits
  • Defend dissertation
  • Deposit dissertation with the graduate school

 

For more details see the Southern Illinois University Graduate Catalog