Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences · Courses
PSC
48 courses with the subject PSC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PSC 110Scientific Reasoning and Analysis I
The courses (PSC110, PSC111 and PSC112) that make up the SRA sequence focus on historical and contemporary topics in science. Using a wide variety of communication formats, the essential elements of scientific reasoning are addressed in SRA1, with a focus on the processes underlying scientific thought, how science is communicated, and the limits of scientific inquiry. Topics include evolutionary theory, eugenics, ethics in science, and concerns related to advancements in genetics and artificial intelligence. The course emphasizes analysis of scientific writing, elements of effective communication, and the strengths/weaknesses of the scientific method. Upon completion of this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the scientific mode of inquiry and how these principles help shape scientists.
The courses (PSC110, PSC111 and PSC112) that make up the SRA sequence focus on historical and contemporary topics in science. Using a wide variety of communication formats, the essential elements of successful oral presentation and scientific writing to targeted audiences are analyzed. Scientific Reasoning and Analysis II is focused on clinical milestones in science and medicine with an underlying theme of exploring historical and contemporary medical breakthroughs through an analysis of ethical implications. Topics include Unethical Experiments, the Use of Animals in Research, and the Complexities of the Modern Healthcare System. The course emphasizes weekly journal entries with group discussion on contemporary scientific publications as well as the development of individual “ideal” healthcare systems. Upon completion of this course, students will understand how to evaluate and disseminate current scientific knowledge as well as understand the challenges and promises of modern medicine.
The courses (PSC110, PSC111 and PSC112) that make up the SRA sequence focus on historical and contemporary topics in science. SRA III addresses the critical elements of experimental design and data analysis, and how such information is effectively communicated. Topics include statistical and probabilistic reasoning, experimental design and methods, data analysis and interpretation, and the importance of ethics and communication surrounding data. Upon completion of this course, students will understand how to read and interpret primary literature and will be well-prepared for coursework in the later years of the Pharmaceutical Sciences program. Prerequisites: PSC 110 and PSC 111 or permission of the instructor.
This course will introduce students to essential therapeutics by examining the discovery and development of drugs through the lens of pharmaceutical sciences. The history and application of major pharmaceutical sciences disciplines (i.e. pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, bioanalytics) to therapeutic development will be explored using examples such as penicillin, Taxol, insulin, and others. Upon completion of this course, students will understand how pharmaceutical sciences provides a critical foundation to the healthcare professions.
Analysis of drugs, drug products, and biological samples is a fundamental aspect of pharmaceutical sciences. Drug development, pharmacological studies, clinical trials, manufacturing processes, marketing, and therapeutic monitoring among others rely on precise analysis to provide the evidence necessary for appropriate actions. A diverse and ever-growing array of analytical methods is currently available to generate results. This course will present principles of major modern methods used for analysis of drugs. Additionally, underlying scientific principles and practical considerations relevant to pharmaceutical sciences will be discussed. Prerequisites: CHE 111 and CHE 121.
PSC 210Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Experience
This elective course will allow students to pursue a laboratory-based project. The student and research mentor will work together to define a series of experiments that will achieve the student’s individual goals. This course may serve as an initial experience for a student to determine their level of aptitude and interest in pursuing research or, for more senior students, it will support a more detailed investigation of a defined hypothesis. The student will learn the necessary techniques, conduct experiments, and analyze data under the guidance of the research mentor. Work on the project may or not be continued in subsequent offerings of Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Experience or, for BSPS students, through enrollment in the Thesis Option of the BSPS program. Students are expected to be actively involved in research or other laboratory work for a minimum of 125 hours for three credit hours of the course (42 hours/credit) and not more than 150 hours over the semester (50 hours/credit). Final grades will be assigned by the course coordinator. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and course coordinator.
PSC 215Pills, Potions and Poisons: A Pharmacology Primer
This course provides an introduction to the general principles of pharmacology. Students will study the discovery and use of different classes of drugs and toxins on various systems of the human body. Drugs of interest will include small molecule inhibitors, biologics, and gene therapies. Learn about new drug discovery and the development process. Gain an understanding of poisons used in crime, drugs pulled from the market, and mood-altering drugs. This course is designed for those interested in health care professions, basic scientific research and biotechnology. Prerequisites: CHE 111 and CHE 121. Offered every other fall.
Botanicals are one of the main sources of medicines. Many active pharmaceutical ingredients have been discovered or derived from botanical origins. Advances in sciences and technologies are enabling the maximal utilization of botanicals as therapeutics. This is an updated pharmacognosy course that introduces botanicals derived pharmaceuticals and toxins utilizing the best available sciences. This course covers the principles of botany, chemistry of natural products and metabolites, as well as the molecular mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, and potential toxicity of selected cases. Ethnopharmacology principles will be integrated through special topics and case studies to appreciate diversity, equality, and inclusion of botanical medicine practices, and discuss the global trend of harmonization. Learning modalities will include interactive lectures, discussions, written and oral reports. This course aligns and cooperates with optional co-curricular activities on campus, such as laboratory observations, medicinal garden projects, and field trips. (3); Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 121, CHE 111 and CHE 121. Recommended but not required: CHE 211, CHE 221, CHE 311, CHE 415, PHY 212, PSC 321, PSC 341, PSC 371 and other related courses will enhance advanced learning.
This laboratory course serves as an introduction to essential techniques that are foundational to pharmaceutical sciences and complements PAT2. Students can use the PAT sequence as the basis for Capstone and technical training in lieu of Thesis Research. Techniques covered in PAT1 include (but are not limited to) HPLC, mass spectroscopy, dissolution/stability studies, active pharmaceutical characterization studies, spectroscopy, chromatography, cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Operation, calibration, and potential applications of instrumentation related to techniques covered in PAT1 will also be explored. Completion of the experiments in PAT1 will enable students to acquire a strong foundation in laboratory skills and data analysis critical to the discipline of pharmaceutical sciences. Prerequisites: Completion of the General Biology/General Chemistry/Organic Chemistry sequence. Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 121, CHE 111, CHE 121, CHE 211 and CHE 221. Required laboratory course for BSPS and MSPS students.
This laboratory course serves as an introduction to essential techniques that are foundational to pharmaceutical sciences and complements PAT1. Students can use the PAT sequence as the basis for Capstone and technical training in lieu of Thesis Research. Essential to basic clinical research and biomanufacturing processes is an understanding of how target proteins are expressed in cell systems. Such expression relies on bioengineered plasmid expression vectors. PAT2 introduces students to plasmid engineering using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a model biologic for understanding how therapeutic drugs are produced in cell systems, purified, and subjected to bioanalysis. Techniques covered in PAT2 include, but are not limited to, plasmid design, PCR amplification of target gene sequences, gene insert ligation and bacterial transformation, bacterial colony screening and verification of transformation, expression of the target biologic, protein purification, and protein analysis. Completion of the experiments in PAT2 will enable students to acquire a strong foundation in laboratory skills and data analysis critical to the discipline of pharmaceutical sciences. Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 121, CHE 111, CHE 121, CHE 211 and CHE 221. Required laboratory course for BSPS and MSPS students.
Biochemistry provides an introduction to important biomolecules and the complex structures and cellular pathways in which these molecules are involved. The first section of the course focuses on proteins with emphasis on enzyme structure and function, kinetics, and reaction mechanisms. Following an examination of simple and complex carbohydrates and lipids, the remainder of the course focuses on metabolic pathways that are responsible for cellular ATP production (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and electron transport), fatty acid synthesis and breakdown, cholesterol biosynthesis, and pentose phosphate metabolism. The metabolic intermediates and signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of key rate limiting enzymes for each pathway provide a focus for understanding how this regulation facilitates functional integration of these metabolic pathways in different organs. Prerequisites: BIO 111, CHE 111 and CHE 211.
This course provides an analysis of the regulatory pathways controlling cell replication, gene expression, and protein synthesis with a central focus of understanding how such knowledge is foundational to therapeutic application and development. Cancer cells, retroviruses, and bacteria serve as thematic models to demonstrate how the principles embodied in these studies translate into functional applications. Problem solving and data analysis play a central
This course is devoted to the study of host defense and the immune system. It examines the cells and organs of the system. It also explores the complex mechanism of cell-cell cooperation necessary to produce immune responses. The role of antibodies, T cells and macrophages in host defense and diseases is thoroughly explored. The role of the immune system in hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and transplantation is carefully examined. In addition, methods for modifying immune responses through drugs and vaccines are discussed. Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 121. Recommended but not required: BIO 210, CHE 311 and BIO 346.
PSC 320Downstream Analysis of Biopharmaceutical Products
The course introduces the students to the principles of purification and analysis of biopharmaceutical products. Students will learn through active learning activities, including lab-based experiments, case studies, presentations, lectures, and group debates. The course will focus on downstream processing, including, (1) purification of biologics from microbial cells and mammalian cells, (2) scale-up strategies, (3) product analysis to ensure product purity, identity, and safety, and (5) principles of error prevention for risk mitigation. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory experiments, students will gain real-world experience downstream processing, including, cell disruption, separation, purification, and formulation technologies (homogenization, centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, TFF) used in the purification of biologics will be discussed with hands-on lab training. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to understand how biopharmaceuticals are purified and certified safe and effective. Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 121, CHE 111 and CHE 121. Recommended but not required: CHE 211, CHE 221, BIO 346, PSC 309, PSC 310, PSC 311 and PSC 312.
This course sequence (PSC321, PSC322) will focus on normal physiological principles of homeostatic regulation of the human body. Important anatomical structures, pathologies and disease states will be presented to support underlying physiological regulation. Physiology/Pathophysiology I will include in-depth discussions of the physiology and pathophysiology of cell structure, electrophysiology, the nervous systems and the cardiovascular system. Prerequisites: BIO 111 and BIO 121.
This course sequence will focus on normal physiological principles of homeostatic regulation of the human body. Important anatomical structures, pathologies and disease states will be presented to support underlying physiological regulation. Physiology/Pathophysiology II will include in-depth discussions covering physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system, renal system, endocrine systems and gastrointestinal/hepatic systems.
BIO 111 and BIO 121. Recommended but not required: PSC 321.
PSC 324Industrial Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals Entrepreneurship
This course will provide an overview of the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry covering the following topic areas: research, development, clinical pharmacology, medical affairs, regulatory marketing, sales, distribution, ethics and compliance, and brand safety. Headquarters and field-based perspectives will be shared. The course will provide the student with an overview of the various types of careers available within the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry in each of the listed topic areas. This course will be taught by a team of industry experts and will be coordinated by ACPHS faculty.
This 0-credit seminar course features monthly talks by both internal and external guest speakers consisting of an informal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. The topics covered span the diverse scientific sub-disciplines related to Pharmaceutical Sciences and offer a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas. Importantly, these interactions are a vital element of student education, providing opportunities to explore various research fields and expand knowledge. All students enrolled in BS and MS Pharmaceutical programs are required to enroll in PSC325 each semester and attend all presentations. These seminars are open to the broader ACPHS community as well.
This course provides a basic introduction to the neuropharmacology of licit and illicit psychoactive drugs. It will review the major classes of licit and illicit drugs, including alcohol, opiates (morphine, oxycodone), psychostimulants (caffeine, cocaine, amphetamine, khat), marijuana, hallucinogens (psilocybin, mescaline), MDMA, dissociative anesthetics (ketamine, PCP) and hypnotics (benzodiazepines). The course will focus on the acute and long-term pharmacological, psychological, behavioral and adverse effects produced by these drugs and explore the cultural, historical and religious context for their use. The neural mechanisms responsible for drug addiction will also be reviewed and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for addiction will be discussed. Offered every other Spring.
This course studies the physicochemical principles of physical pharmacy and basic dosage forms. It integrates the physical, chemical and mathematical principles to introduce terminologies, theories, calculations and strategies of formulation design and quality control. The commonly used pharmaceutical ingredients, preparation methods, manufacturing approaches, and quality control strategies are also introduced. The modular topics include introductions to pharmaceutics, principles of solutions and dispersion products, preformulation, quality standards, and industrial approaches of new drug development and regulations. Prerequisites: BIO 121, CHE 221, PHY212 (Physics I) and MAT 111 or permission of the instructor. Recommended but not required: PSC 311, PSC 321 and PSL 331.
This course studies the pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug delivery systems, on the foundations of physical pharmacy and biopharmaceutics. It integrates and applies physical, chemical, mathematical, and biological principles to patient-centric drug products design. The commonly used pharmaceutical ingredients, preparation methods, manufacturing approaches, and quality control strategies are also introduced. The modular topics include principles of biopharmaceutics, topical and transdermal delivery, oral drug delivery and solid dosage forms; parenterals, sterile products, and biotechnology products; nasal and pulmonary drug delivery, specialty products, and advanced drug delivery systems. Prerequisites: PSC 341 or permission of the instructor.
This course explores the fundamental principles that define the relationship between chemical structure and the biological action of drug molecules. A major focus of the course is the application of these chemical principles to biopharmaceutical properties of drugs and the molecular mechanisms of pharmacological activity. The relationships between drug structure, therapeutic properties, and physicochemical characteristics will be discussed. Structure activity relationships (SAR), structure-property relationships (SPR), and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) will be explored through case studies. Although an emphasis will be placed on orally bioavailable small molecules, various drug modalities will also be discussed. Since the material covered in this course is
This course, which follows MFDA I, covers the enzymes responsible for phase I and phase II metabolism of drugs as well as pharmacogenomics. The reactions catalyzed by phase I and phase II enzymes, as well as the regulation of the activity of these enzymes by a variety of factors, will be discussed. Genetic variation in phase I enzymes, phase II enzymes, drug transporters, and drug receptors will also be covered. Specific examples of differences in drug effects and toxicity in patients with different genetic backgrounds will be provided to introduce students to the application of knowledge of patient-specific genetic differences to achieve better therapeutic outcomes (personalized medicine). Pre/Corequisites: PSC 311 and PSC 312.
This course is the first in a sequence of two pharmacology courses required for both PharmD and B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences students. The course reviews clinically relevant topics in Pharmacology that are continued in Pharmacology II and lead into the PharmD Therapeutics sequence. Topics covered include principles of receptor and ligand interactions, dose response curves, pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs), pharmacodynamics (mechanism of action, efficacy and potency of drugs), biotransformation of drugs, enzyme polymorphisms that affect drug action and elimination, and other factors affecting drug action (drug interactions. formulations and chemical properties). The course will additionally focus on clinically relevant drugs that affect the nervous systems (autonomic drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, analgesics, etc.) and the cardiovascular system (anti-hypertensives, diuretics, anti-dyslipidemics, anti-coagulants, anti-arrhythmic agents, etc.). The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of each clinically relevant drug class will be thoroughly considered. Prerequisite: PSC369.
This course is the second in a sequence of two pharmacology courses required for both PharmD and B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences students. The course reviews clinically relevant topics in Pharmacology that are a continuation of Pharmacology I, leading into the PharmD Therapeutics sequence. Topics covered include endocrine pharmacology (including glucose homeostasis, bone homeostasis, and the HPA axis), infectious disease pharmacology (including antibacterials, antifungals, and antivirals), oncology, eicosanoids, hematopoiesis, and inflammatory pharmacology (rheumatology, gout, and peptic ulcers). The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of each clinically relevant drug class will be thoroughly considered. Prerequisite: PSC 371.
The Pharmaceutical Sciences Capstone project allows upper-level undergraduate students to develop a hypothesis- based question evaluated through literature review. The project will culminate in a manuscript similar to a published literature review and an oral presentation discussing the relevance, scope, and findings of the project. Student will identify a faculty mentor who will assist and guide the students in selection of literature, evaluation of data, and written manuscript completion. (3); Prerequisites: PSC 115 and PSC 309.
This course is required for all Pharmaceutical Sciences B.S. students. Students will work with an identified faculty mentor to develop a thesis proposal. The proposal will provide appropriate background, hypothesis, specific aims, and methods for the thesis project. The written proposal will be no less than 5 pages in length (not including references). The proposal must be approved by the faculty mentor prior to final submission. Students will prepare and present a brief seminar on their thesis proposal (approximately 20 minutes in length). The faculty mentor will
This course is required for all Pharmaceutical Sciences B.S. students completing an undergraduate thesis project. Students will work with a faculty mentor to complete the research project proposed in PSC410. Completion of the research project will include both a final written thesis document and oral presentation of the major results from the student’s work. The written thesis will be no less than 15 pages in length (not including references). The thesis must be approved by the faculty mentor prior to final submission. Students will prepare and present a brief seminar of their research findings (approximately 20 minutes in length) which can be given individually or during a sponsored research symposium (e.g. the ACPHS Student Research Symposium). The faculty mentor will assign the Thesis II grade. Prerequisite: PSC 410.
This course presents concepts and mathematical techniques used to describe the time course of drug absorption and disposition of biological systems. Biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic principles used in the selection, dosing, monitoring and evaluation of drug therapy are introduced. These principles are applied to evaluation of drug literature and development of drug dosage regimens of selected classes of drugs for individual patients. Prerequisites: PSC 341 and PSC 342.
PSC 610GTechnical Writing for the Biopharmaceutical Industry
The course is an advanced study in technical writing with a focus on writing for the biopharmaceutical industry. The course will provide information on various forms of writing documents in the industry including memos, proposals, formal and informal reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch documents, facility and environmental monitoring reports, validation reports and protocols. Regulatory requirements along with examples of documents reviewed by regulatory bodies will also be discussed. Emphasis is on understanding the differences between scientific and technical writing, including techniques for organizing, evaluating, and presenting information. Instruction will include writing as a process, from researching a problem to organizing and drafting a document to testing, revising, and editing that document.
PSC 620GDownstream Processing of Biopharmaceutical Products
The course introduces the students to the principles of purification and analysis of biopharmaceutical products. Students will learn through active learning activities, including lab-based experiments, case studies, presentations, lectures, and group debates. The course will focus on downstream processing, including, (1) purification of biologics from microbial cells and mammalian cells, (2) scale-up strategies, (3) product analysis to ensure product purity, identity, and safety, and (5) principles of error prevention for risk mitigation. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory experiments, students will gain real-world experience downstream processing, including, cell disruption, separation, purification, and formulation technologies (homogenization, centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, TFF) used in the purification of biologics will be discussed with hands-on lab training. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to understand how biopharmaceuticals are purified and certified safe and effective. Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 121, CHE 111 and CHE 121. Recommended but not required: CHE 211, CHE 221, BIO 346, PSC 309, PSC 310, PSC 311 and PSC 312.
PSC 624GIndustrial Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals Entrepreneurship
This course will provide an overview of the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry covering the following topic areas: research, development, clinical pharmacology, medical affairs, regulatory marketing, sales, distribution, ethics and compliance, and brand safety. Headquarters and field-based perspectives will be shared. The course will
Clinical Biochemistry is foundational to medical science and will help students develop an understanding of biological molecules and their relationship to common disorders. Using applications and clinical correlations, the course will reinforce the role of enzymes as building blocks of life and in catalyzing and regulating biochemical reactions within the body. The integration of various metabolic pathways, cellular metabolism, and biosynthesis with emphasis on the key concepts of structure and function of macromolecules involved in physiological processes will serve as the basis for an understanding of drug action and drug development. Biomolecular techniques related to clinical analysis will also be explored. This course will combine lecture discussions and assignments designed to enhance student learning. Upon the completion of this course, students will learn the applications and clinical implications of human biochemistry, the cellular basis for several common genetic diseases and metabolic disorders, and essential techniques related to clinical biochemistry. Prerequisite: PSC 311. Clinical Biochemistry Spring semester course is for the Professional Master of Science, Post Bac, Pre-med and Master of Science students, and Bachelor of Science students in their final year.
This introductory course is required for all Pharmaceutical Sciences M.S. graduate students. The course reviews foundational topics in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Medicinal Chemistry, setting the stage for subsequent required and elective courses. Topics covered include principles of receptor and ligand interactions, dose response curves, pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, and elimination of drugs), pharmacodynamics (drug concentration and effect), biotransformation of drugs and factors affecting drug action, principles of computational modeling of receptor-drug interactions, and rational drug design. (3); Prerequisites: PSC 311, PSC 312, PSC 315 and PSC 321 or permission of the instructor.
This course studies the physicochemical principles of physical pharmacy and dosage forms and introduces students to Industrial Pharmacy. It integrates the physical, chemical, and mathematical principles into the terminologies, theories, calculations and strategies of formulation design and quality control. The commonly used excipients, preparation methods, manufacturing approaches, and quality control strategies are also presented. The modular lecture topics include introductions to pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy, principles of solutions and dispersion products through drug development and approval processes. In this graduate course, students will also apply pharmaceutics principles to case studies, formulation design projects and proposal presentation. (3); Prerequisites: BIO 121, CHE 111, CHE 221, PHY 222 and MAT 111, or permission of the instructor. Recommended but not required: PSC 311, PSC 321 and PSL 331.
This course studies pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug delivery systems, on the foundations of physical pharmacy and biopharmaceutics. It integrates and applies physical, chemical, mathematical, and biological principles to patient-centric drug products design. The commonly used pharmaceutical ingredients, preparation methods, manufacturing approaches, and quality control strategies are also introduced. The modular topics include principles of biopharmaceutics, topical and transdermal delivery, oral drug delivery and solid dosage forms, parenterals, sterile products, and biotechnology products, nasal and pulmonary drug delivery, specialty products, and advanced drug delivery systems and strategies. In this graduate course, students will also apply pharmaceutics
This course provides a comprehensive overview of regulatory science, focusing on the principles and practices governing regulated products. The course will delve into the historical context of regulatory agencies, particularly the FDA, and explore the evolution of regulatory frameworks. Students will gain insights into the diverse range of regulated products, including drugs, medical devices, biologics, combination products, food, cosmetics, tobacco products, veterinary drugs, and dietary supplements. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A significant component of the course is a term project, where students will research a real-world regulated product, analyze its regulatory pathway, and present their findings to the class. Peer review will be incorporated to enhance critical evaluation and communication skills. (3)
This course is designed to enhance the ability of graduate students to critically evaluate scientific articles published in juried scientific journals. Articles will be selected from current scientific literature in a variety of disciplines in the pharmaceutical sciences, including drug delivery, drug development, medicinal chemistry., molecular biology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry and pharmaceutics. All participants will read, present, and critique the articles. Each student will present at least two articles per semester. (1)
Students will complete a one semester laboratory rotation in order to facilitate the section of a thesis research advisor. Students will select a potential mentor based on interests and availability of openings in any given lab. Assignments, based on student preferences, will be made by the Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate program. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week on laboratory research during the rotation. Students will complete a rotation through a minimum of one (1) lab and a maximum of two (2) labs during the semester. They are to meet with the faculty advisor at least one hour per week for basic instruction to laboratory principles and practices, and to discuss their research. Students are required to complete reading assignments as directed by the faculty advisor and write a report of the research data and present a ten-minute talk summarizing their research at the end of the rotation. (2); Prerequisite: Permission of program director.
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of experimental design and biostatistics. Students will learn how to design experiments and analyze and interpret the results. Topics include confidence intervals, hypothesis testing power, nonparametric methods, and one- and two-way analysis of variance. Students will learn how to use computer software for many applications. (2)
PSC 733GPharmacology and Molecular Genetics of Cancer
A study of the molecular-genetic mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, including the role of oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and pathogens (viruses and bacteria). Genomic approaches to the study of both hereditary cancers and somatic mutations will be explored. The pharmacology of current cancer therapeutics and the rational design of novel anti-cancer drugs will be discussed throughout the course. (3); Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.
PSC 744GSpecial Topics in Pharmaceutics: Transdermal and Topical Drug Delivery
The course is designed to familiarize students with transdermal and topical drugs and drug delivery technologies. The course will focus on three core areas: 1) basic principles of transdermal and drug delivery, including skin anatomy and physiology, target sites in skin and mechanisms of transdermal and topical delivery, and physiochemical characteristics of transdermal and topical drugs; 2) approaches and technologies for enhancing delivery of drugs into and through the skin; and 3) preclinical and clinical assessment of transdermal and topical drugs. The design and development of transdermal and topical drugs will be discussed and specific examples from the primary literature of approaches to drug delivery through transdermal and topical strategies will be analyzed and critiqued. Benefits, challenges and limitations associated with this mode of drug delivery will be examined. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of this topic through lectures, in-class discussions and reading and writing assignments. Student achievement of this knowledge will be assessed through exams and presentations.
The Capstone writing project is run as an independent study course. Students will select a topic in conjunction with the faculty instructor and prepare a written review of the existing scientific literature that is relevant to the chosen topic. The review should focus on a particular scientific problem that is actively being investigated and should define and discuss the scope of the problem, the alternative approaches that are being taken to address the problem, the substantive findings that have resulted from these approaches, and how these findings have shaped the current state of knowledge of the problem. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
This course is to review, reflect, and evaluate the drug development process of a drug product, in a collaborative environment, as a student-driven case study on industrial pharmacy. Students will be guided by faculty instructors to review and present a cohesive drug product development case based on research of published literature, regulatory records, and market information, in multiple disciplines of pharmaceutical, clinical, regulatory, commercialization, marketing, and medical affairs. The case can be either a US FDA approved products with NDA record accessible at fda.gov, or a simulated and well-developed proposal that students have worked through other cocurricular or extracurricular case studies, such as the Value of Industrial Pharmacist Case Competition. Students will work as teams to 1) Assess key product requirements to address an unmet medical need, 2) Access clinical outcomes and safety parameters that provide the optimal medical value to the healthcare system and patient, 3) Predict if proposed strategies can meet or exceed regulatory requirements, 4) Assess patient and provider communications that maximizes product adoption for patients who will benefit most and 5) Evaluate education and training materials that facilitate product adoption in a safe and effective manner. Students also apply their presentation, communication, and collaboration skills to present their evaluations professionally for the strengths and weakness, after self-reflection and peer evaluation. Upon finishing this 1-credit course, students will learn and recognize how various industrial roles work together to create research and develop roadmap, regulatory strategies, marketing launch and medical communication and education plans. This course will develop students’ recognition
The principles of subcellular pharmacokinetics are combined with the methods of estimation of drug-receptor binding energies for known and unknown receptors to provide a comprehensive quantitative approach to the construction of structure-activity relationships. The emphasis is placed on understanding the principles of quantitative descriptions of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and drug-receptor binding in terms of drug structure and properties. The methods of prediction of the physicochemical properties of drugs, which are important in drug development, are analyzed in detail. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
This course consists of an independent research project which has been designed by the student, in consultation with the thesis advisor. The thesis advisor and thesis committee will be selected. The student will then develop a thesis proposal which will be approved by the thesis committee. Once the work described in the thesis proposal has been completed, the student will write and defend the thesis. It is anticipated that thesis research will be completed over 2-3 semesters. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
