CURRICULUM
PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience
Our graduate program consists of formal coursework, seminar presentations and independent research. Our core curriculum is outlined below. The research project and resulting dissertation are the most important aspects of our training program.
MS
A minimum of 24 class hours is required, plus 6 research hours. Courses to be taken are those required plus those determined by the student's Advisory Committee.
Required Courses
| Course Name | Credits |
| IDSP 240 A/B Ethics and Professionalism | 1 |
| IDSP 118 Cell Biology & Signaling | 3 |
| PHARM 209 Intro to Research in Pharmacology | 1 |
| PHARM 258 Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics | 1 |
| PHARM 260 Molecular Pharmacology | 1.5 |
| PHARM 270, 271, or 272 Journal Club | 1 |
| PHARM 298 Seminar in Pharmacology | 1 |
| PHARM 300 Thesis Research | 6 |
In addition, at least 5 credit hours from the following:
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| IDSP 212 Cardiovascular System | 1.5 |
| IDSP 213 Renal System | 1 |
| IDSP 214 Respiratory System | 1 |
| IDSP 216 Gastrointestinal System | 1 |
| IDSP 218 Nervous System | 1.5 |
Highly Recommended Courses
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| IDSP 110 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| PHARM 233 or PHARM 245 Neuropharmacology or Toxicology | 2 |
Optional Courses
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| IDSP 235A Grant Writing | 1 |
| PHARM 220 Clinical Toxicology | 1 |
| PHARM 225 Advanced Topics in Pharmacology | 1-5 |
| PHARM 240 Behavioral Pharmacology I | 1 |
| PHARM 242 Pharmacology of Drug Abuse | 1 |
| PHARM 243 Environmental Toxicology | 2 |
| IDSP 226 Basic Biostatistics | 1 |
| IDSP 250 Current Trends in Toxicology | 1 |
| PHARM 204 Brain Research through Advanced and Innovative Neurotechnologies | 1 |
PhD
Because of the complexity of pharmacology and its reliance on other basic sciences, the number of credit hours necessary for the PhD degree exceeds the Graduate School minimum of 32 credit hours.
After successfully passing the preliminary examination in the third year, students will continue to take Journal Club (PHARM 270, 271, or 272), Seminar (PHARM 298), and Dissertation Research (PHARM 400) until they are ready to defend their dissertation.
Summer Semester (First Year)
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 203 Methods in Pharmacology | 3 |
| PHARM 251 Research in Pharmacology | 2 |
| PHARM 209 Intro to Research in Pharmacology | 1 |
Fall Semester (First Year)
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| IDSP 110 Biochemistry | 3 |
| IDSP 118 Cell Biology & Signaling | 3 |
| IDSP 240A Ethics and Professionalism | 0.5 |
| PHARM 270, 271, or 272 Journal Club | 1 |
| PHARM 203 Methods in Pharmacology | 3 |
| PHARM 298 Seminar in Pharmacology | 1 |
Spring Semester (First Year)
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| IDSP 212 Cardiovascular System | 1.5 |
| IDSP 213 Renal System | 1 |
| IDSP 214 Respiratory System | 1 |
| IDSP 216 Gastrointestinal System | 1 |
| IDSP 217 Endocrine System | 1 |
| IDSP 218 Nervous System | 1.5 |
| PHARM 270, 271, or 272 Journal Club | 1 |
| PHARM 203 Methods in Pharmacology | 3 |
| PHARM 298 Seminar in Pharmacology | 1 |
Summer Semester (Second Year)
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 258 Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics | 1 |
| PHARM 260 Molecular Pharmacology | 1.5 |
| IDSP 240B Ethics and Professionalism | 0.5 |
| PHARM 251 Research in Pharmacology | 1-8 |
Fall Semester (Second Year)
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 233 or PHARM 245 Neuropharmacology/Neurochemistry or Toxicology | 2 |
| IDSP 235A Grant Writing | 1 |
| IDSP 226 Basic Statistics | 1 |
| IDSP 227 Advanced Statistics | 1 |
| PHARM 270, 271, or 272 Journal Club | 1 |
| PHARM 298 Seminar in Pharmacology | 1 |
| PHARM 251 Research in Pharmacology | 1-8 |
Spring Semester (Second Year)
| Qualifying Examination - Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 270, 271, or 272 Journal Club | 1 |
| PHARM 298 Seminar in Pharmacology | 1 |
| PHARM 400 Dissertation Research | 3 |
Summer Semester (Third Year)
| Preliminary Examination (Defense of Research Proposal) Course Name |
Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 400 Dissertation Research | 3 |
Fall and Spring Semesters (Third Year+)
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 270, 271, or 272 Journal Club | 1 |
| PHARM 298 Seminar in Pharmacology | 1 |
| PHARM 400 Dissertation Research | 1 - 8 |
Summer Semesters (Fourth Year+)
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 400 Dissertation Research | 1 - 8 |
Specialization Courses
| Neuroscience Specialization Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 240 Behavioral Pharmacology I | 1 |
| PHARM 242 Pharmacology of Drug Abuse | 1 |
| PHARM 225 Advanced Topics in Pharmacology | 1 - 5 |
| IDSP 230 Advances in Gene Therapy | 1 |
| PHARM 204 Brain Research through Advanced and Innovative Neurotechnologies | 1 |
| Toxicology Specialization Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 220 Clinical Toxicology | 1 |
| PHARM 243 Environmental Toxicology | 2 |
| PHARM 238 Cardiovascular Pharmacology | 2 |
| PHARM 225 Advanced Topics in Pharmacology | 1 - 5 |
| IDSP 230 Advances in Gene Therapy | 1 |
| IDSP 250 Current Trends in Toxicology | 1 |
MD/PhD
Before entering the PhD portion of the program, MD/PhD students must pass both the Year 1 and Year 2 Medical School curricula with a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and also must pass Step 1 of the United Stated Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).
IDSP 110, 118, and 212-218 will be waived due to overlap in content with the Medical School curriculum.
MD/PhD students may opt to do research in a department laboratory the summer before entering medical school, or during the 6-week break from medical school at the end of Year 1. For each summer research experience in the department, one semester (3 credits) of a required PHARM 203 (Methods in Pharmacology) rotation will be waived.
MD/PhD Core Curriculum
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| PHARM 203 Methods in Pharmacology (Research Rotations) | 6 - 9 |
| PHARM 209 Introduction to Research in Pharmacology | 1 |
| IDSP 226 Basic Statistics | 1 |
| IDSP 227 Advanced Statistics | 1 |
| PHARM 258 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 1 |
| PHARM 260 Molecular Pharmacology | 1.5 |
| PHARM 233 or 245 Neuropharmacology or Toxicology | 2 |
| PHARM 270, 271 or 272 Journal Club | 4 |
| PHARM 298 Pharmacology Seminar | 4+ |
| IDSP 235A Grant Writing | 1 |
| IDSP 240A/B Ethics and Professionalism | 2 |
| PHARM 400 Dissertation Research | 1 |
| Two advanced electives | 2 |
Course Descriptions
PHARM 203 Methods in Pharmacology (3 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: Hours and credit by arrangement. Consists of rotations through laboratories of department faculty. In general, the course should be taken for each rotation.
PHARM 204 Brain Research Through Advanced and Innovative Neurotechnologies (1 Credit, letter grade)
Description of course: The objective of the course is to enhance the students' depth of knowledge of the cutting edge genetic, molecular, and pharmacologic approaches used for the anatomic and functional interrogation of neural circuity, brain development and disease.
PHARM 209 Introduction to Research in Pharmacology (1 Credit, S/U)
Description of course: An introduction to research in Department of Pharmacology labs for incoming graduate students. This course will aid students in choosing their research rotations.
PHARM 220 Clinical Toxicology (1 Credit, letter grade)
Description of course: Three day, all day course of lectures and panel discussion. This course deals with clinical and laboratory methods for the diagnosis and treatment of intoxication from drug over dosage and poisons. Special problems associated with drug abuse and industrial and environmental toxicology are also discussed. Independent topical paper is required.
PHARM 225 Advanced Topics in Pharmacology (1-5 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: Hours and credits as well as lecture and laboratory to be arranged depending upon special topic. This course is designed for advanced studies of special groups of drugs such as steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, analgesics, etc.
PHARM 233 Neuropharmacology (2 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: A study of the structure and properties of membranes, axoplasmic transport, and the fundamental principles of neurotransmission and neuroendocrinology. Detailed study of the chemical transmitters in the central nervous system with special emphasis on drug-modifications of transmitter action and neuronal function, drug modification of physiological function and behavioral pharmacology.
PHARM 238 Cardiovascular Pharmacology (2 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: Two hours of lecture. The study of drugs used to treat cardiovascular disorders with primary emphasis on their fundamental mechanisms of action.
PHARM 240 Behavioral Pharmacology (1 Credit, letter grade)
Description of course: Basic principles of the experimental analysis of behavior, including operant and classical conditioning, and schedules of reinforcement. Definition and scope of behavioral pharmacology. Behavioral mechanisms of drug actions. Drug-environment interaction.
PHARM 242 Pharmacology of Drug Abuse (1 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: This course will discuss the behavioral and physiological effects of drugs of abuse and the mechanisms of action of these substances. This is a writing intensive course.
PHARM 243 Environmental Toxicology (2 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: Two hours of lecture and classroom discussion. A study of the effects of industrial, agricultural and other human-produced pollutants on the deterioration of the environment. The control of environmental problems will be illustrated in case histories.
PHARM 245 Toxicology (2 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: Three hours of lecture and classroom discussion. A study of the general principles of toxicology, including the biochemical and physiological mechanisms involved in injury. Specific organ systems and toxic compounds will be discussed for illustration.
PHARM 251 Research in Pharmacology (1-8 Credits, S/U)
Description of course: This course offers an in-depth experience in research development, design, methodology and implementation. Students will undertake specific projects of limited scope and develop their findings under the guidance and direction of faculty preceptors.
PHARM 258 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (1 Credit, letter grade)
Description of course: Two hours of lecture, twice a week. In depth presentation of receptor quantification and drug pharmacokinetics. Material is covered in lecture and through the completion of problem sets. Student's progress is judged based on examination performance and take home problems.
PHARM 260 Molecular Pharmacology (1.5 Credits, letter grade)
Description of course: Two hours of lecture, twice a week and student presentations. This course provides a detailed examination of molecular events that occur during and after drugs bind to receptors. Intracellular signal transduction events and cross-talk among different systems are emphasized.
PHARM 270 Discussions in Neurochemistry & Neuropharmacology (1 Credit, S/U)
PHARM 271 Discussions in Toxicology (1 Credit, S/U)
PHARM 272 Discussions in Pharmacology (1 Credit, S/U)
Description of course: A journal club/research presentation format in which students present and discuss new concepts and research findings in topics relating to pharmacology (PHARM 272), neurochemistry and neuropharmacology (PHARM 270), or toxicology, including biochemical, clinical and environmental (PHARM 271). Students will be taught critical assessment of research data and how new techniques can be applied to research problems. Grading will be by faculty on the basis of student presentations and participation in class discussions.
PHARM 298 Seminar (1 Crdit, S/U)
Description of course: Students are required to attend and participate in oral presentations of research data. The student should register for seminar each semester they are taking classes. Grades will be assigned based on seminar presentation, but students must participate in seminar each semester regardless of whether they are registered for the course.
PHARM 300 Thesis Research (1-9 Credits, S/U)
Description of course: This course consists of conducting research to fullfill the requirements for the Master of Biomedical Science degree. The research is conducted under the direction and guidance of the student's approved faculty research advisor and research advisory committee members. Initially, the students learn about a specific thesis research topic, then generate a hypothesis and master the techniques required to test that hypothesis. As the project develops, students continue to collect data, acquire new techniques and learn the literature relevant to their research project. Consequently, as the research advances students are exposed to new methods and new information each semester as they develop their research skills. The students meet regularly with their advisors and committees and provide oral and written updates of their research progress. Because each student is responsible for a different project, the length of time required to complete each project varies as does the number of times the student registers for this course. Amount of credit for each semester is stated at the time of registration.
PHARM 400 Dissertation Research (1-9 Credits, S/U)
Description of course: This course consists of conducting research to fulfill the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The research is conducted under the direction and guidance of the student’s approved faculty research advisor and research advisory committee members. Initially, the students learn about a specific dissertation research topic, then generate a hypothesis and master the techniques required to test that hypothesis. As the project develops, students continue to collect data, acquire new techniques and learn the literature relevant to their research project. Consequently, as the research advances students are exposed to new methods and new information each semester as they develop their research skills. The students meet regularly with their advisors and committees and provide oral and written updates of their research progress. Because each student is responsible for a different project, the length of time required to complete each project varies as does the number of times the student registers for this course. Amount of credit for each semester is stated at the time of registration.
Seminars & Journal Club
Seminars
Faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students meet regularly to discuss research findings and new developments in pharmacology, toxicology and neuroscience. Seminar speakers include students and faculty from the department, invited faculty from LSUHS departments and scientific experts from outside the institution. For a copy of the current Seminar schedule, please email ty.martinez@lsuhs.edu.
Journal Club
Student-led journal clubs in pharmacology, toxicology, and neuroscience allow students and research staff to present and discuss new concepts and research findings from the most recent biomedical literature. For a copy of the latest article and the current Journal Club schedule, please email ty.martinez@lsuhs.edu.
