Pharmacology, PhD
Pharmacological sciences represent an extremely large field of modern science, intertwined with many other biomedical disciplines: cancer and cardiovascular pharmacology, cell signaling, neuropharmacology, pharmacogenetics, pharmacological chemistry, environmental health sciences, and targeted therapeutics. Core courses include Cell Biology, Fundamentals in Pharmacology, Human Physiology, and Medical Pharmacology. Electives are chosen by the student to suit their interests. Pharmacology students may rotate in labs doing very different types of research, to enrich their background and allow unrushed, instructed selection of direction of their future thesis research.
For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/ggps/index.shtml
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | ||
| BIOM 6000 | Cell Biology | 1 |
| BIOM 6100 | Foundations in Statistics 1 | 1 |
| PHRM 5320 | Human Physiology | 1 |
| PHRM 6230 | Fundamentals of Pharmacology | 1 |
| PHRM 6240 | Medical Pharmacology | 2 |
| PHRM 5990 | Pharmacology Gradute Group Journal Club | 0.5 |
| PHRM 5990 | Pharmacology Gradute Group Journal Club | 0.5 |
| Pharmacology seminar chosen in consultation with advisor | 1 | |
| Select three electives in this list: | 3 | |
BBCB 4000-9999 2 | ||
CAMB 4000-9999 2 | ||
GCB 4000-9999 2 | ||
EPID 4000-9999 2 | ||
IMUN 4000-9999 2 | ||
NGG 4000-9999 2 | ||
PHRM 4000-9999 2 | ||
| Research | ||
| 2-6 CUs of PHRM 6990 or PHRM 8990 | 4-8 | |
| Laboratory Rotation | ||
| Pre-Dissert Lab Rotation | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Total Course Units | 15-19 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
Or other statistics course with approval of the Graduate Group.
- 2
Elective courses exclude lab rotations (6990 and 8990).
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Fundamentals of Pharmacology | ||
| Laboratory Rotation | ||
| PHRM 5990 | Pharmacology Gradute Group Journal Club | 0.5 |
| Spring | ||
| Medical Pharmacology | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Laboratory Rotation | ||
| PHRM 5990 | Pharmacology Gradute Group Journal Club | 0.5 |
| Summer | ||
| Laboratory Rotation | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Foundations in Statistics | ||
| Pre-Dissert Lab Rotation | ||
Elective | ||
| Spring | ||
| Pre-Dissert Lab Rotation | ||
| Elective | ||
| Year 3 and Beyond | ||
| Dissertation | ||