Multidisciplinary training, carried out by faculty in pharmacology and other basic science departments, emphasizes molecular, cellular, physiological, and clinical aspects of the pharmacological sciences. Areas of faculty expertise include drug/xenobiotic metabolism; receptor-ligand interactions, and biochemical reaction mechanisms; cell biology of signaling pathways; structure-function of membrane components; endocrine and metabolic regulation; cell surface and nuclear receptors, hormonal regulation of gene expression; cancer biology and therapeutics, bacterial and viral pathogenesis, neuroscience/neuropharmacology, and drug resistance.

The PhD program is divided into three phases. The first phase allows students to follow an integrated first-year sequence of course work that involves a core curriculum in cell and molecular biology. In addition, the first year includes three research rotations that allow the students to sample areas of research and become familiar with faculty members and their laboratories. Selection of a specific training program and thesis advisor is made before the end of the first year. The second phase involves a two part course in intensive Pharmacology study, oral presentations and laboratory experience, which cumulates in a comprehensive written exam designed to challenge students to apply key concepts in new context.

After advancing to PhD candidacy by passing the comprehensive written exam, students select one of four advanced tracks in Pharmacology. Choice among the tracks is based on the area of research expertise of the thesis advisor and the student?s interest in specific coursework. The four tracks are: Cancer Therapeutics, Membrane Biology and Pharmacology, Molecular Pharmacology and Cell Regulation, and Translational Therapeutics.