The graduate program of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology prepares students for a career in research and teaching, culminating with the award of the PhD degree. Major areas of study include Molecular Pharmacology, Signal Transduction, Biochemical Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Neuropharmacology, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology.
Research aims of all areas of study are mechanistic in nature.
The program is multidisciplinary and has strong associations with faculty from Physiology, Biochemistry, Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Psychiatry and Neurology. Students enter the Pharmacology and Toxicology program either directly or via the Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences or the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience. A minimum of four years of study beyond the BS degree is usually required. During the first two years, students complete most of their course work and are also involved in laboratory research. The third and fourth years are spent primarily performing laboratory research.