Note: the MSPS program will not be offered during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Purpose
The demand for graduate students in the area of pharmaceutical sciences and related fields is expected to rise in the next 10 years and currently there are more than 200 job openings within the state of Pennsylvania in the area of pharmaceutical and biological sciences. The objective of this graduate program is to graduate students with highest level of knowledge and skills that suits the needs of the potential employers. The program is a 2-year research-oriented, thesis-track Master of Science program designed to build a solid foundation of the core knowledge in pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, with classical and contemporary topics and hands-on experimental experiences. Students in the program will also be trained to develop a high level of written and oral communication skills. One of the highlights of the program is to foster research techniques and methodology through exposure to a variety of molecular biology, synthetic chemistry and analytical techniques that are most commonly used in the current pharmaceutical and biochemical industry. This will be the first graduate program offered in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy since its conception more than two decades ago in 1996. This proposed program will offer individualized learning and research experience with high standard to local, national and international students.
Master of Science Program Outcomes
Educational Outcomes for the Master’s Degree Program in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
Goal 1:Develop foundational knowledge required in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry to support higher-level objectives.
1.1. Discuss the U.S. regulatory pathway for development and approval of new molecular entity drugs.
1.2. Discuss the U.S. regulatory pathway for development and approval of generic drugs with bioequivalence, and describe biosimilars.
1.3. Discuss the disposition of drugs in humans, including factors affecting absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.
1.4. Describe the structural and chemical properties of drug molecules pertinent to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
1.5. Describe the location and function of organelle, cellular, tissue, and organismal macromolecules that are common drug targets
1.6. Describe the therapeutic mechanisms of action of major drug classes at the organellar, cellular, tissue, and organismal level.
1.7. Describe the mechanisms of toxicity of major drug classes at the organellar, cellular, tissue, and organismal level.
1.8. Describe common research techniques and instruments, and identify their appropriate use when presented with a research question.
1.9. Identify and employ appropriate statistical tests to determine significance of biological data.
Goal 2:Develop foundational laboratory skills necessary to address scientific questions.
2.1 Demonstrate competency in executing experiments employing in vitro and in vivo models.
2.2 Demonstrate competency in determining DNA, RNA, and protein identity, quality, and quantity using accepted methodology.
2.3 Demonstrate competency in utilizing small-scale and multi-well format instruments to measure cell death, signaling, and homeostasis.
2.4 Demonstrate competency in using High-Performance or Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography to identify and quantify analytes of interest from biological and non-biological matrices.
Goal 3:Effectively communicate verbally, visually, and in written format.
3.1 Demonstrate effective writing to express scientific background, hypotheses, research methods, and discoveries.
3.2 Demonstrate effective speaking to express scientific background, hypotheses, research methods, and discoveries.
3.3 Employ appropriate use of audio and visual tools when presenting scientific information to an audience.
3.4 Demonstrate professional verbal and nonverbal communication with scientists and non-scientists.
Goal 4: Practice science with the highest ethical standards.
4.1 When required, limit use of animals in research to the lowest quantity and shortest duration deemed necessary to achieve adequate statistical power, as determined by published standards or power analysis when required.
4.2 Choose the most humane methods for handling animal subjects, abiding by the Guidelines for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
4.3 Identify and follow the most ethical methods for reporting scientific findings.
Goal 5:Professional development
5.1 Demonstrate integrity, trustworthiness, flexibility and respect to colleagues and other personnel.
5.2 Display accountability and preparedness consistent with a commitment to excellence.
Admission Requirements
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1) An online application through Wilkes University.
2) Undergraduate degrees in biological, chemical, biomedical or closely related discipline. Undergraduate degrees in bioengineering or chemical engineering may also be considered upon admission committee review.
3) Official undergraduate transcript with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
4) GRE score is not required, but is encouraged for applicants with minimal required undergraduate GPA.
5) Two letters of reference from scientists or engineers.
6) International applicants with undergraduate degrees from non-English speaking countries are required to submit TOEFL scores with their applications.
The Curriculum
Responsible conduct in biomedical research |
1 credit |
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Literature Evaluation in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences I |
1 credit |
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Introduction to Research Study Design and Proposal Writings |
1 credit |
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Experimental Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology |
2 credits |
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Principle of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry & Fundamentals of Drug Disposition |
3 credits |
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Research Orientation |
1 credit |
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Pharmacodynamics and Medicinal Chemistry of Major Drug Classes |
3 credits |
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Principles of Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry |
3 credits |
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Research* |
3 credits |
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PHS-572 |
Literature Evaluation in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences II |
1 credit | |
PHS-583 |
Thesis I |
3 credits | |
PHS-574 |
Literature Evaluation in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences III |
1 credit | |
PHS-584 |
Thesis II |
3 credits | |
BIO-347 | Biostatistics | 3 credits | |
Choose 4-5 courses:
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Electives (7 credits; 3-4 courses)
Pharmaceutics I Pharmaceutics II Introduction to nanomedicine Principles of toxicology Phytochemicals in health/disease Independent study |
3 credits 3 credits 2 credits 2 credits 2 credits 1-4 credits |
*In addition to the research course, summer students are required to participate in a minimum of eight (8) weeks of summer research activities with their respective primary thesis advisor. Individual student will be paid up to $3000 for the summer experience (paid from program operating budget). This is a mandatory experience and are not counted for credit hours.
PHARMACOLOGY AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
PHA-311. & PHA 312 Pharmaceutics I & II
The study and application of physical-chemical principles that are necessary for the design, development, and preparation of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The study of quantitative skills necessary for an understanding of the basic and clinical pharmaceutical sciences, including skills in pharmaceutical calculations and extemporaneous preparation of dosage forms. lecture: three hours per week. Laboratory and Recitation: three hours per week. Requirement: P-1 standing or consent of the instructor. NOTE: PHA-311 is a prerequisite for PHA-312.
BIO-347. Biostatistics and Experimental Design
This course reviews the statistical paradigms and techniques involved in analyzing
biological phenomena. Frequentist and Bayesian methods are employed when appropriate
with an emphasis on applied statistics and experimental design. Laboratory exercises
include designing, analyzing, and communicating experiments. Computation and computer
coding is employed in laboratory exercises. Offered in alternate years.
Click here for course fee.
PHS-571. Responsible Conduct in Biomedical Research
This is an introductory course in ethics of science and scientific research. The course is designed to provide a foundation for thinking about and recognizing the ethical dimensions of a variety of issues.
Enrolled in the MS program, or instructor permission
PHS-572. Literature Evaluation in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (II)
This course is a traditional scientific journal club. Students will present the background, content, and implications of a paper of their choosing to the audience.
Enrolled in the MSPS program, or instructor permission
PHS-573. Literature Evaluation in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (I)
This course is a traditional scientific journal club. Students will present the background, content, and implications of a paper of their choosing to the audience.
PHS-574. Literature Evaluation in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (III)
This course is a traditional scientific journal club. Students will present the background, content, and implications of a paper of their choosing to the audience.
PHS-575. Introduction to Research Study Design and Proposal Writings
This is an introductory course in research methods and proposal writing. The course is designed to give students experience in hypothesis and specific aims development and an overview of the use of the scientific study design for solving basic science problems.
PHS-576. Pharmacodynamics and Medicinal Chemistry of Major Drug Classes
The objectives of the course is to prepare students with the knowledge of pharmacological agents. The main focus is on the pharmacology of agents used in the treatment of different ailments.
Enrolled in the MSPS program, or instructor permission
PHS-577. Experimental Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology
The objective of this course is to introduce students to scientific research tools and techniques that are widely used in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology. Portions of the course will focus on regulatory requirements in drug development.
PHS-578. Research
This course targets the developments of students’ research skills with specific goals to 1) Provide research experience through participation in supervised research project prior to the thesis, 2) Involve students in doing research early in their master studies, 3) Increase students’ research skills.
PHS-579. Principles of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry & Fundamentals of Drug Disposition
This course is an introductory course that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacokinetics fundamentals. This particular course will emphasize the most fundamental concepts central to drug therapy.
PHS-581. Research Orientation
This course orients students to pharmaceutical and pharmacological bench research. Students will spend up to 3 weeks at each participating faculty’s research group to gain exposure of the respective research topics.
PHS-583. Thesis Research I
All MS students are required to complete a thesis. The thesis should make an original contribution to knowledge in the field of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences. There is no predetermined length, but the most theses range between 70 to 100 pages.
Permission from Advisor and Directors of the MSPS program
PHS-584. Thesis Research II
All MS students are required to complete a thesis. The thesis should make an original contribution to knowledge in the field of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences. There is no predetermined length, but the most theses range between 70 to 100 pages.
Permission from Advisor and Directors of the MSPS program
PHARMACY
PHA-360, 460, 560. Self-Directed Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences I, II, III
The Self-Directed (SD)-IPPE program is made up of three courses (SD-IPPE I, II, and
III) over the span of the P 1 through P3 years. Collectively these courses consist
of a total of 20 hours of pharmacy-related, service-oriented learning.
The Self-Directed Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (SD-IPPE) course is designed
to expose students to various service-learning opportunities throughout their P1 through
P3 years. This experience consists of 3 components: participation in and development
of service-learning projects, reflection, and self-directed learning. Students may
develop their own experiences or participate in opportunities offered by the School
or professional organizations.
Requirements for service-learning hours will increase as the student progresses through
the curriculum. Each student must complete a minimum of 2, 8, and 10 hours during
the P1, P2, and P3 years, respectively (total 20 hours). Additional details are provided
in the SDIPPE syllabus conveniently posted in E*Value.
PHA-395-396, 495-496, 595-596. Independent Study
Independent study and research for advanced students in the field of the major under the direction of a faculty member.
PHA-302, 401, 402, 501 & 502. Pharmacy Care Lab I - V
This five-semester sequence is designed to develop the student's ability to integrate and apply information as well as practice skills that are taught throughout the curriculum. The use of case studies, role-plays, presentations, and other active-learning strategies engages students in the learning process and requires them to synthesize information at increasing levels of complexity as the student moves through the course sequence. Requirement: P-1, P-2, or P-3 standing, as appropriate for each laboratory.
PHA-301 & 304. Foundations of Pharmacy Practice I and II
The purpose of this two-semester course is to provide the student with the foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to practice pharmacy in the 21ST century. In particular, this course will focus on skills (communication, teamwork), attitudes and other content relevant to the practice of pharmacy. The school’s team-focused approach to learning is emphasized throughout. This course fulfills experiential requirements and so students will have the opportunity to interact with pharmacists and patients.
PHA-311 & 312. Pharmaceutics I & II
The study and application of physical chemical principles that are necessary for the
design, development and preparation of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The study of quantitative
skills necessary for an understanding of the basic and clinical pharmaceutical sciences,
including skills in pharmaceutical calculations and extemporaneous preparation of
dosage forms. Lecture: three hours per week. Laboratory and Recitation: three hours
per week.
PHA-308. Pharmaceutical and Health Care Delivery
Examination of health and pharmaceutical delivery in the U.S. conducted from a societal perspective. Emphasis is on public policy, economic behavior and outcomes. Application will be made to various pharmaceutical sectors (e.g., retail, health systems, manufacturing). Students should gain an understanding of the factors driving transformation of health care delivery and the implications for future pharmacy practice. Lecture: three hours per week.
PHA-310. Clinical Research and Design
In order to apply current research to patient care activities, one must first develop the skills to interpret studies. The purpose of this course is to learn how research studies are designed to answer specific clinical questions, and how the study design is important in interpreting the results of the studies. Students will apply research design concepts and statistical techniques to design, critically analyze, and interpret preclinical, clinical, and economic studies of pharmaceuticals and treatment plans. Lecture: three hours per week.
PHA-313. Pharmacy Calculations
The common mathematical processes that a pharmacist may encounter in professional practice are covered. Interpretation of the prescription, including Latin abbreviations, will be discussed. Medical terminology and the generic name, trade name, manufacturer, and classification of the top 100 drugs will also be presented. Lecture one hour per week.
PHA-327. Medical Microbiology
An overview of microbiology with special emphasis on pathogenic microbiology. Lecture:
three hours per week.
PHA-331. & PHA 332 Medical Anatomy and Physiology I & II
In-depth principles of human anatomy and physiology as well as an introduction to pathophysiology will be presented. Lecture: Two hours per week. Recitation and Lab: two hours per week.
This course is restricted to enrolled Pharmacy students. Consideration may be given
to non-pharmacy students with overall GPAs of 3.0 or greater, if there is room in
the lecture and lab sessions, and with instructor, approval.
NOTE: PHA-331 is a prerequisite for PHA-332.
PHA-335. Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience I
This course will provide introductory practice experience to students in the community setting. The course fosters the development of professionalism in an environment of practical application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Students will be faced with a variety of issues practical to community pharmacy. The student will take an independent learning approach under the supervision of a practicing community pharmacist. The course is two full-time weeks (80 hours) of experience.
PHA-365. Medical Biochemistry
Introduction to basic biochemistry concepts, focusing on the structure and function of vitamins, proteins, and lipids as well as bioenergetics and major catabolic pathways. The catabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids will be discussed including reactions and regulation. Common metabolic pathways of drugs, enzyme induction and metabolism down regulation will also be presented. Lecture: Four hours per week. Cross-listed with CHM-365, BEGR-465.
PHA-405. Pharmaceutical Care Systems: Design and Control
Examines delivery of pharmaceutical products and services from a systems perspective in a variety of patient care settings. Focus is upon effectiveness, efficiency, and quality. Covers design of systems, establishment and monitoring of key indicators, total quality management and quality assurance agencies (e.g., JCAHO, NCQA). Lecture: two hours per week.
PHA-410. Immunology and Biotechnology
A discussion of nonspecific host defense mechanisms and a detailed description of specific immunity. Products that impart artificial active and passive immunity are presented. The concept of biotechnology is discussed together with the currently available products of genetic engineering that relate to immunology. The various immunological disorders and the immunology of cancer and HIV are discussed. Lecture: three hours per week.
PHA-411. Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacokinetics
Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacokinetics is designed to educate pharmacy students in the principles of pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics and how they assist in dosage regimen design and therapeutic efficacy evaluations. The impact of the physical and chemical forms nature of the drug and dosage forms will be studied as they relate to the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. The clinical pharmacokinetics of individual drugs will be examined with emphasis on clinical application based on patient presentations. Case studies, homework, and quizzes will be used to facilitate student learning. This course is roughly divided into two parts. The first is Biopharmaceutics/ Pharmacokinetics and the second is Clinical Pharmacokinetics. Lecture: three hours per week.
PHA-412. Management of Pharmacy Operations
The principles of management, including personnel and financial management, will be covered as they apply to management of pharmacy operations in a variety of settings (e.g., community, health system, managed care). Lecture: three hours per week.
PHA-421. Pharmacotherapeutics I: Principles of Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry
This course is the 1st of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This particular course will emphasize the most fundamental concepts central to drug therapy. A major emphasis will be placed on the interactions of drugs with their cellular targets in the human body, and the chemical properties of drugs that dictate their biological activity.
PHA-423. Pharmacotherapeutics Ii: Principles of Pharmacotherapeutics
This course is the 2nd of a twelve module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for understanding Pharmacotherapeutics principles.
PHA-425. Pharmacotherapeutics III: Self-Care and Dermatology*
This course is the 3rd of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of dermatological disorders and self- care issues.
PHA-426. Pharmacotherapeutics IV: Gastrointestinal Disorders*
This course is the 6th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of gastrointestinal diseases.
PHA-428. Pharmacotherapeutics V: Infectious Diseases*
This course is the 4th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of infectious diseases.
PHA-430. Joint, Autoimmune and Musculoskeletal Disorders
This course is the 5th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of joint autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases.
PHA-435. Pharmacogenomics
Students will learn to understand how human genetics and genomics can be used to provide optimized drug therapy and patient care. Learning about this emerging field will enable students to better understand and manage new genomics-based diagnostic tools and make personalized treatment choices. Students will also spend time discussing societal and ethical implications of genetic testing and the resultant individualization of drug therapy, explain basic principles of human genetics and heredity, and more. Requirement: P-3 standing.
PHA-440. Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience II
This course will provide introductory practice experience to students in two health care settings: prescriber’s clinics and a clinical pharmacy site. Students will have an independent approach to learning and gain a broader understanding of these settings and the role that pharmacists may play.
PHA-445. Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience III
This course will provide introductory practice experience to students in the health-system setting. The course fosters the development of professionalism in an environment of practical application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Students will be faced with a variety of issues practical to this area of practice. The student will take an independent learning approach under the supervision of a practicing community pharmacist.
The course is two full-time weeks (80 hours) of experience.
PHA-450. Neuropharmacology of Drugs of Abuse
In-depth analysis of drugs of abuse, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerance, sensitization, physical dependence, and effects of drug use during pregnancy. Drug testing and substance abuse treatment strategies will also be discussed. Lecture: three hours.
PHA-452. Extemporaneous Compounding
Students will achieve basic and advanced skills in compounding pharmaceutical dosage forms for individualized patient therapy to replace a lack of commercially available products, and enhance therapeutic problem-solving between the pharmacist and physician to enhance patient compliance. Students will work independently on research assignments and compounding preparations. Lecture: one hour per week. Lab six hours per week.
PHA-456. CONCEPTS IN PRIMARY CARE
The course is designed to allow students to explore and develop advanced knowledge and skills related to diseases and medications commonly encountered in a primary care environment. This course will be of value to pharmacy students seeking careers in ambulatory care pharmacy practice, community pharmacy, long-term care and population health management. Topics are presented in a case-based discussion format that includes multiple diseases and medications and through student-led mini topic discussions.
PHA-488. Aspects of Caring for the Pain Patient
This course is an interactive and interprofessional approach to the assessment and management of pain. Various teaching and learning strategies will allow students to develop and appreciate the understanding of the social, psychological, physical, spiritual and ethical implications of pain.
PHA-505. Pharmacy Law
The study of federal and state statutes, regulations and court decisions which control the practice of pharmacy and drug distribution. Civil liability in pharmacy practice and elements of business and contract law will be covered. Lecture: two hours per week.
PHA-506. Concepts in Infectious Disease
PHA-509. Economic Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Products and Services
Introduction to commonly used economic evaluation methods (e.g., cost-minimization, cost-utility, cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness) as applied to pharmaceutical products and services. Quality of life and outcomes research will also be explored. Emphasis is on understanding evaluation methods and research design and interpreting the relevant literature for practice applications. Lecture: three hours per week.
PHA-510. General Medicine Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience
Integration of the basic pharmacy related concepts to the delivery of pharmaceutical care in general medicine practice. Clinical practice: 40 hours per week for a total of five to six weeks.
Successful completion of P1-P3 curriculum in full.
PHA-511. Ambulatory Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience
Integration of the basic pharmacy related concepts to the delivery of pharmaceutical care in ambulatory care settings. Clinical practice: 40 hours per week for a total of five to six weeks.
Successful completion of P1-P3 curriculum in full.
PHA-512. Community Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience
Integration of the basic pharmacy related concepts to the delivery of pharmaceutical care in community practice settings. Clinical practice: 40 hours per week for a total of five to six weeks.
Successful completion of P1-P3 curriculum in full.
PHA-513. Health System Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience
Integration of the advanced pharmacy related concepts to the delivery of pharmaceutical care in the health system setting. Clinical practice: 40 hours per week for five to six weeks.
Successful completion of P1-P3 curriculum in full.
PHA-515. Naplex Preparation
PHA-521. Pharmacotherapeutics VII: Pulmonary Disorders*
This hybrid course is the 7th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of pulmonary diseases.
PHA-523. Pharmacotherapeutics VIII: Cardiovascular Disorders*
This course is the 8th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of cardiovascular diseases.
PHA-525. Pharmacotherapeutics IX: Renal Disorders*
This course is the 9th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of renal diseases.
PHA-526. Pharmacotherapeutics X: Endocrine Disorders & Women's/Men's Health Issues*
This course is the 10th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of endocrine diseases.
PHA-528. Pharmacotherapeutics XI: Neoplastic Diseases*
This course is the 11th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of neoplastic diseases.
PHA-530. Pharmacotherapeutics XII: Central Nervous System Disorders*
This course is the 12th of a twelve-module sequence that will integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology and therapeutics. This team taught course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn, observe and apply concepts of these four content areas in an integrated manner. Concepts in each of these content areas will be emphasized to provide the necessary information for pharmaceutical management of CNS and mental health disorders.
PHA-532. Integrative Medicine and Nutrition
The purpose of the Alternative Medicine and Nutrition course is to help students learn to integrate nonconventional treatments (natural medicines, manipulation therapy, acupuncture, etc.) into traditional treatment strategies. Additionally, students will learn about nutrition support practices, including enteral and parenteral care.
PHA-534. Introduction to Hospital Pharmacy Practice
This course introduces students to the practice of pharmacy within a hospital setting. Topics discussed include the accreditation process for hospitals, career options and residency or fellowship training, medication formulary management, automation and technology in hospital pharmacies, medication calculations, medication safety, clinical pharmacy practice, and sterile product preparation.
PHA-536. Principles of Advanced Community Pharmacy Management
This course is designed to provide a foundation for students interested in pursuing the development and implementation of advanced clinical programs in a community pharmacy. The student will be introduced to principles in pharmacy and fiscal management, professional development, and the management and legal issues relating to clinical pharmacy services. Didactic and active learning techniques will be employed throughout the course and the student will be required to develop a business plan. Lecture two hours per week.
PHA-538. Pediatric Pharmacotherapy
This course is designed to expand the students current knowledge base regarding the pediatric population and to introduce the core concepts involved in the care of this special population. The course prepares students to identify and address drug-related problems in pediatric patients and to demonstrate competency within those areas. This will be accomplished by completion of case scenarios, actual patient presentations, and a take-home examination. An on-site visit to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is required. Lecture two hours per week.
PHA-540. Comprehensive Diabetes Management
This course provides a multidisciplinary foundation for health professionals in the principles of diabetes management. Students who successfully complete the course will have knowledge and the basic skill set that is needed to begin practicing diabetes management. The majority of this course is independent self-study of online lectures, but there are mandatory on-campus discussions and exams.
Requirement: P-2 or P-3 standing.
PHA-544. Managed Care Pharmacy
This elective is intended to help future pharmacists interested in any area of practice better understand the clinical and business decision- making processes of the health care system. The elective will introduce and reinforce the concepts of population health and value, explore tools available to limit healthcare spending, and discuss unique ways pharmacists can be involved in improving patient care. This course will be offered during the spring semester each year.
P2 or P3 standing.
PHA-552. Principles of Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry
This will be an introductory course, the aims of which are to provide the principles of bioorganic and medical chemistry, including an understanding of drug structure-activity relationships, prediction of the physicochemical properties of a drug, basic knowledge of the major pathways of drug metabolism, and factors that can contribute to drug-drug interactions.
PHA-555. Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience IV
Therapy Management (MTM)/clinical telepharmacy and Intergenerational (IG) patient care. The course fosters
the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for pharmacy practice through practical application in telepharmacy patient care and community settings.
P2 year.
PHA-556. Role of Phytochemicals on Health and Disease
Students will learn the basic concepts and classification of phytochemicals present in our daily diet, followed by the study of specific phytochemicals and their relation to human health and disease. Basic mechanisms and pathways through which phytochemicals act and alter will be discussed. Students will have an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of a specific phytochemical of their choice or any other phytochemical designated by the instructor through a research review paper and an in- class presentation.
PHA-558. Principles of Toxicology: From Beaker to Bedside
This toxicology elective is designed to provide the student with introductory knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of action and clinical management of poisons. The course will begin with introductory concepts such as history, mechanisms of cell injury and toxicant disposition. The student will then be exposed to the fundamental principles of managing an acutely poisoned patient. Toxicology lectures on each major organ system will prepare students for group presentations. The aims of student presentations will be to achieve a greater understanding of the clinical management of the poisoned patient, and to hone presentation skills. To the extent that is feasible, the course will involve lectures, or other learning experiences, led by external specialists.
The scope of poisons that will be discussed is broad, and includes environmental toxins, industrial toxicants, and drugs. Specific agents will include heavy metals, volatile solvents, common plant toxins, rodenticides, and several drugs. Students may be expected to participate in one laboratory exercise, wherein they will learn a fundamental method to characterize the mechanism and/or extent of cell death induced by a toxicant.
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PHA-565. Public Health Capstone Project Seminar
PHA-599. A, B, AND C Elective Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Rotations
Advanced pharmacy practice experience involved in different aspects of pharmaceutical care. (Courses to be determined.) Clinical practice 40 hours per week for a total of five weeks.
Successful completion P-1 - P-3 curriculum in full.