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Pharmacology Courses

PHCL 3100. Pharmacology for Pre-Med and Life Science Students.

(2.0 cr; Prereq-College-level biology; biochemistry or physiology recommended; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)

This introductory course in modern pharmacology is suitable for students interested in clinical medicine, biological science research, pharmaceutical industry and development of modern therapeutic agents -- or those just wanting a taste of how drugs work. The emphasis will be on the big picture of "therapeutic drugs" in general, and to prepare students for future success in modern medicine, research, industry, or matriculation to health science programs. This course covers different drug categories for major organ systems including the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the endocrine/reproductive systems, as well as drugs for conditions like cancer and infectious and inflammatory diseases. The course will also briefly introduce concepts in modern drug design such as gene and cell therapy and application of pharmacogenomics.

PHCL 4001: Mechanisms of Drug Action.

(A-F only, prereq Upper div or instr consent; [prev or concurrent] courses in [biology, biochemistry] recommended, 2 credits)

In our modern society, drug-based strategies are the predominant and often the most effective means to treat disease. This introductory course presents many of the fundamental concepts that define the discipline of Pharmacology by focusing on the derivation of a drug-based strategy to treat cancer. Excessive nomenclature and memorization will be avoided. Since pharmacology is at the intersection of biochemistry, genomics, physiology, and medicine, the course will necessarily take into account these disciplines in devising drug-based strategies to treat a disease. The course is designed to be highly interactive, with both written and oral components. Structured student learning is developed primarily through classroom lectures, reading materials, and three midterm exams. The course is highly appropriate for those interested in medicine, biological research or the pharmaceutical industry.

PHCL 4003 – Anti-infective drugs: Drugs that kill invaders.

(2.0 cr; Prereq-College-level biology; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)

Principles/mechanisms of anti-infective drugs, and treatments of infectiousdiseases. Effective: Spring 2013.

PHCL 4010. Current Research Topics in Pharmacology.

(1 cr; prereq upper div or instr consent; A-F; Fall and Spring)
The goal of this course is to expose students to a wide variety of cutting-edge research projects in Pharmacology. The course will be consisted of research seminars, literature studies (team projects), and discussion sessions.
Course Director: Hiroshi Hiasa, Email hiasa001@umn.edu, Tel 612-626-3101

PHCL 4993: Directed Studies

(max crs 6; 2 completions allowed; S-N only; prereq instr consent , dept consent )
Individual study ('dry lab' experience) on selected topics in Pharmacology/Biomedical science with a faculty of the Pharmacology Department or other biomedicine disciplines. Emphasizes readings and use of scientific literature. Contract for Student to Complete

PHCL 4994: Directed Research

(max crs 12; 4 completions allowed; S-N only; prereq instr consent , dept consent )
Laboratory research ('wet lab' experience') in the areas of Pharmacological/Biomedical science with a faculty of the Pharmacology Department or other biomedicine disciplines. Contract for Student to Complete

PHCL 5101. Pharmacology for Pharmacy Students.

(3.0 cr; Prereq-2nd yr pharmacy student or #; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Action/fate of drugs. Lectures, lab.

PHCL 5102. Pharmacology for Pharmacy Students.

(2.0 cr; Prereq-5101 or #; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Action/fate of drugs. Continuation of 5101.

PHCL 5103. Pharmacology for Dental Students.

(3.0 cr; Prereq-enrolled dental student or #; spring, every year)
Pharmacological principles/actions of drugs.

PHCL 5109. Problems in Pharmacology.

(1.0 - 18.0 cr [max 18.0 cr]; Prereq-Upper div or grad student or #; fall, spring, summer, every year, requires approval from Director of Graduate Studies) Research projects and special problems by arrangement.

PHCL 5110. Introduction to Pharmacology.

(3.0 cr; Prereq-Grad student or #; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Basic principles of Pharmacology. Focuses on molecular mechanisms of drug action.

PHCL 5111. Pharmacogenomics.

(3.0 cr; Prereq-Grad student or #; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Human genetic variation, its implications. Functional genomics, pharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics, proteomics. Interactive, discussion-based course.

PHCL 5112. A Graduate Toolkit I: An Introduction to the Scientific Research Lab.

(1.0 cr; prereq instructor consent; A-F; fall, every year)
Introduction to the basic operating principles and techniques of a scientific research laboratory.

PHCL 5113. A Graduate Toolkit II: Scientific Speaking and Writing for Graduate Students.

(2.0 cr; prereq instructor consent; A-F; fall, every year)
Public speaking and scientific writing skills.

PHCL 5210. Pharmacology.

(1.0 cr; Prereq-Grad student or #; A-F or Aud, summer, every year)
Principles of pharmacology. Meets with INMD 6818.

PHCL 5211 - Pharmacology.

(2.0 cr; Prereq-5210 or #; A-F or Aud, fall, every year)
Continuation of 5210. Meets with INMD 6808 (HD1) and INMD 6809 (HD2). Lectures on the major classes of drugs.

PHCL 5212. Pharmacology.

(3.0 cr; Prereq-5211 or #; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Continuation of 5211. Meets with INMD 6810 (HD3) and INMD 6811 (HD4).

PHCL 5462 - Neuroscience Principles of Drug Abuse

(2.0 cr; =[NSC 5462]; Prereq-#; spring)
Current research on drugs of abuse, their mechanisms of action, characteristics shared by various agents, and neural systems affected by them. Offered biennially, spring semester of even-numbered years.

PHCL 8110. Advanced Pharmacology.

(4.0 cr; Prereq-5110 or #; A-F or Aud, spring, every year)
Contemporary research concepts, experimental approaches in investigative pharmacology. Mechanisms of action of drugs on systems (whole animal), organ, and cellular levels.

PHCL 8200. Seminar: Selected Topics in Pharmacology.

(1.0 cr [max 8.0 cr]; Prereq-6112 or #; fall, spring, every year)
Student-presented seminars.

PHCL 8207. Seminar: Psychopharmacology.

(1.0 cr; =[NSC 8207, PSY 8070]; Prereq-#; fall, spring, every year)
For graduate students and postdoctorals interested in studies and research associated with psychotropic drugs and chemicals. Neurochemistry, pharmacology, and behavior as antecedent or consequential variables. Some seminars devoted to biomedical ethics.

PHCL 8208 - Neuropsychopharmacology

(3.0 cr; Prereq-[5212, Psy 5021, Psy 5061] or #; A-F or Aud)
Methodologies to study relationships between drugs and biochemical, behavioral, and neurophysiological consequences. Functional biogenic amine, peptidergic, other pathways. How manipulations alter neuronal function or behavior. Feedback mechanisms, induction, inhibition. Reinforcement of, tolerance to, or dependence on drugs of abuse: stimulants, hallucinogens, depressants, opiates. Student presentations. Offered alternate years.

PHCL 8217. Problems in Investigative Pharmacology.

(1.0 cr; S-N or Aud, fall, every year)
Presentation and discussion of contemporary research problems, investigative approaches, and methodologies in experimental pharmacology. Related to cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and autonomic pharmacology; neuropharmacology; psychopharmacology; chemotherapy; toxicology; and molecular pharmacology.

PHCL 8221 - Neurobiology of Pain and Analgesia

(3.0 cr; Prereq instructor consent; fall)
Course offered triennially.

PHCL 8222 - Transdisciplinary Tobacco Research

(1.0 cr [max 2.0 cr]; Prereq-#; S-N or Aud, fall, odd years)
Transdisciplinary science, its application to nicotine/tobacco research. Transdisciplinary theories/methods, examples of their application/integration. Draws on TTURC/local investigators, public health advocates. Offered every other year.

PHCL 8333. FTE: Master's.

(1.0 cr; Prereq-Master's student, adviser and DGS consent; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)

PHCL 8444. FTE: Doctoral.

(1.0 cr; Prereq-Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)

PHCL 8666. Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits.

(1.0 - 18.0 cr [max 60.0 cr]; Prereq-Max 18 cr per semester or summer; doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)

PHCL 8777. Thesis Credits: Master's.

(1.0 - 18.0 cr [max 50.0 cr]; Prereq-Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required [Plan A only]; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)

PHCL 8888. Thesis Credits: Doctoral.

1.0 - 24.0 cr [max 100.0 cr]; Prereq-Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required; No Grade, fall, spring, summer, every year)