Courses
PHSC 210 – Laboratory Safety
Credit: 1 Hour
An introduction to chemical, physical, and biological hazards associated with laboratory work. Students are introduced to laboratory worker regulations, methods for laboratory and personnel monitoring, and personal protective equipment and clothing. Note: PHSC 210 is a prerequisite (or co-requisite) to all laboratory courses in pharmaceutical sciences.
PHSC 220/220L – Quantitative Laboratory Techniques/Lab
Credit: 2 Hours
An introductory laboratory course concentrating on the basic terminology and mathematical skills needed to perform routine laboratory procedures. Students learn the theory and application of appropriate techniques involved in gravimetric and volumetric analysis. Laboratory skills are honed through a series of exercises culminating in a comprehensive practical examination designed to test the student’s ability to accurately formulate complex biochemical solutions. Prerequisite: CHEM 111/111L, CHEM 113/113L
PHSC 323/325/325L – General Biochemistry/Pre-lab/Lab
Credit: 3/1 Hours
This introductory lecture and laboratory course provides an overview of the synthesis and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids; enzyme kinetics; bioenergetics; and macromolecular structure and function. Students must attend a weekly pre-lab session. Prerequisite: PHSC 220/220L, CHEM 227/228, PHYS 221/221L.
PHSC 324 –Introduction to Biostatistics
Credit: 4 Hours
The application of statistical analyses to the design, conduct, and interpretation of pharmaceutical research, development, testing, and manufacturing is provided in this comprehensive course. This course is co-listed as CLNR 324.
PHSC 326/327/327L – Molecular Biology/Pre-Lab/Lab
Credit: 3/1 Hours
Fundamental principles of recombinant DNA technology are presented with an emphasis on pharmaceutical applications where appropriate. The application of this technology to the discovery, development, and production of new treatment modes for human and animal diseases is also addressed. The course seeks to provide a basic understanding of the techniques involved in biotechnology and to provide practical laboratory experience in the use of these techniques. The lecture and laboratory courses are designed to complement one another and work in tandem to give an overall view of biotechnology. Students must attend a weekly pre-lab session. Prerequisite: PHSC 451, PHSC 323/325 or permission of instructor.
PHSC 328 – Introduction to Pharmacology
Credit: 4 Hours
The basic principles of pharmacology and toxicology are covered through discussion of the responses of biological systems to drugs and chemicals. The course also considers the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of xenobiotics and how these factors relate to drug action. Prerequisite: BIOL 221.
PHSC 334 & 336 – Scientific Literature Seminar I & II
Credit: 1 Hour Each
Students are introduced to literature searching and critical analysis techniques in this series of courses. The courses promote the formulation of critical thinking approaches. Special emphasis is placed on communication techniques. Students apply their knowledge and skill in the form of written and oral presentations developed by researching the current pharmaceutical and biomedical literature. Prerequisite: PHSC 451.
PHSC 338 – Product & Process Validation
Credit: 2 Hours
This course introduces students to the principles of good manufacturing practices (cGMP), quality control and quality assurance. The basics of regulatory compliance, the global nature of regulations and the importance of validation in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries are discussed. Students learn about the validation of facilities, equipment, utilities, cleaning procedures, computer systems, assays and processes. The course also illustrates the importance of the team approach to validation and the need for thorough documentation of all associated activities.
PHSC 404 – Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Credit: Variable (Maximum 3 Hours)
The purpose of this elective course is to introduce pharmaceutical sciences students to methods of basic science and/or clinical research. This involves application of the scientific processes of hypothesis formation, literature evaluation, experimental design, development of technical skills, data acquisition and analysis, and formal presentation of results. Requires permission of instructor.
PHSC 410/411/411L – Analytical Instrumentation/Pre-Lab/Lab
Credit: 3/1 Hours
A comprehensive introductory course that provides students with an in-depth study of the theory and operation of scientific instrumentation typically found in pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnical research and analytical facilities. Students gain hands-on experience with a variety of spectroscopic and chromatographic instrumentation through structured laboratory experiments and student-initiated research projects. Students must attend a weekly pre-lab session. Prerequisite: PHSC 220/220L, PHYS 222, or by the permission of the instructor.
PHSC 412L – Analytical Laboratory Survey
Credit: 1 Hour
The course will emphasize the use and application of basic analytical techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry, such as, spectroscopy and chromatography.
PHSC 414 – Research Seminar
Credit: 1 Hour
Used in conjunction with research courses PHSC 404 and 504, research seminar provides students with an opportunity to present original research work.
PHSC 416 – Senior Seminar
Credit: 1 Hour
Senior Seminar provides a forum through which students chronicle their internship experiences. Students present an overview of the companies in which they worked and provide a synopsis of their roles in the organizations.
PHSC 418/419/419L – Industrial Pharmacy/Pre-Lab/Lab
Credit: 3/1 Hours
This survey course introduces student to the pre-formulation and manufacturing of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Students gain hands-on experience in the laboratory setting performing a variety of USP tests and unit operations. Prerequisites: PHSC 220/221 and 323/325. Credit cannot be received for both PHSC 514/515 and 418/419.
PHSC 420 – Senior Internship
Credit: 12-14 Hours
This internship provides practical experience in the pharmaceutical, chemical, or biotechnology industries. Students and participating industrial facilities are matched to provide a comprehensive work experience. Prerequisites: Completion of all BSPS courses and at least a 2.0 cumulative and major GPA.
PHSC 430 – Drug & Chemical Regulatory Affairs
Credit: 1 Hour
This elective course provides more advanced exposure to Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency regulations. It also includes discussion of the regulatory affairs specialist’s role in industry.
PHSC 434 – Statistical Computations
Credit: 2 Hours
This elective applications course provides hands-on experience in the analysis and presentation of experimental data through the use of commercially available programs.
PHSC 438/439 – Pharmaceutical Methodology & Bioprocessing/Lab
Credit: 3/1 Hours
In this advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation course, students are exposed to the current state-of-the-art procedures for the isolation, purification, derivatization, and characterization of complex chemical and biological samples. These techniques are then applied to practical analytical situations. Students are also provided with practical hands-on experience in USP methodology and with a comprehensive overview of bioprocessing. Prerequisite: PHSC410, PHSC411/411L.