Courses

PHSC 210 - Laboratory Safety

1 hour(s)

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

2 hour(s)

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

3/1 hour(s)

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 - Experimental Design & Biostatistics

3 hour(s)

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

3/1 hour(s)

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

4 hour(s)

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

1 each hour(s)

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

2 hour(s)

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

Maximum 3 hour(s)

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

3/1 hour(s)

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

1 hour(s)

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

1 hour(s)

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

1 hour(s)

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

3/1 hour(s)

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

12-14 hour(s)

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

1 hour(s)

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

2 hour(s)

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

3/1 hour(s)

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.

PHSC 504 - Advanced Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Maximum 3 hour(s)

This research course is intended for the advanced student. It continues the basic science research experience. This course is co-listed as PHAR 504.

PHSC 508 - Drug Development and Pharmaceutical Regulations

2 hour(s)

This course provides basics in worldwide drug regulations, facilities and process qualification, and in the processes involved in drug discovery and development. Students will learn how specific activities fit into the overall scheme of drug development, and evaluate the impact of each activity on the overall progression of a new drug candidate. The principles of good manufacturing practices (cGMP), quality control, and quality assurance are introduced. The basics of regulatory compliance, the global nature of regulations, and the importance of validation in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries are presented. Federal regulations and documentation requirements are discussed.

PHSC 510 - Pharmacokinetics

2 hour(s)

This course provides the student with an understanding of basic, clinically applicable pharmacokinetic formulas and the assumptions that are involved with their use in therapeutic drug monitoring. This course is co-listed as PHAR 410.

PHAR 512 - Fundamentals of Cellular Pharmacology

4 hour(s)

This course is required for MSPS students. This course begins with the background material in cell biology necessary for understanding the latter section on cellular and molecular pharmacology. The focus will be on experimental methods for discovery of the biochemical mechanisms of cell function and drug action. Topics will include cell structure and function, ligand/receptor interactions, drug efficacy, and structure and function of the four classes of receptors. Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology and Biochemistry.

PHSC 514/515/515L - Industrial Pharmacy/Pre-Lab/Lab

3/1 hour(s)

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: Biochemistry with lab. Credit cannot be received for both PHSC 514/515 and PHSC 418/419.

PHSC 518/518L - General Toxicology

3 hour(s)

This course is designed to give the student a broad appreciation of the field of Toxicology. The student is guided through the mechanisms by which toxicants enter the body and the biotransformation processes that result in the disease-producing entities. The various cellular mechanisms of toxicity and the major target organs affected by toxins will be treated in some detail. Didactic material may be augmented with both in vivo and in vitro experimental laboratories for assessing toxicity. Aspects of environmental, forensic, clinical toxicology and risk assessment will also be addressed in this course. Prerequisites: PHAR 412 or PHSC 512. This course is co-listed as PHAR 518.

PHSC 522 - Molecular Modeling

2 hour(s)

This informal course trains students in the use of high performance computing systems to solve problems in biological modeling. Lecture topics include a review of high performance computing in molecular modeling, electron density calculations, 3D protein representation docking of molecules. We will use Silicon Graphics O2 and Cray T90 systems. Material is presented both in lectures and supervised lab sessions, during which students do interactive programming. The course is designed for students who are interested in viewing and taking a virtual walk through a complex molecule. This course is co-listed as PHAR 542.

PHSC 523 - Graduate Experimental Design & Biostatistics

4 hour(s)

Statistical methods in health sciences: The course is intended to provide the student with basic knowledge of descriptive statistics, probability theory, hypothesis testing, and other selected statistical methods. In addition, the course enables the student to utilize a statistical software program to apply their knowledge of the subject.

PHSC 524 - Advanced Experimental Design & Biostatistics

0.5 hour(s)

Statistical methods in health sciences/JMP® Applications. Students who already completed PHSC 324 should register for this course. PHSC 524 includes 500 minutes of instructions and one exam (Practical Exam using JMP®)

PHSC 525 - Bioanalysis

3 hour(s)

An advanced course that provides an overview of the chemical, biological, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of metabolism of xenobiotics in mammalian systems. Students integrate a variety of analytic techniques to determine structure and quantity of metabolites formed from various in vitro and in vivo model systems.

PHSC 526/526L - Protein Analysis & Bioassay/Laboratory

4 hour(s)

This course covers advanced analysis of proteins from a theoretical standpoint and introduces the bioassay with both lecture and lab exercises. The analytical techniques covered are commonly used as part of the QC of industrial production of proteins and include protein sequence determination, amino acid composition, proteolytic digestion and fingerprinting. Bioassay topics will cover the use of both cells and whole organisms as the means of quantifying the biological activity of protein products, particularly those isolated from cultured cells. Statistical requirements for assay development and data analysis will be covered. Prerequisites: Biochemistry with lab.

PHSC 528/529L - Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis – Separation/Laboratory

3/1 hour(s)

Emphasizes separation techniques used for the analysis of drugs, drug metabolites, toxic substances, and biological fluids and tissues. Theory and applications of liquid chromatography, sample preparation, method optimization, and process validation are discussed. Students learn the current state-of-the art procedures for the isolation, purification, derivatization, and characterization of complex chemical and biological samples. Prerequisites: PHSC 410/411/411L or equivalent.

PHSC 530/531L - Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis – Spectroscopy/Laboratory

3/1 hour(s)

Applications of spectrophotometric methods of analysis (ultraviolet/visible, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, fluorescence, and atomic absorption/emission) to pharmaceutically important materials. It covers physical principles, theories, instrumentation, and interpretation of spectrometric data. Prerequisites: PHSC 410/411/411L or equivalent.

PHSC 532 - Introduction to Radiopharmaceuticals

3 hour(s)

This elective course will provide the student with basic information concerning the design and handling of radioactive pharmaceutical products for diagnostic and therapeutic use. Topics to be addressed include production and decay characteristics of radionuclides, radiation safety, dosimetry, radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques, and application to clinical medicine.

PHSC 534 - Masters of Science Seminar I

1 hour(s)

This course involves scheduled meetings of students and faculty to review and discuss the literature in the various areas of pharmaceutical sciences. The goal of this course is to develop students’ ability to critically evaluate scientific literature.

PHSC 536 - Masters of Science Seminar II

1 hour(s)

In this course students will practice literature research and presentation, by presenting a research paper in an area outside of their track. The goal of this course is to develop students’ literature searching, writing skills, presentation skills and ability to critically evaluate primary scientific literature. Prerequisite: PHSC 534.

PHSC 538/538L - Bioprocessing I: Upstream Technologies/Lab

4 hour(s)

This course provides an introduction to the theory and application of bio-technology procedures to the development of biopharmaceutical products. Students are provided with an overview of fermentation and cell culture principles, bioprocess design and validation, and pharmaceutical product generation. Prerequisites: PHSC 526/526L, Molecular Biology (completed or concurrent) and Microbiology.

PHSC 539/539L - Bioprocessing II: Downstream Operations/Lab

4 hour(s)

This course continues the introduction to the theory and application of biotechnology procedures to the development of biopharmaceutical products begun in PHSC 538. Students are provided with an overview of protein purification, biopharmaceutical formulation, storage and administration, and pharmacokinetics of protein therapeutics. Prerequisite: PHSC 526/526L

PHSC 540 - Advanced Physical Pharmacy

3 hour(s)

A comprehensive course in the physical and chemical properties of drugs and other pharmaceutical substances. This course will cover thermodynamics, solubility theory, interfacial phenomena, adsorption and absorption, micrometrics, complexation, viscoelasticity, advanced kinetics theory, and targeted drug delivery systems. Discussion involving issues related to the above topics will be supplemented with journal articles. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in PHSC 418/419/419L or PHSC 514/515/515L.

PHSC 542 - Advanced Topics in Industrial Pharmacy

3 hour(s)

This is a project-oriented course in the design and manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage forms. This hands-on course places emphasis on the application of cGMPs in the preparation of dosage forms. Prerequisite: grade of C or better in PHSC 418/419/419L or PHSC 514/515/515L.

PHSC 543L - Advanced Industrial Pharmacy Lab

1 hour(s)

The emphasis of this graduate-level Advanced IP Laboratory course is on the formulation, manufacture, and analysis of various pharmaceutical dosage forms (including sterile, liposomes, lyophilized, and nano-colloidal products) in a cGMP simulated environment equipped with the most advanced state-of-art manufacturing and analytical equipment. The laboratory requires students to apply knowledge gained from previous courses. Prerequisite: PHSC 418/419/419L or PHSC 514/515/515L.

PHSC 558 - Essentials of Toxicology

2 hour(s)

The General Toxicology course is designed to give the student a broad appreciation of the field of Toxicology. This includes the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of toxicants from the body, as well as the mechanisms of specific toxicity to target organs. Significant treatment of the areas of Forensic, Environmental and Clinical toxicology are also undertaken. Prerequisites: PHAR 412 or PHSC 512.

PHSC 564 - Pharmacogenetics

2 hour(s)

The basic principle of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics and their relationship to current drug development are discussed. This course is co-listed as PHAR 594 and CLNR 528.

PHSC 565 - Advanced Experimental Design

2 hour(s)

This course illustrates the application of design of experiment as a tool in research and industry. Prerequisite: PHSC 324, CLNR 324, PHAR 523 or 528. This course is co-listed as PHAR 566.

PHSC 574 - Biopharmaceutics

3 hour(s)

This course presents the biological and physiochemical factors of the body, drugs and dosage forms that influence drug availability, disposition, and pharmacological and toxicological responses. This course co-listed as PHAR 314 and PHSC 474.

PHSC 577 - Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry II

4 hour(s)

Part of the series of PharmD Pharmacology/Medicinal Chemistry courses, PHSC 577 examines the pharmacology/medicinal chemistry of drugs that modulate neuromuscular transmission and the autonomic nervous system. The course will cover drugs used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. Prerequisite: PHAR 412 or PHSC 512. This course is co-listed as PHAR 417.

PHSC 578 - Good Regulatory (GXP) Practices

2 hour(s)

This course will provide in-depth review of cGMP requirements for a bio-/pharmaceutical and other FDA regulates industries. Compliance to 21 CFR Parts 210 & 211 and other requirements is essential for these companies to survive in FDA regulated environment. Compliance is feasible only if employees are knowledgeable of these requirements and practice in their day-to-day activities

PHSC 581 - Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry III

4 hour(s)

Part of the series of PharmD Pharmacology/Medicinal Chemistry courses, PHSC 581 examines the pharmacology/medicinal chemistry of hormone agonists, antagonists, and other drugs that modulate the endocrine system, drugs used to modulate autocoid activity including prostaglandins and histamine, and drugs used to treat mental disorders and CNS diseases. Special emphasis will be placed on their mechanisms of action, structure activity relationships and major adverse effects. Prerequisite: PHAR 412 or PHSC 512 This course is co-listed as PHAR 421.

PHSC 582 - Botanical Medical Seminar

1 hour(s)

This course is an investigation of the use of herbal preparations in the rational application in pharmacy. The course is intended to provide the student with a basic knowledge of botanical and herbal preparations. This information will be given in a seminar style where students will be required to read and prepare to discuss articles on these agents. This course is co-listed as PHAR 582.

PHSC 583 - Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry IV

3 hour(s)

Part of the series of PharmD Pharmacology/Medicinal Chemistry courses, PHSC 583 examines the pharmacology/medicinal chemistry of agents used to treat infectious and neoplastic diseases. Immunomodulating agents in the treatment of organ transplantation are also discussed. Included are the broad range of antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiparasitic agents, antiviral agents, antineoplastic agents, vaccines and immunomodulatory agents. Prerequisite: PHAR 412 or PHSC 512. This course is co-listed as PHAR 423

PHSC 590/590L - Advanced Pharmacology & Toxicology/Lab

3 hour(s)

This course is required for the pharmacology track of the MSPS degree, and provides details on the theory and methodologies of modern pharmacology and toxicology. Class will consist of lecture and lab time to provide the student hands-on experience in a variety of techniques and data analysis. Topics covered will include radioligand binding analysis, in vitro and in vivo functional assays, and toxicological screening methods. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in PHSC 512.

PHSC 592 - Advanced Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology

3 hour(s)

This course involves a detailed treatment of the various receptor/signal transduction systems found in mammalian systems from the perspective of developing them as therapeutic targets. Aspects of ion channel pharmacology, cyclic AMP and inositol phosphate signaling in pathological conditions will be discussed. The pharmacological control of tyrosine kinase signaling pathways and cell cycle regulation in the therapy of neoplastic disease will be addressed as well. The regulation of gene expression by inhibition of transcription or gene knockout/replacement strategies will also be discussed. The coursework for the class will entail lectures and systematic evaluation of the primary literature in the topics being covered. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in PHSC 512.

PHSC 593 - Leadership Development

2 hour(s)

The purpose of this course is to identify and strengthen leadership skills. It uses a development approach focusing on how individuals become effective leaders by addressing the human element of enterprise within significant business situations. Students will strengthen their individual capabilities to advance their organizations strategically by rethinking their approaches to management, leadership, and leadership development. This course enables students to understand how to build and foster relationships as well as emphasizes the importance of those relationships in their professional and personal lives.

PHSC 610 - Research Proposal

2 hour(s)

This course represents the development of the proposal for a research project. Students will provide a written and oral presentation of their research proposal at the end of PHSC 610 for the major determinant of their grade. Prerequisites: MSPS students who have completed at least 6 credits of track-specific graduate coursework (not including core courses).

PHSC 620 - Research Project

4 hour(s)

The research project is intended to provide students with a practical, hands-on application of previously obtained knowledge from the didactic setting and will be conducted under the guidance of a major advisor and a Research Project Committee of at least two other faculty members. Project proposals developed in PHSC 610 must be pre-approved and guided by the Committee. Students will provide a written and oral presentation of their research project as the major determinant of their grade for PHSC 620. Prerequisites: MSPS students in good academic standing (not on academic probation) who have earned a grade of B or better and approval of their proposed project in PHSC 610.