Pharmacology
Pharmacology is often confused with pharmacy, but is its own, separate discipline within the health sciences. Pharmacologists study the affects of drugs on biological system and how bodies respond to these drugs. They are interested in therapeutics (drugs that minimize disease) and toxicology (adverse effects of drugs or other chemical agents). This field has two major branches:
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Pharmacology is on the cutting edge of modern medical research with major breakthroughs in areas of personalized medicine, gene therapy, regenerative pharmacology, computational drug development, and nanotechnology-based disease research. It integrates many disciplines and provides a diverse array of career opportunities in academic, industrial, governmental, and legal organizations. Pharmacologists often specialize to become pharmaceutical scientists, but may also pursue careers in regulatory affairs or as a medical science liaison.
Required Classes for Pharmacology
| Required courses | Chem 464 - Biochemistry I & 464L |
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Entrance exam |
PCAT exam |
| Suggested electives |
Biol 488 Molecular immunobiology |
| Shadowing hours | Varies from recommended to required for admissions |
Required Classes for All Medical Majors
| Biology courses | BIOL 151 -- General Biology I & 151L Lab - 4 BIOL 153 -- General Biology II & 153L Lab - 4 BIOL 221 -- Human Anatomy & 221L BIOL 326 -- Biomedical Physiology & 326L BIOL 331 -- Microbiology & 331L 381L Lab - 4 BIOL 371 -- Genetics & 371L Lab - 4
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| Chemistry courses | CHEM 112 -- General Chemistry I & 112L Lab - 4
CHEM 114 -- General Chemistry II & 114L Lab - 4
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| Math courses | MATH 123 -- Calculus - 4
MATH 281 -- Introductory Statistics - 3 or Math 381 Probability and Statistics |
| Physics courses | PHYS 111 -- Introduction to Physics I & 111L Lab - 4
PHYS 113 -- Introduction to Physics II & 113L Lab - 4 |
| Social Science courses | PSYC 101 -- General Psychology - 3
SOC 100 -- General sociology |
| English courses | Met through SDBOR general education requirements |
| Suggested electives |
BIOL 375 Current Bioethical issues |
Student Resources
Professional Schools, Application, and Entrance Information
- What is Pharmacology?
- Explore Pharmacology: A Resource for Undergraduate Students
- Overview of Pharmaceutical Scientists as Health Care Professionals
- Overview of Medical Science Liaisons as Health Care Professionals
- Overview of Regulatory Affairs Specialists as Health Care Professionals
- American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Entrance Exam
Many graduate programs in pharmacology require the GRE as an entrance exam. If interested in a specific program, inquire with that program about entrance exam requirements. Learn more about the GRE here.
Selected Regional Programs
- Washington State University - Doctor of Pharmacy and PhD in Pharmaceutical Science / Pullman, WA
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health - Bachelors of Pharmacology and Toxicology / Madison, WI
- South Dakota State University- College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions / Brookings, SD
Important Note:
Consult the admissions/application web pages of the professional programs for information on required pre-requisite courses and admissions tests, application procedures, and application deadlines. Some professional/graduate programs will not accept AP or CLEP credits, online courses, or correspondence courses for the core science and math pre-requisite requirements. Many programs also require that all pre-requisite coursework be completed within a certain period of time, e.g., within 5 years prior to application. Policies vary by school and program. Be sure you know the requirements.
Contact Us
If you have questions about any of our pre-med programs, call (605) 394-2447.