Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Ph.D (CIP 26.1001)

The goal of the Ph.D. training program in Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience is to provide the skills necessary for the graduate to pursue an independent career in biomedical research at a university, research institute, hospital, government agency, or in industry. The program provides graduate training through advanced courses, participation in seminars and national meetings, and the preparation of grant proposals. Hands-on laboratory research is emphasized at all stages of the program.

The major research interests in the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience are in the areas of: NEUROPHARMACOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE, TOXICOLOGY, DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION, STRESS, GENE THERAPY, MOLECULAR BASIS OF LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY IN AGING AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE, Acetylcholine circuits, Basal ganglia circuits, Biosensors, Catecholamine neurotransmission, Neurodegenerative disorders, PARKINSON’S DISEASE, SYNAPTIC PHYSIOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY, CARCINOGENESIS AND CANCER CHEMOPREVENTION, OXIDATIVE MECHANISMS OF TOXICITY, Psychedelics, Cannabinoids, Natural Products, Drug Repurposing, Neurovascular Damage, Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, Nanotechnology, Drug Delivery, Neuroimaging, Methamphetamine, Polysubstance Abuse, MOLECULAR REGULATION OF TOXICITY AND APOPTOSIS

All students enrolled in the Department of Pharmacology will be considered departmental graduate students and, as such, required to complete the core curriculum. At the start of their second year, students will choose either the Neuroscience or Toxicology track. In the fall semester of their second year, students will take either Neuropharmacology/Neurochemistry OR Toxicology, as appropriate. Note that they may take both if desired. A set of advanced electives has been established for each of these specialization tracks. For both tracks, students will enroll in at least two of these electives, based on recommendations from their advisor and/or Advisory Committee.