Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Curriculum
Questioning the Underlying Mechanisms of Drug Interactions is What Drives Us
A program designed for future pharmacy scientists to participate in cutting-edge research in drug development, delivery and analysis of advanced synthetic or biologically-derived materials to make breakthroughs in the safety and efficacy of therapies and drug products. Learn the common language of pharmaceutical sciences through rigorous coursework in basic and applied sciences, mentored research training and the ability to tailor your education by taking electives based on your specific interests.
Core/Pre-Requisite Courses
Students must fulfill the core coursework requirement and will take courses that include core biosciences, statistics, differential equations and physical chemistry.
Required Intradepartmental Coursework + Ethics and Seminar
Didactic course topics include pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, equilibria & dosage forms, analytical methods and in drug delivery. In addition, students must complete the ethics and seminar requirement.
Intradepartmental Electives
Decide your specialization and choose from didactic course topics, including nanotechnology, biologics, cellular drug transport, pharmaceutical engineering and advanced pharmacokinetics.
Extradepartmental Coursework
Part of your required coursework also includes taking extradepartmental classes. Take courses on topics that range from medicinal chemistry and pharmacology to cancer biology and physiology.
Research Rotations
During your first year, complete research rotations to determine your PhD advisor and research area of interest.
Dissertation Proposal
During your second year, you will complete a dissertation proposal on your research topic.
Candidacy Exam
Graduate students in Pharmaceutical Sciences present and defend a proposal for their dissertation research.
Advancing to Candidacy
Upon successful completion of coursework, research rotations, dissertation proposal, and the qualifying exam, students advance to candidacy, marking the transition from (largely) classroom learning to mentored research.
Research Publication
Students are required to have at least one first-authored peer-reviewed research article accepted by a reputable journal before defending their PhD dissertation.
Dissertation and Defense
You will spend years two to five (approx.) conducting your research leading up to your dissertation defense.
I Went From PhD Student to Candidate, Now What?
In your second year, you will focus on your research, participate in our weekly departmental seminars, and present once per semester on your research project to faculty and students.
During your time as a candidate, you will have the opportunity (not required) to participate in our three-minute thesis (3MT1) competition, where you will compete against your peers to describe your research in three minutes, using simple terms anyone can understand. And yes, there is a prize!
1 – 3MT was developed by the University of Queensland
How Does Dissertation Work?
Supporting you Through to a Successful Dissertation Defense is our Focus
Dissertation Committee
You form your committee after being admitted to candidacy and passing the exam and are required to update your dissertation committee once per year on your research.
Dissertation Defense
The dissertation defense includes a public seminar presentation that includes attendance by your dissertation committee, Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty, graduate students, fellows and the public. This public presentation is followed by a private session with the dissertation committee who will vote on the outcome of your defense for degree conferment.
Get to Know Our Faculty and Their Labs
Be mentored and learn from faculty who are:
- Leaders in Their Field
- Internationally Recognized
- Chosen to Advise Governmental Agencies
- Entrepreneurs and Have Successful Start-up Companies
- Creating Learning Environments That Encourage Diversity in Thought, Background and Viewpoint
Ready to Apply?
Learn about admission requirements and view next steps toward earning a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Michigan.
