PhD in Pharmacology

Students enter immediately into the pharmacology core curriculum, which includes Foundations in Biomedical Science, Physiology, Molecular and Translational Pharmacology, Laboratory Techniques in Modern Pharmacology, Systems Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Current Topics in Pharmacological Sciences, and three advanced electives. The average tenure of PhD candidates in the Biomolecular Pharmacology training program is five years. The major focus of the training program is the development of expertise in basic and translational research. The first 18 months of the program emphasize formal coursework. In addition, upon matriculation students begin a sequence of three required laboratory rotations. The laboratory rotations provide students with the opportunity to investigate potential areas for dissertation research while enhancing the breadth of their training.

During the last three years in the program, the primary emphasis is on dissertation research. Students are also required to complete advanced-level coursework, report on their dissertation research, and participate in activities consistent with their development as future scientists. Details of these activities are provided below. Students in the program receive essential training in pharmacology with a special emphasis on molecular pharmacology. The goal of this program is to produce scientists who have an understanding of, and firsthand experience with, the major questions and technologies on the cutting edge of molecular pharmacology.

Since the inception of this training program, most students have entered through the Department of Pharmacology. Students are also accepted into the program through the MSTP program. Each of these PhD programs requires 64 unit hours for completion plus a qualifying examination and a successful oral defense. Each of the programs has specific requirements, and individual programs of study for the PhD are determined by each student in consultation with a faculty advisor and the Graduate Education Committee.

This ensures that students entering the program from departments other than Pharmacology satisfy the requirements of their respective departments. The training plan has been approved by the participating departments as fulfilling their requirements, without requiring an excessive course load. Students spend summers engaged in research and are encouraged to begin rotations during the month of July prior to the start of courses.

Requirements

Students complete a total of 64 units for the PhD. Required core coursework accounts for 23 units, with the remaining units fulfilled through laboratory rotations, approved electives, and directed dissertation research.

The Core—23 units minimum

• Foundations in Biomedical Sciences 1, 2, 3, 4 (GMS FC 711 Protein Structure, Catalysis and Interaction, GMS FC 712 Structure and Function of the Genome, GMS FC 713 Architecture & Dynamics of the Cell, and GMS FC 714 Mechanisms of Cell Communication) (12 units)
• GMS PM 701 Molecular and Translational Pharmacology (2 units)
• GMS PM 710 Laboratory Techniques in Modern Pharmacology (fall, 2 units)
• GMS PM 710 Laboratory Techniques in Modern Pharmacology (spring, 2 units)
• GMS PM 803 Systems Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2 units)
• GMS PM 810 Current Topics in Pharmacological Sciences (2 units)
• GMS PM 932 Research in Pharmacology (var units)

Program Electives—6 units minimum

• CAS CN 510 Principles and Methods of Cognitive and Neural Modeling 1 (4 units)
• ENG BE 560 Biomolecular Architecture (4 units)
• ENG BE 726 Fundamentals of Biomaterials (4 units)
• ENG BE 727 Principles and Applications of Tissue Engineering (4 units)
• GMS AN 704 Experimental Design and Statistics (3 units)
• GMS AN 810 Systems Neurobiology (4 units)
• GMS AN 811 Cognitive Neuroscience (4 units)
• GMS BI 777 Techniques in Biomedical Research (2 units)
• GMS BY 760 Foundations of Biophysics and Structural Biology, A and B (4 units)
• GMS BY 771 Biophysics of Macromolecular Assemblies, A and B (4 units)
• GMS BY 772 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Biology & Biochemistry (2 units)
• GMS FC 715 Translational Genetics and Genomics (2 units)
• GMS FC 717 Physiology of Specialized Cells (2 units)
• GMS FC 720 Statistical Reasoning for the Basic Biomedical Sciences (3 units)
• GMS MM 703 Cancer Biology and Genetics (2 units)
• GMS MM 710 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (4 units)
• GMS MS 700 Elementary Biostatistics for the Biomedical Sciences (2 units)
• GMS MS 710 Transdisciplinary Training Program in Addiction Science (2 units)
• GMS MS 783 Molecular Basis of Neurologic Diseases (2 units)
• GMS PM 702 Molecular Neurobiology & Pharmacology (2 units)
• GRS MA 665 Introduction to Modeling and Data Analysis in Neuroscience (2 units)
• GRS MA 666 Advanced Modeling and Data Analysis in Neuroscience (2 units)
• GRS NE 741 Neural Systems: Functional Circuit Analysis (4 units)
• GRS NE 742 Neural Systems: Cognition and Behavior (4 units)
• SPH BS 704 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 units)

Seminar Courses (2 units)

• ENG BE 790 Biomedical Engineering Seminar (0 units)
• GMS BY 871, 872 Biophysics Special Topics/Student Seminar (2 units)
• GMS PM 810 Current Topics in Pharmacological Sciences (2 units)

Laboratory Rotations—4 units

• GMS PM 710 Laboratory Techniques in Modern Pharmacology (2 units; two terms required in the first year, this is a laboratory rotation course and students may elect to complete additional laboratory rotations during the spring and summer of the first year)

During the first year, predoctoral trainees register for two terms of GMS PM 710 Laboratory Techniques in Modern Pharmacology, in which they complete three laboratory rotations of seven weeks each. Students choose rotation mentors from the participating faculty members of the program, independent of department affiliation. This rotation experience provides exposure to a variety of experimental approaches to the study of pharmacology. Trainees are encouraged to select rotations in laboratories that approach problems from different perspectives, in keeping with the fundamental goal of providing them a broad and more complete understanding of research strategies that have been developed to address questions of pharmacological importance. Rotations are designed to be a teaching instrument, and students are encouraged to obtain publication-quality data. Each student submits a paper written in the style of a research manuscript after each rotation that summarizes their research experience. At the end of each term, there is an additional course meeting at which students deliver presentations of their rotation experiences. Students receive a grade of Pass or Fail based upon their performance in research rotations and the grading of their written reports. The course manager reviews papers, provides evaluations to students, and maintains feedback to the faculty.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination for PhD candidates consists of a written and oral examination. PhD candidates are expected to take the qualifying exam no later than the end of the second curricular year. MD/PhD candidates normally take the exam at the end of their first year of graduate studies. The written portion of the qualifying exam is in the form of a research proposal on a topic selected by the student. The subject matter of the proposal is usually related to the topic of the student’s thesis research or may be on a separate topic. The topic of the proposal must be substantially original; it must not duplicate projects previously proposed or assigned by the student’s mentor. The oral portion of the qualifying examination is conducted by a Qualifying Exam Committee and assesses the student’s grasp of the hypothesis, experimental design, and understanding of statistics.

Additional Information

September-only start date

Admissions Information

The procedures for admission to the graduate program in Pharmacology are described through the Graduate Medical Sciences admissions page. Applicants must submit the online application form that includes a statement of purpose. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once complete. Students are encouraged to arrange for submission of official transcripts as well as two letters of recommendation well in advance of the due date of December 1, which is when the application portal will close. GRE scores are not required for application to the graduate program, and the absence of such scores will not adversely affect consideration of any applicant. However, students may submit GRE scores at their sole discretion. Students often ask about the criteria for admission. In addition to strong performance in academic coursework, most successful applicants will provide evidence of prior laboratory research experience and strong rationale for their decision to apply for predoctoral training at the NIGMS Program in Biomolecular Pharmacology at Boston University. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee for the department, which forwards recommendations to the Graduate Education Committee and department chair. Invitations to visit and meet students, faculty, and staff will be extended to those who appear to be a good match for the unique aspects of our training program. A personal interview is required for applicants to the PhD and MD-PhD programs, and applicants to the MA program are also encouraged to visit. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the research interests of program faculty prior to submitting their applications and indicate which research areas of emphasis and faculty members they would like to meet in person. Following interviews, applicants will be notified of admissions decisions by the department chair and the Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Sciences.