Georgetown University Medical Center
Department of Pharmacology & Physiology
Department of Pharmacology & Physiology

Courses

The M.S. Pharmacology program is designed to be completed in two full-time semesters (one academic year, fall and spring). During the degree, students complete 30 credits of coursework, including 23 credits of required courses and 7 credits of electives (either Didactic Track or Laboratory Research Track).

Required Core Courses

Course Directors: Dr. Gerard Ahern & Dr. Ghazaul Dezfuli

This course focuses on the most basic principles of pharmacology and covers, in detail, molecular and cellular drug targets, drug-receptor interactions, agonism, antagonism, drug metabolism, pharmacogenomics, and pharmacokinetics. Quantitative problem-solving regarding these topics will be required. An introduction to several important neurotransmitters/receptors and their signaling mechanisms is included.  This course is meant to prepare the student for Graduate Pharmacology (PHAR 504) in the spring and is its pre-requisite.

Course Directors: Dr. John Partridge & Dr. Ghazaul Dezfuli

This course covers the major pharmacology of the peripheral and central nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, immune system, and basic cancer pharmacology. Throughout the course, both normal function (covered previously in Physiology) and pathophysiology will be emphasized where appropriate. The course focuses on mechanisms of drug action above and beyond simple memorization of pharmacological agents. Throughout the semester, methods and models in pharmacology are emphasized to aid understanding of the drug development process.

Course Director: Dr. Lewis J. Watson

This course is designed to provide students with a basic overview of the function of human body This course provides an overview of the functioning of human body systems, taught by a team of expert Medical Center faculty. Presentations will include cellular and molecular concepts but the emphasis will be on the integrated regulation among systems.

Laboratory Research

PHAR 7950: Research in Pharmacology
2 credits | Fall Semester

PHAR 7951: Research in Pharmacology
5 credits | Spring Semester

Students in the laboratory research track conduct mentored research with a member of the GUMC faculty.

Fall Recommended Electives

Below are elective courses that previous students have taken and enjoyed. Students are welcome to explore the course catalog for other biomedical courses that suit their particular interests. Permission of the program director should be sought for any desired electives not listed below. Additionally, some courses may also require permission of instructor.

PHSL 6602 Biomedical Career Pathways

BSPA 6606 Public Policy for Scientists

TBIO 6508 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the Transformed Cell

TBIO 6523 Cancer Epigenetics

TBIO 6525 Cancer Genetics 

NSCI 6003 Functional MRI: Theory & Practice *Permission of Instructor Required

NSCI 6007 Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration
*Permission of Instructor Required; strong background in neuroscience required.

INNS 6300 Translational Neuroscience *Permission of Instructor Required

Spring Recommended Electives

Below are elective courses that previous students have taken and enjoyed. Students are welcome to explore the course catalog for other biomedical courses that suit their particular interests. Permission of the program director should be sought for any desired electives not listed below. Additionally, some courses may also require permission of instructor.

PHSL 6529 Human Nutrition & Health

PHAR 6503 Introduction to Toxicology

PHAR 6504 Medicinal Plants & Pharmacognosy

PHAR 6509 Redox Signal & Free Rad Bio

TBIO 6536 Cancer Pharmacology 

BIOT 5220 Drug Targets/Drug Design

MICB 6600 Concepts of Immunotherapy*
*Permission of Instructor Required

BSPA 7005 Science Diplomacy & World Health

Our spring elective courses offer an engaging learning environment in small group settings. This format allows for personalized attention from faculty and active participation from all students. Each course combines lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions to explore specialized topics in pharmacology and physiology. Students will engage in journal clubs, case studies, oral presentations, and paper discussions, fostering collaborative learning. These electives encourage deep exploration of current research and provide opportunities for students to actively contribute to the learning experience.

Note: Certain courses may not be offered every year or may be offered at different times that conflict with core courses; please check course schedule for available course offerings.