| |
|
Mission Statement
The mission of the Program in Pharmacology and
Experimental Therapeutics in the Tufts University School of Medicine’s
Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences is to develop for
and in our graduate students in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
the framework of knowledge and research skills needed to pursue
careers in pharmacology and related disciplines. During the initial
study years, we achieve this objective by exposing our graduate
students to a variety of learning and skill-building opportunities
including seminars, lectures, and rotation experiences in various
areas of molecular and clinical pharmacology and drug development.
The Program’s strong emphasis on translational research requires
that students achieve mastery in human and animal physiology, genetics,
and behavior as well as in human therapeutics. Students acquire
presentation and scientific writing skills and learn to work collaboratively.
During their more advanced years, students develop and pursue a
closely mentored thesis project which is tailored to the interests
and future goals of the student. After successful completion of
the Program’s curriculum and their thesis research, our graduates
are well positioned to pursue careers in academia, industry, or
related areas.
Program Description
The graduate program in Pharmacology and Experimental
Therapeutics is designed to prepare scientists who are able to define
mechanisms of drugs in biochemical and molecular terms and to develop
new therapeutic modalities. The program requires approximately five
years of full-time study for completion of the doctor of philosophy
degree. Because the interests of the faculty cover a broad range
of subjects and much of the research is interdisciplinary, the program
is flexible enough to meet the individual needs of students from
different backgrounds. Preparation for admission to the program
normally includes undergraduate courses in biology, general and
organic chemistry, mathematics through calculus, physics, biochemistry
and cell and molecular biology. A limited number of deficiencies
can be made up after admission. Reading knowledge of a foreign language
and computer literacy are useful preparation for graduate research.
Individuals with previous training in medicine, veterinary medicine,
dentistry or pharmacy are particularly welcome. Students who complete
the program should be equipped for careers in teaching and research
in academic, clinical, governmental and industrial settings.
Faculty research focuses in the interaction of
drugs and toxic substances with cell membranes, especially in the
nervous system. Individual projects deal with mechanisms of hormone
action; membrane transport; neurotransmitter and opiate receptors
in the brain; neuroimmunity; addiction to narcotics, tranquilizers
and alcohol; biosynthesis and processing of neuropeptides; drug
metabolism; pathophysiology of mast cells; stimulus secretion coupling;
molecular mechanisms of drug action; and pharmacologic modification
of behavior in animals and humans.
The program emphasizes basic research on the Tufts
Boston campus, where close contact with the New England Medical
Center Hospitals and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research
Center on Aging at Tufts provides opportunities for collaborative
research in immunobiology, neuroscience, nutrition and gerentology.
Additional unique opportunities are available at the Tufts Grafton
campus which houses the clinical and research facilities of the
Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as the Tufts
Medford campus.
Graduate study in pharmacology focuses on the
interrelationship of pharmacology, therapeutics, toxicology and
the pathophysiological basis of disease, and includes training in
the most up-to-date methods of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
During the first year, students attend required courses and have
the option of taking relevant courses offered by other Sackler programs.
During the second year, emphasis will be placed on mastering the
principles of pharmacology, studying advanced topics associated
with the molecular action of drugs, and participating in laboratory
research. The program actively participates in the Coordinated Programs
in Biomedical Science and makes available to all its students all
modules of the Molecular Cell Biology course.
The program includes required and elective coursework
and preparation and defense of two research proposals, the second
of which leads to the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
Students are required to participate in the weekly journal club
and in departmental research seminars. They are also expected to
attend a sequence of lectures and discussions on the role of ethics
in research. A set of policy guidelines describing the program and
requirements in more detail may be obtained from the department.
To be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree,
students must demonstrate scientific competence and promise, which
is evaluated by defense of a formulated research project (qualifying
exam) and a thesis proposal designed according to guidelines that
are made available to each student.
After the second year, graduate students are expected
to assist in lecture and tutorial group teaching in the medical
pharmacology course, as well as in other courses where appropriate,
as part of their training.
Upon successful completion of the first year and
of four rotations, students may select a research advisor and begin
preliminary research. An advisory committee consisting of at least
three other faculty members familiar with the general area of the
students research is selected. The student, his or her advisor,
and the advisory committee are required to meet at least twice a
year to review progress. When the committee is satisfied that the
aims of the research project have been met, the students present
the results in a written dissertation as well as defending it orally
before a faculty committee consisting of the advisory committee,
the research advisor, and an outside faculty member. Successful
dissertation defense completes the requirements for the degree.
|
|
