|
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
Pharmacology and Toxicology Training Program - Overview
Pharmacology and Toxicology are basic medical sciences that are involved in all aspects of the action of drugs and other chemicals on living systems and their constituent parts. The spectrum includes everything from the intermolecular reactions of chemical compounds in a cell through the evaluation of a drug in the treatment of human disease to the effects of chemicals in our environment on entire populations. These sciences offer great opportunities to contribute to the knowledge and well-being of humankind. The expanding knowledge base of pharmacology and toxicology have created new and exciting career opportunities in research, teaching and service. Many positions re available today in academic environments, pharmaceutical industries, research institutes, and in government agencies.
The Pharmacology and Toxicology Training Program at West Virginia University offers graduate studies leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with research concentrations in such areas as autonomic pharmacology, biochemical pharmacology, cardiovascular pharmacology, cellular pharmacology, endocrine pharmacology neuropharmacology, molecular pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, cancer chemotherapy, and toxicology. All of the above research fields emphasize cellular, biochemical and molecular approaches to problems.
The Pharmacology and Toxicology Training Program has granted more than 120 Ph.D. degrees since the initial two were awarded in 1962. Graduates of our program occupy responsible positions in academic institutions, in the pharmaceutical industry, and in government.
The requirements reflect a flexible, research-oriented program designed to develop the interests, capabilities, and potential of all participating students. Prerequisites generally include a strong background in biology or chemistry or a degree in pharmacy. The student-faculty ratio is low to permit a maximum of personal and informal contact among members of the Department an collaborating faculty. Course work, seminars, and colloquia are arranged to provide the student with the diversified background in the ideas and techniques involved in contemporary research.
Guided and independent research is initiated as early as is appropriate for each individual. Independent work is the key to the Ph.D. The awarding of a Ph.D. degree indicates that the faculty considers that the student has not only satisfactorily completed the structural elements of the program, but also has demonstrated the capabilities of initiating and completing quality research.
|
