Introduction to Pharmacological Principles

Principles of Pharmacology (4 Parts):

Quarter I: Chemical Biology

Students should develop an understanding of the chemical reactions used in biological and laboratory synthesis and manipulation of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Students should also develop an understanding for the chemical principles that underlie enzyme function. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable reading journal articles on chemical biology and will be expected to give an oral presentation and written report on a topic in the field.

Course Organizers: Drs. Samie Jaffrey and Derek Tan

Quarter II: Signal Transduction

The goal of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the basic recurring themes in cell signaling mechanisms and to familiarize the students with a majority of the key signal transduction pathways. Additionally, an emphasis is placed on (1) the use of pharmacologic and chemical tools to study problems in signal transduction; and (2) structural insights into signaling mechanisms, based on x-ray, NMR, and computational approaches. By the end of the course, the students should feel comfortable with reading and comprehending journal articles that relate to the latest findings in signal transduction.

Course Organizers: Drs. Steven Gross and Samie Jaffrey

Quarter III: Principles and Systems Pharmacology

Systems Pharmacology occupies the third quarter of the yearlong Introduction to Pharmacological Principles. It is a 9-week course arranged into three parts or modules: 5 sessions in the first part covering general pharmacological principles, 9 sessions in the second part focusing on nervous and circulatory systems, and 10 sessions in the third and final module covering the remainder of the circulatory system along with host defense and endocrine systems. An understanding of systems pharmacology is necessary and valuable for all Pharmacology Graduate Students. A recent Senate Committee recommended increased support for research and training in whole systems pharmacology&to define the effects of therapy on disease and the overall function of the human body. Over the past two decades, there has been an emphasis on supporting research and training at the cellular and molecular levels, but diminished support for training and research in systems and integrated biology. The erosion of support in the area of integrated systems threatens to slow the rate at which fundamental discoveries made at the cellular and subcellular levels are translated into useful therapies. These recommendations were recently put into effect at one of our peer institutions with the creation of a new Department of Systems Biology.

Recommended Textbook: BG Katzungs Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 8th edition.
Course Organizers: Drs. Roberto Levi and Lonny Levin

Quarter IV: Cancer Pharmacology

Cancer Pharmacology will focus on the principles and aplications of modern cancer therapeutic approaches. The topics considered range from traditional cytotoxic and anti-mitotic agents, to natural products and their chemistry, to biologic and immunologic therapies, to rationally designed targeted small molecule inhibitors. Basic principles underlying mechanisms of cancer cell death, angiogenesis, and radiobiology and imaging are also covered.

Course Organizers: Dr. David Scheinberg and Dr. Yueming Li.

Neuropharmacology

2 Parts:

Quarter III: Genes, Drug & Behavior

Course Organizers: Drs. Miklos Toth and Harriet Baker

Quarter IV: Neuropeptides and Pain

Course Organizers: Drs. Charles Inturrisi and Hazel Szeto

This course consists of modules 3 and 4 of the Genes, Drugs and the Brain (GD&B) course. This course is jointly sponsored by the Neuroscience and Pharmacology Programs. It is designed to present current concepts of the major central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters and their functional neuroanatomy. The course will integrate discussions of the mechanisms of neurotransmitter biosynthesis and release, receptor signal transduction and the alterations produced by CNS drugs. Quarters III - IV, annually.

Pharmacology Research Seminar

Topics of contemporary pharmacological interest and new concepts and methodological approaches in biological research will be presented by guest speakers from universities, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacology faculty members. The presentations are followed by a discussion session which provides an opportunity for students to meet and talk to leading scientists in the field. Details of events will be announced in advance. Quarters III - IV, annually.

Course organizer: Dr. Marcus Reidenberg.

Research in Pharmacology

Research opportunities may be arranged throughout the year for graduate students who are not majoring in pharmacology but who want some investigative experience in the discipline. Special opportunities are offered for work on the nervous and cardiovascular systems and in biochemical and clinical aspects of pharmacology.

Pharmacology Journal Club

This is an informal course, designed to improve skills in critical reading and oral presentation of scientific information. It is organized and administered by the graduate students in the Pharmacology program and continues throughout the academic year.