Curriculum
By Theme
The MS in Pharmacology curriculum is organized around four thematic pillars that build progressively from foundational science to professional readiness.
1. Foundational science & pharmacology principles
Establishing the core biological principles required to understand drug action
GMS PM 620 · Fall (3 units)
Foundations in Life Sciences
GMS PM 650 · Spring (4 units)
Human Systems Physiology & Pharmacology
GMS PM 702 · Spring (2 units)
Molecular Neurobiology and Pharmacology
2. Drug discovery & translational research
Mastering the pipeline from molecular target to therapeutic development
GMS PM 630 · Fall (3 units)
Introduction to Drug Discovery
GMS PM 670 · Spring (2 units)
Innovations in Pharmacology
GMS PM 881 · Fall/Spring (elective)
Drug Discovery and Development
3. Research methods & computational skills
Developing technical, analytical, and data-driven skills used in modern laboratories
GMS PM 640 · Fall (3 units)
Modern Research Methods
GMS MS 700/750 · Fall (2 units)
Biostatistics
GMS PM 660 · Spring (elective)
Advanced Research Methods
4. Professional development & research application
Bridging academic training to professional career success
GMS PM 610 · Fall (2 units)
Professionalism and Skills for Success
GMS PM 680 · Spring (2 units)
Pharmacology Capstone Seminar
GMS PM 931/932 · Summer / Year 2 (4 units)
Research in Pharmacology
Seminar · All semesters (non-credit)
Pharmacology & Physiology Research Seminar
Electives & specialized topics
Students must complete a minimum of 5 elective units. Additional BU Graduate Medical Sciences courses may also count toward the requirement.
GMS PM 660 · Spring
Advanced Research Methods
GMS PM 881 · Fall/Spring
Drug Discovery and Development
GMS PM 810 · Fall/Spring
Current Topics in Pharmacological Sciences
GMS GE 706 · Fall/Spring
Deconstructing Systemic Bias: Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins
By Semester
Fall Semester • 13-15 units
GMS PM 610 (3 units)
Professionalism and Skills for Success
Communication, ethics, and professional identity in biomedical science
GMS PM 620 (2 units)
Foundations in Life Sciences
Core concepts in cell biology, biochemistry, and physiology
GMS PM 630 (3 units)
Introduction to Drug Discovery
Modern drug development from molecular target to therapy
GMS PM 640 (3 units)
Modern Research Methods
Lab techniques, experimental design, and data analysis
GMS MS 700/750 (2 units)
Biostatistics
Statistical tools for biomedical research
Seminar (non-credit)
Pharmacology & Physiology Research Seminar
Weekly cutting-edge research talks
non-credit
Electives (0-2 units)
Select from approved elective list
Tailor your training to your career goals
Spring Semester • 13-15 units
GMS PM 650 (4 units)
Human Systems Physiology & Pharmacology
Heart, brain, kidney, endocrine — integrated systems approach
GMS PM 670 (2 units)
Innovations in Pharmacology
Translational science and emerging therapeutic strategies
GMS PM 702 (2 units)
Molecular Neurobiology and Pharmacology
Neuropharmacology at the molecular level
MS PM 680 (2 units)
Pharmacology Capstone Seminar
Workshops, collaborative training, and networking events
2 units
Seminar (non-credit)
Pharmacology & Physiology Research Seminar
Weekly cutting-edge research talks
non-credit
Electives (3-5 units)
Select from approved elective list
Tailor your training to your career goals
Summer - Capstone Track • 4 units
GMS PM 931/932 (4 units)
Research in Pharmacology
Summer mentored capstone research project with a faculty mentor
Seminar (non-credit)
Pharmacology & Physiology Research Seminar
Weekly cutting-edge research talks
Thesis Track - Year 2 • 8 units
Students on the thesis track complete the following courses during Year 2 (Fall and Spring) in place of the Summer capstone.
GMS PM 931 · Fall Year 2 (4 units)
Research in Pharmacology I
Original experimental research under dedicated faculty mentorship
GMS PM 932 · Spring Year 2 (4 units)
Research in Pharmacology II
Continuation of thesis research; preparation of written thesis and oral defense