Program Overview

---

Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, PhD

The Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, PhD program is a member of the Interdisciplinary Biological and Health Sciences Consortium (IBHSC). The consortium fosters a collaborative environment for research and study in the biological and health sciences.

Program Description

The Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (MCP) program, in cooperation with the Center for Training in Pharmacology and Drug Development (CTPDD), offers interdisciplinary graduate training in the field of molecular and cellular pharmacology. The primary emphasis is doctoral training in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology with a focus on integrating these methodologies with modern pharmacology.

Research Areas

• Pharmacology is the knowledge of the biochemical and physiological actions of drugs, which act on cellular signaling pathways.
• The molecular basis of cellular signaling and its control by various drugs is a major aspect of modern pharmacology and this aspect is emphasized in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program.
• Members of the program employ the whole spectrum of modern biochemical, cell and molecular biological, physiological, and pharmacological methods in a basic research-oriented scientific environment to unravel the many unsolved mysteries underlying cellular regulation and signaling.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will be well prepared for a career in basic biomedical sciences in academia, industry, and more. The program provides a unique training experience for young scientists who want to elucidate basic principles of cellular signal pathways.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable.
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Materials

• PDF transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts for all completed post-secondary coursework.
• Personal statement: Detail research interests, future career goals, and reasons for applying to the MCP program.
• CV or resume: Highlight educational training, honors and awards, authored publications, scientific presentations, and research or research-related experience.
• Three letters of recommendation: From individuals familiar with the applicant's research experience or academic background.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.

Program Resources

• Annual Stipend and Benefits: All students receive competitive stipends to cover living expenses, tuition remission, and a choice of comprehensive health insurance plans.
• Training Grants: Many graduate students are supported by NIH training grants.
• Fellowships: Some students are supported by University fellowships administered by the Universitys Office of Fellowships at the Graduate School.

Requirements

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Assessments and Examinations: Doctoral students are required to take a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination.

Required Courses

• Core:
  • PHMCOL-M 781: Molecular and Cellular Principles in Pharmacology (4 credits)
  • PHMCOL-M 739: Rigor, Reproducibility and Becoming an Effective Researcher (1 credit)
  • STAT/F&W ECOL 571: Statistical Methods for Bioscience I (4 credits)
  • OBS&GYN 955: Responsible Conduct of Research for Biomedical Graduate Students (2 credits)
• Research & Seminar:
  • Complete the following: 37 credits
    • PHMCOL-M 901: Seminar and Journal Club 1
    • PHMCOL-M 990: Research 2
• Electives:
  • Students must take a graduate-level 3-credit course, as approved by their faculty advisor.

Policies

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Every graduate student is required to have an advisor and committee. The advisor serves a dual role: to assist the student in acquiring the highest level of knowledge and competence in the field, and to chair the committee that determines whether the student has performed acceptably at each degree milestone.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

A candidate for a doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within five years after passing the preliminary examination may be required to take another preliminary examination and to be admitted to candidacy a second time.

Grievances and Appeals

The Graduate Schools Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures.

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch a career.

Program Resources

The MCP Program and UWMadison offer resources intended to enrich graduate student studies and enhance professional skills. Students are expected to take full advantage of these resources to support their career goals.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain a broad understanding of the pharmacological principles that underlie all biological processes.
2. Become aware of the current limitations of the state of understanding of this discipline and the strategies required to advance the field of pharmacology.
3. Create new approaches in research, scholarship, or performance that make a substantive contribution.
4. Conduct independent research using a breadth of pharmacological processes.
5. Think critically to address research challenges using a broad range of theories, research methods, and approaches to scientific inquiry.
6. Collaborate with investigators within the program, university, and beyond.
7. Foster ethical and professional conduct in the sciences.
8. Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
9. Explore career development opportunities in industry, government, and academia.
10. Develop teaching and mentoring skills in both lecture and laboratory settings.