This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
PSCI 607. Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences From Bench to Shelf. 2 Hours.
Yearlong course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the interdisciplinary nature of drug discovery and development, to acquaint them with where their research fits into the bigger drug discovery and development picture and to promote interdisciplinary discussions between the students and faculty. Current scientific, regulatory and health care trends impacting drug discovery, development and use will be discussed. Students will be introduced to current topics in the pharmaceutical sciences such as drug target selection, drug design, discovery and development, the drug approval process and regulatory sciences, product optimization, production, and marketing. Graded as CO in the fall semester with a letter grade and credits awarded in the spring.
PSCI 610. Frontiers of Pharmaceutical Research. 2 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. This is a student-centered training course of scientific presentation and discussion for students using frontier research in pharmaceutical sciences. Students will present research data and/or literature and lead discussions among peer graduate students and faculty. Faculty may take a leading role in some of the classes. Students will also actively participate in small-group discussions led by peer graduate students and faculty.
PSCI 614. Research Techniques. 1-4 Hours.
Semester course; 1-4 lecture hours. 1-4 credits. This course provides new graduate students with the skill set necessary to perform research in their discipline within pharmaceutical sciences. The course will use a combination of lectures, assignments, one-on-one training, laboratory and/or group discussion.
PSCI 690. Seminars in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1 Hour.
Semester course; 1 seminar hour. 1 credit. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the pharmaceutical sciences programs. The goal for the seminar series is to provide students an opportunity for self-learning. The course will familiarize students with topics of current research interest within the pharmaceutical sciences and related biological sciences, as well as expose students to nationally and internationally renowned scientists.
PSCI 691. Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences I. 0.5-5 Hours.
Semester course. 0.5-5 lecture hours. 0.5-5 credits. Subject matter is presented by lecture, tutorial studies and/or library assignments in selected areas of advanced study not available in other courses or as part of the research training. Graded S/U/F.
PSCI 692. Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences II. 0.5-5 Hours.
Semester course; 0.5-5 lecture hours. 0.5-5 credits. Subject matter is presented by lecture, tutorial studies and/or library assignments in selected areas of advanced study not available in other courses or as part of the research training.
PSCI 701. Post-candidacy Doctoral Research. 9 Hours.
Semester course; 9 research hours. 9 credits. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment is restricted to graduate research assistants or graduate teaching assistants who have been admitted to doctoral candidacy in the School of Pharmacy. Students will participate in supervised discipline-specific research related to their dissertation topic. Students must have approval from their current degree program coordinator to register. This course can be approved as a substitution for any post-candidacy degree requirement (e.g. directed research). Graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.