PhD Curriculum
Examine The Curriculum
The PhD program curriculum is designed to provide a foundational perspective in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Elective courses will cover more specialized topics in various areas of research. Students will take their qualifying exam at the end of their second year in the program and will advance to candidacy upon passing the exam.
| PhD Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, & Pharmacogenomics | ||
| Pharmaceutics & Nanotechnology | ||
| Biotechnology | ||
| Biostatistics | ||
| Principles of Biomedical Ethics | ||
| Scientific Writing | ||
| Graduate Seminar (every term) | ||
| Research & Dissertation (every term) | ||
| Elective Course 1 | ||
| Elective Course 2 | ||
To graduate, students are required to complete a minimum of 73 credits, complete and successfully defend their dissertation research.
Research is a central part of the College of Pharmacy’s mission. College of Pharmacy faculty are active in the scholarship of research, and actively encourage student participation in their research endeavors.
Caring about students and helping them achieve success is a hallmark of our faculty. As respected practitioners and scholars who keep pace with the latest teaching techniques and technology, our professors are committed to helping you master the material.
PhD – BPS faculty are part of the Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy. Their areas of research include neuro-pharmacology, physiology, pharmaceutics and drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, genetics, environmental toxicology, and molecular immunology. Faculty research is funded through pharmaceutical companies as well as federal and private foundation grants.
The Office of Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD) is another resource for on-campus and distance students. LEAD helps students connect academic success with wellbeing. In individual counseling sessions, students learn time management, test taking, and studying strategies. LEAD facilitates training in managing stress, increasing focus, and professional skills.
WesternU is a thriving academic health center spread out over 22 acres in Pomona, CA. The main campus includes 19 major buildings. As a Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences student you would primarily use classrooms in the Health Professions Center and 3,600 square feet of research laboratories in the University Research Center that include individual laboratories, cell culture and other facilities, a dark room, and a multi-species animal facility with the latest equipment to support faculty and student research.
You will also make use of the Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library, a four-story 35,000-square-foot building renovated in 2021. The library features open and private study space, a food nook equipped with a refrigerator, microwaves, coffee station, a wellness room perfect for a study break, lockers, and more. The library has an extensive collection of print books and journals. Access to the library’s electronic books, journals and databases are available both on and off campus through the Library’s E-Resources page.