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Curriculum
The Graduate Program
in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
has a multidisciplinary approach leading to a Ph.D. degree. There is no
formal Master's degree program.
Although the Graduate Program is based in the Department of Pharmacology,
it is designed as an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary Program consisting
of 41 trainers. Participating faculty members are from the Departments
of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry, Oncology, Genetics,
Physiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Anatomy, Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine,
Zoology, Comparative Bioscience, and the School of Pharmacy. The interdepartmental
nature of the Graduate Program results in a flexible and yet rigorous
set of degree requirements and training opportunities. The diversity of
the research faculty encourages the graduate students to build upon the
fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology and the principles of modern
pharmacology in designing their focus of advanced studies and research.
The faculty stimulate each student to develop an independent and creative
approach to science. The first year of the Graduate Program emphasizes
formal course work with focus on advanced Biochemistry, Cell Biology,
Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Pharmacology. These courses provide the
foundation for a more specialized set of studies, which is defined by
the students with the advice of their research mentors and their Thesis
Committees. The Thesis Committee consists of the student, his or her research
advisor, and four other faculty. Students begin research in the laboratories
of their mentors in their first year.
Seminars and research progress reports are part of the formal training.
A preliminary examination consisting of a research proposal in combination
with an oral examination is required at the beginning of the third year.
At the end of their studies and research, graduate students defend their
thesis, which is based on the students' original research in the form
of a final seminar and oral examination. The Thesis Committee meets with
each student on a yearly basis, providing a source of encouragement and
a formal opportunity for the exchange of research ideas. Students and
faculty enjoy weekly seminars and informal social get togethers, establishing
scientific and social interactions which create an atmosphere of cohesive
scientific communication.
Course Listings for Molecular
and Cellular Pharmacology
- Core Courses -
Pharmacology
630: Cellular
Signal Transduction Mechanisms
Semester I; 3 credits. (cross-listed with Biochemistry 630 and Zoology
630). This lecture and discussion course provides a comprehensive introduction
for advanced undergraduates and graduate students to the essential elements
of cellular transduction mechanisms that allow signaling from the cell
surface to the nucleus. Emphasis is on receptors, second messengers, protein
kinase cascades, and the regulation of gene transcription.
Instructors: Martin, Anderson,
Bresnick, Keely,
Miyamoto and Ruoho
Prerequisites:Introductory Biochemistry (Biochemistry 501, or 507
and 508) and Cell Biology (Biocore 303 or Zoology 570 or Pathology 750)
or consent of instructor
Pharmacology 710:
Cytosolic and Nuclear Signaling Mechanisms (even
year)
Semester II every other year; 2 credits. This course will involve two
major activities: 1) presentations and discussion of topics in cellular
signaling and 2) the development of a 10 page research proposal on a focused
and important topic in cellular signaling. The course faculty will work
closely with the students to successfully accomplish both components.
Topics include genetic approaches in Drosophila to understanding Ras
signal transduction and biochemical basis of drug action.
Instructors: Anderson, Bresnick,
Huttenlocher, Keely,
Miyamoto,
Tibbetts, and Wassarman
Prerequisites: Pharmacology 630, Biochem 601 or equivalent, or consent
of instructor.
Pharmacology 711:
Neurotransmitter Receptors and Ion Channels (odd year)
Semester II every other year; 2 credits. Topics include structure, function,
regulation of G-Proteins, Ligand-Gated ion channels, Voltage-Gated ion channels,
FORMAT: Most recent findings in the area of G-proteins, G-protein-coupled
receptors, ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, and voltage-gated ion
channels. Students must present research publications. Grades will be based
on presentations participation in discussions and written take-home examinations.
Instructors: Czajkowski,
Makielski, Ruoho,
Sievert
Pharmacology 717:
Medical Pharmacology I
Semester I, 3-4 credits. Topics include pharmacokinetics, drug
metabolism, ANS drugs, antithrombotic drugs, autacoids, antineoplastic drugs,
CNS drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants drugs for bipolar disorders,
treatment of depression, drugs for lipid disorders, inotropic drugs, antiarrhythmic
drugs, pain controlm drugs for anxiety and sleep disorders, drugs for seizure
disorders, and marijuana as medicine. Lectures and discussions.
Instructors: Keely, Miyamoto,
Ruoho, Sievert
Pharmacology 727:
Medical Pharmacology II
Semester II, 1 credit. This course is divided into three modules. The first
deals with endocrine pharmacology; the second with agents used in the therapy
of tuberculosis; viral, fungal and parasitic infections, as well as cancer,
and the third with a diverse range of subjects.
Instructors: Bresnick, Miyamoto,
Sievert
Pharmacology 901:
Seminar and Journal Club
Semester I & II, 1 credit. The MCP Seminar Series is a critical component
of the MCP training program. All MCP trainees are required to participate
in this seminar series that is designed primarily to train the students
in the art of effective speaking. These seminars are at noon on Mondays
in 140 Bardeen. All MCP trainees are required to attend. (Attendance is
taken). During the fall semester, trainees from the third year and on, present
an hour long formal seminar on research efforts to date. During the Spring
semester second year trainees present a seminar that reviews the literature
pertinent to their studies. Each Monday one or two students present his/her
research.
Instructors: Keely,
Tibbetts
-
Electives -
Note to MCP
Students: You are not limited to these electives.
Pharmacology
875: Ethics Class
Semester I & II, 1 credit. This course's focus is training in responsible
conduct of research. You will be assigned articles to read and discuss ethical
issues during open sessions. Students will take turns as the leader of an
article and discussed various aspects of ethical behavior.
Instructors: Levenson,
Guest Speakers
Biochemistry 601:
Protein
and Enzyme Structure and Function
Semester I, 2 credits. The goal of this course is to provide
an overview of the properties of proteins. In particular, the course will
cover the fundamentals of protein structure and stability and the role of
proteins as catalysts. In addition, some examples of especially important
and interesting proteins will be presented. Topics include protein folding,
physical organic chemistry of enzymatic catalysis, analysis of enzyme kinetics
and receptor-ligand interactions, and enzymatic reaction mechanisms. Lectures
with weekly review session.
Instructors: Rayment,
Holden.
Prerequisites: Biochemistry 501 or equiv., 1 semester physical chemistry,
1 year organic chemistry, and consent of instructor.
Pharmacology 620/Biochemistry
620: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
(crosslisted with Biochem)
Semester II, 2 credits. Meets Wednesday and Friday, 11:00-11:50 a.m. Pharm/Biochem
620 is a graduate-level course that focuses on basic principles in eukaryotic
molecular biology, including transcription, translation and DNA metabolism.
In addition to covering the fundamentals, the course will address experimental
approaches, frontiers of current research, and clinical consequences of
defects in these processes. Pharm/Biochem 620 will be taught in a lecture
format. Background reading will come from a textbook as well as recent reviews
and primary research papers. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates
and first year graduate students with a firm knowledge of basic biochemistry.
Grading will be based on three equally weighted exams.
Instructors: Wassarman, Ansari
Prerequisites: Firm knowledge of biochemistry is a prerequisite
for admission to the course (Biochemistry 508 or equivalent).
Biochemistry 703/Genetics
703: Topics
in Eukaryotic Regulation (crosslisted with Genetics)
Semester II, 2 credits. The topics covered in Biochemistry 703/Genetics
703 change from year to year and span a broad range of contemporary issues
in eukaryotic gene regulation and in the control of animal development.
The focus is on design and interpretation of experiments that address
molecular and genetic mechanisms of eukaryotic regulation. Biochemistry
703/Genetics 703 is taught in a discussion format. Enrollment is limited
to 45 students. Grading is based largely on a research proposal written
by the student during the semester. A lesser part of the grade is based
on smaller assignments and class participation.
Instructors: Anderson, Kimble,
Wickens. Additionally, one or two guests will speak with the class.
Prerequisites: Firm knowledge of basic biochemistry, molecular
biology, and general genetics is essential for admission to the course.
Biochemistry 612 or equiv. and consent of instructor (J. Kimble).
Pathology 750: Cell
and Molecular Biology/Pathology
Semester II; 3 credits. The emphasis is on our current understanding
of molecular and cellular mechanisms. Where possible, human diseases are
used to illustrate the outcome at the organismal level of defects in these
mechanisms. Lectures will draw from the current research literature and
cover topics such as intracellular protein and vesicle sorting, cell cycle,
intracellular signaling, cell adhesion, cell migration, and growth. Current
papers are discussed during in-class discussion.
Instructor: Rapraeger
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of the instructor. (Pathology
709 recommended)
Pharmacology 619:
Microscopy
of Life
Semester II, 3 credits. (Also Physics 619, Anatomy 619, BME 619, Chem
619, Med Phys 619, Radiol 619). Pharmacology students interested in cell
biology, physiology and imaging will be introduced to the latest microscopy
techniques for imaging cells and tissues, their function and chemical composition.
The course will offer labs and demos across campus, in the most technologically
advanced labs available today. These include confocal microscopy of live
cells, electron microscopies, synchrotron x-ray microscopy for elemental
analysis in cancer therapy, infra-red microscopy of Alzheimers tissue, micro
computed tomography of cancers, micro- and functional-MRI of brain, microPET,
voltage sensitive dyes to visualize nerve pulse transmission, and more.
Students will acquire an understanding of how best to answer cellular and
molecular questions via the newest microscopy and micro- and molecular-imaging
techniques.
Instructors: De Stasio, Weichert
Prerequisites: Intro physics including light and optics (e.g. 104,
202, 208). Professor Gelsomina "pupa" De Stasio at pupa@src.wisc.edu
or Professor Jamey Weichert at jpweichert@facstaff.wisc.edu for further
information.
Pharmacology 875A:
Antibiotics and Drug Discovery
Semester II, 1 credit. This course covers special topics in pharmacology,
such as biochemistry of antibiotic action, genetics of resistance, antibiotic
discovery, and antibiotics as research tools.
Instructor: Weisblum
Pharmacology
875/Physiology 675
This course covers mammalian physiology in sit sessions.
Instructors: Strang, Sievert
Summer, 1 credit.
Pharmacology 875C:
Cell Signaling
and Human Disease
Semester II, 1 credit. This course investigates the cellular and molecular
signaling basis for human diseases, with a focus on cancer biology and primary
immunodeficiencies. Exciting new advances in understanding molecular mechanisms
of disease will be highlighted, including (but not limited to) a discussion
of:
Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome and WASP protein, Ataxia Telangietasia and ATM,
Breast Cancer and ErbB2(Her-2), Wnt, Ras, PTEN. This will be an up to date,
literature-based course.
Instructors: Tibbetts, Keely
Oncology 675: Protein
Purification (odd year)
Semester I, every other year; 2 credits. It is primarily a lecture course
consisting of 27 lectures, 2 half-semester exams, some take-home problems,
and a paper on a topic relating to the course. The students are asked to
read at least twelve articles and prepare an informative summary with references.
Students are expected to read "Protein Purification; Principles and
Practice" Scopes, 3rd edition.
Instructor: Burgess
Oncology 703: Carcinogenesis
and Tumor Cell Biology
Semester I; 3 credits. The goal of this course is to present an up-to-date
picture of the molecular basis for cancer development. The course provides
a survey of the many genes implicated in cancer development, their mechanisms
of action in cancer and their role in normal cell growth and differentiation.
Topics to be discussed include: cell cycle and its regulation; modulation
of cell death, signal transduction pathways controlling cell growth and
differentiation; tumor suppressor genes and genetic susceptibility to cancer;
mechanisms of carcinogenesis by tumor viruses and chemical carcinogens,
DNA repair and the fixation of mutations. Topics are discussed in the context
of specific cancers including cancers of the breast, cervix, intestine,
lymphoid tissues, liver, and skin.
Instructors: Lambert, Alexander, Ross, Bradfield
Prerequisites: This course is designed for second year graduate students.
It is taught largely through the description of experiments upon which seminal
insights have been made in the cancer field. Students are therefore expected
to read and understand assigned primary scientific literature, and have
a solid foundation in the areas of molecular and cell biology, genetics
and biochemistry. Oncology 401 is recommended.
Oncology 707: Growth
and Differentiation: Genetic Analysis-Human Biology
Semester I or II (irregular); 3 credits; Meets with Genetics 707 and
Medical Genetics 707. A research-level analysis of the current status of
the investigation of processes controlling cell replication and cell diversification.
The major emphasis is genetic. In successive years, the focus moves from
the gene to the cell to the organism.
Instructor: Dove, Alexander,
Prerequisites: Oncology 401 or equivalent, Genetics or biochemistry,
or consent of instructor.
-
Electives available still under construction
- Curriculum -
FALL - 1st Year
Core or Required:
Pharm 630/Biochemistry 630/Zoology 630 -Cellular Signal Transductions Mechanisms 3 credits
Pharmacology 901 - Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars 1 credit
Pharmacology 990 - Rotations - three - "required"
Recommended: Biochemistry 601, Enzyme Structure and Function, 2 credits or another advanced biochemistry course 2-3 credits
SPRING
Core or Required:
Pharmacology 710 - Cytosolic and Nuclear Signaling Mechanisms (alternating years) 2 credits OR
Pharmacology 711 - Neurotransmitter Receptors and Ion Channels (alternating years) 2 credits
Pharmacology 901 - Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars 1 credit
Pharmacology 990 - Research
Recommended:Pathology 750, "Cell and Molecular Biology" 3 credits or Pharm 620 (Eukaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology, 2 credits)
Breadth and focal research area courses (elective) Credits Vary
SUMMER
Required:
Pharmacology 990- Research
Pharmacology 875E - Ethics (Last half of fall, first half of spring. Register in spring.)
FALL - 2nd Year
Core or Required:
Pharmacology 717 - Medical Pharmacology - 3 credits
Pharmacology 901 - Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars 1 credit
Recommended: Breadth and focal research area courses (elective) Credits Vary
Pharmacology 990 - Research
SPRING
Core or Required:
Pharmacology 710 - Cytosolic and Nuclear Signaling Mechanisms (alternating years) 2 credits OR
Pharmacology 711 - Neurotransmitters Receptors and Ion Channels (alternating year) 2 credits
Pharmacology 727 - Medical Pharmacology II - 2 credits
Pharmacology 901 - Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Student and Faculty Seminars 1 credit
Recommended: Breadth and focal research courses (elective) credits vary
SUMMER
Required
Pharmacology 990 - Research
This curriculum provides
a sound foundation in basic pharmacological, biochemical, and molecular
biological principles. A central theme of signal transduction mechanisms
is emphasized.
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