Courses offered at Meharry Medical College:

• PHARM 705 Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• PHARM 722 Neuropharmacology
• PHARM 723 Toxicology
• PHARM 735 Research Problems in Pharmacology
• PHARM 736 Current Topics in Pharmacology
• PHARM 738 Carcinogenesis & Cancer Therapeutics

Courses offered at Vanderbilt University:

• PHAR 324 Receptor Theory, Cell-Surface Receptors and Signal Transduction Pathways
• PHAR 320 Pharmacological Targets and Mechanisms
• PHAR 322 Scientific Communication Skills
• PHAR 321 Principles of Drug Action
• PHAR 325 Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• PHAR 329 Pharmacology of Psychotropic Drugs
• PHAR 345 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• PHAR 346 Molecular Neurobiology

PHARM 706. GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY

The pharmacological basis of therapeutics is presented by means of lectures, conferences, and demonstrations. Emphasis is placed on the factors governing drug action; dose-response relationships; the relationship between chemical structure and pharmacological action; the problems associated with absorption, distribution metabolism, and elimination; and the mechanism of action of the common classes of drugs. Attention is also given to contra-indications, side effects, and toxic effects of these compounds. 5 credit hours.

PHARM 710. CELL SURFACE RECEPTORS

The course consists of interactive but lecture-like sessions. Exams are take-home/open-book and focus on critical thinking and using what is taught in a new experimental setting. The course begins with studies of receptor identification and characterization in simple cellular settings and then extends those studies to in vivo formats, using classical methodology. 2 credits hours.

PHARM 715. DRUG METABOLISM

This course covers in depth the concepts involved in metabolism of lipophillic molecules–identifying Phase I & Phase II enzymes; their location, mechanism, typical substrates, genetic variation, species variation, inhibition, and drug interaction and drug design. 2 credit hours.

PHARM 722. NEUROPHARMACOLOGY

This course presents an overview of neuropharmacology, including fundamentals of receptor theory, neurotoxicology, neurophysiology, and drug abuse. Mechanisms and problems concerned with neurotransmission are discussed. Emphasis is given to the neurochemical basis of CNS disorders and drug intervention. Lecturers, current literature, discussions are included. 3 credit hours.

PHARM 723. TOXICOLOGY

Principles involved in toxicity of drug and chemical agents are presented. Topics include xenobiotic biotransformation, toxicokinetics, chemical carcinogenesis, neurotoxicology, metal toxicity, toxic response of skin and respiratory system, and occupational toxicology. Toxicological mechanisms of action, rationale for therapeutic measures against effects of toxic chemical agents, the basis for toxicological pathology, and current issues in toxicology (toxicogenomics) are also covered. Course format includes lectures and student involvement in critical review of current literature. 3 credit hours.

PHARM 735. RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN PHARMACOLOGY

This is essentially an independent study; qualified students work with individual staff members in areas not covered in other available courses. 1-6 credit hours.

PHARM 736. CURRENT TOPICS IN PHARMACOLOGY

By means of lectures and/or discussion sessions, this course offers the opportunity to evaluate current advances in the field of pharmacology. Each student enrolled is required to write and submit a critical evaluation of an assigned, current, published research article. 3 credit hours.

PHARM 737. PHARMACOKINETICS

Offered as a module in Fundamentals of Pharmacology. This course module is designed to understand the pharmacokinetics principles that govern the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs. Basic pharmacokinetics parameters are examined using one- and two-compartment modeling. In addition, applications of pharmacokinetics are examined with respect to clinical situations, and students are introduced to the use of computer programs in pharmacokinetics. 2 credit hours.

PHARM 738. CARCINOGENESIS & CANCER THERAPEUTICS

(cross-listing with Cancer Biology). This course covers the mechanisms underlying the carcinogenic process induced by chemical, viral, or physical agents. Major emphasis is focused on the mechanisms exploited in developing therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Lectures on clinical correlates are presented by clinical oncologists. 3 credit hours.

PHARM 741. FUNDAMENTALS OF PHARMACOLOGY (FALL)

This course is an introduction to in vivo physiological mechanisms, anatomical structure of organ systems, and regulatory feedback pathways responsible for drug metabolism and physiological homeostasis. Classical studies that shifted the paradigm in a particular area and contemporary research will be discussed to demonstrate clarity of thinking, focused experimental strategies leading to genuine discovery, and potential difficulties in interpretation of results of experiments (cross listing with PHAR 320. Pharmacological Targets and Mechanisms – Vanderbilt University). 4 credit hours, Fall.

PHAR 799. RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY (FALL, SPRING & SUMMER)

Students are required to conduct original research, culminating in the preparation and defense of a dissertation. 1-12 credit hours, Fall, Spring & Summer.

PHAR 324. RECEPTOR THEORY, CELL-SURFACE RECEPTORS, AND SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS (SUMMER)

Course covering structure and function of cell-surface receptors and the molecular bases by which they activate cellular function. Topics include receptor identification; quantitation of simple and complex binding phenomena; molecular bases for receptor coupling to GTP-binding proteins; the structure and function of ligand-operated ion channels, receptor tyrosine kinases, and receptor-induced signal transduction cascades receptors as oncogenes and proto-oncogenes. 1-3 credit hours, Summer.

PHAR 320. PHARMACOLOGICAL TARGETS AND MECHANISMS (FALL)

Introduction to in vivo physiological mechanisms, anatomical structure of organ systems, and regulatory feedback pathways responsible for drug metabolism and physiological homeostasis. Classical studies that shifted the paradigm in a particular area and contemporary research are discussed to demonstrate clarity of thinking and focused experimental strategies leading to genuine discovery, as well as potential difficulties in interpretation of results of experiments. 1-10 credit hours, Fall.

PHAR 321. PRINCIPLES OF DRUG ACTION (SPRING)

The mechanisms of drug action are taken up in a systematic manner. Course includes didactic lectures and parallel, guided readings on drug discovery and design, based on current advances in basic science and clinical research. Spring.

PHAR 322. SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS (FALL)

Techniques in effective oral communication of scientific research as well as practical experience in research and literature presentation and in the preparation of grant proposals. 1 credit hour, Fall.

PHAR 323. EXCITABLE MEMBRANES IN NERVE AND MUSCLE

Recent findings concerning the structure, function, and pharmacology of ion channels. Topics include the relationship between amino acid sequence, protein subunit structure, and function of both voltage- and ligand-gated channels; the relationship between channel structure and pharmacology; the interaction of drugs with channels and receptor/channel proteins, with special emphasis on the interaction of compounds with different functional channel states; indirect coupling between ion channels and neurotransmitter and hormone receptors. Classes include both presentations by the instructors and discussion of recent publications by students.

PHAR 325. CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY

Cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology from the molecular to the organismal level. Classic experimental studies, molecular studies, and clinical observations are presented to demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary approaches in answering complex questions in biology. Students have the opportunity to identify specific areas or pathophysiologic states for emphasis. Topics covered: development of the cardiovascular system, regulation of cardiac contractility and electrophysiology, blood pressure regulation, coagulation, and select cardiovascular pathophysiologies. 2 credit hours.

PHAR 329. PHARMACOLOGY OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS

An advanced course that focuses on the mechanism of action of CNS-active drugs, with extensive literature reading and student presentations.

PHAR 345. CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE

An overview of major neural networks, including examples from motor and sensory systems, as well as higher cognitive and affective functions. Studies of neural development move from an examination of neurogenesis, cell fate, and phenotype development to an analysis of invertebrate models and how they have advanced our understanding of mechanisms involved in axonal guidance, synapse formation, and apoptosis. Additional lectures covering synaptic and systems plasticity and models of neural networks and learning and memory are provided. Emphasis is placed on the integration of anatomical, biochemical, and physiological information. 4 credit hours.

PHAR 346. MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY

Molecular components and interactions that regulate neuronal development, signaling, and disease. Classic molecular analysis of neurobiological processes is coupled with detailed studies of contemporary literature to provide students a sound foundation for understanding the molecular bases underlying the development and function of the nervous system. Topics covered include: development of neuronal identity, axonal transport, growth factors and cell death, axon guidance and synapse formation, electrical and chemical neurotransmission, regulation of neuronal excitability, and genetic analysis of signaling and neural disorders. 3 credit hours.