Pharmaceutical Sciences course catalog
All 60 recorded UW–Madison courses in this department, including courses not offered this term. Open a course for prerequisites, historical grades and instructors.
CHEM/PHMSCI 766: Molecular Recognition
3 credits
Intermolecular interactions in chemistry and biology. Measurement of binding constants. Recognition between small molecules. Recognition of proteins and nucleic acids. Systems chemistry.
M&ENVTOX/ONCOLOGY/PHMCOL-M/PHMSCI/POPHLTH 625: Toxicology I
3 credits
Basic principles of toxicology and biochemical mechanisms of toxicity in mammalian species and man. Correlation between morphological and functional changes caused by toxicants in different organs of the body.
M&ENVTOX/PATH/PHMCOL-M/PHMSCI/POPHLTH 626: Toxicology II
Credits unavailable
Survey of the basic methods and fundamental biochemical mechanisms of toxicity. Toxicity in mammalian organ systems, techniques for evaluating toxicity, as well as mechanisms of species specificity, and environmental interactions (with toxicant examples) are presented.
PHMCOL-M/PHMSCI 522: Pharmacology II
Credits unavailable
Pharmacological actions of important drugs, including hematopoietic, thrombolytic, antihyperlipidemic, immunopharmacologic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antihypertensive, antianginal, and anti-arrhythmic agents, and agents used to treat congestive heart failure.
PHMSCI 254: Tiny Earth Genomics - Researching Uncultured Antibiotic-producing Microbes
Credits unavailable
Collaborate on a research project from the conception of research questions through data analysis and the effective communication of results. Explore the biosynthesis of antibiotics and other small molecules by uncultured bacteria through the analysis of culture-independent DNA sequencing (metagenomics) data, learning about bioinformatics and genomics along the way. Make new discoveries of microbial species and biochemical pathways.
PHMSCI 310: Drugs and Their Actions
Credits unavailable
Introduces students to the biological effects of drugs on human health. Emphasis on how drugs, especially those used in diseases of major human health significance, act in the body. Drugs that are abused also will be covered. This course is not intended for medical, nursing, pharmacy, and physician assistant students.
PHMSCI 420: Physicochemical Principles of Drug Formulation and Delivery
3 credits
Applications of physicochemical principles to pharmaceutical systems.
PHMSCI 432: Biochemical Principles of Drug Treatment
3 credits
Basic biochemistry as the biochemical basis for drug action. Focus on biopolymers (proteins, nucleic acids) as intended and unintended targets of current drug therapy and the major biochemical pathways in which they operate. Review of protein structure, enzymatic activity, metabolic pathways, membrane biochemistry, mechanism of drug action, DNA mutation and repair.
PHMSCI 490: Selected Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Credits unavailable
Specialized subject matter of current interest to undergraduate and professional students.
PHMSCI 493: Selected Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
1–4 credits
Specialized subject matter of current interest to graduate students.
PHMSCI 510: Pharmacology Principles and Applications
Credits unavailable
Underlying science and pharmacological actions of drugs and the biological effects of drugs on human health. Covers drugs used to treat common illnesses and diseases as well as commonly abused drugs.
PHMSCI 521: Pharmacology I
Credits unavailable
Pharmacological actions of important drugs, including drugs that affect the peripheral and central nervous systems.
PHMSCI 531: Medicinal Chemistry I
Credits unavailable
Basic concepts in the chemistry of small molecule medicinal products. Structure activity of cholinergic, adrenergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic agents, antidepressant, antianxiety drugs, opioids, and antihistamines. Overview of drug metabolism and the clinical effects of metabolic drug interactions and genetic variability in drug metabolism genes.
PHMSCI 532: Medicinal Chemistry II
Credits unavailable
Chemistry of medicinal products, including antihyperlipidemics, glucocorticoids, estrogens, progestins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, antitumor agents, and enzyme inhibitors.
PHMSCI 540: Drug Delivery Systems for Pharmacotherapy
3 credits
A series of lectures by experts covering: i) introductory drug development and delivery system development processes; ii) various drug delivery routes (oral, topical, rectal, vaginal, urethral, nasal, and pulmonary); iii) various delivery systems (conventional, ophthalmic, CNS, and recent advances); iv) delivery systems related to biofilms, infection, and vaccines.
PHMSCI 541: Pharmaceutical Calculations, Dispensing and Compounding
Credits unavailable
Introductory laboratory course in compounding and dispensing of pharmaceutical dosage forms, including sterile products. Includes practice in interpretation of prescription orders, pharmaceutical calculations, compounding procedures, physical manipulation of drugs and dosage form components, and product packaging and labeling.
PHMSCI 542: Parenteral Therapy and Nutrition
3 credits
An introduction to parenteral therapy and nutrition focusing on the fundamental properties, calculations involved and the methods to prepare safe and reliable injectable medications for patients.
PHMSCI 558: Laboratory Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology
2 credits
Basic laboratory techniques employed in pharmacological and toxicological research.
PHMSCI 563: Drug History: Dangerous Drugs and Magic Bullets
2 credits
A history of medicinal substances and dangerous drugs in wider context, with a focus on gender, race, class, business, and other analytical categories. "Medicines" and "drugs" change over time -- and concepts of risk, danger, legality, and even scientific evidence are elastic. Histories of laws, regulations, and key historical actors, as well as specific drug biographies, will be provided. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 563 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 564: Psychedelic History: Sacred Plants, Science & Psychotherapy
Credits unavailable
A history of psychedelics in the U.S. and more globally. Read texts that were formative in the development of the history of psychopharmacology, pharmaceuticals, and the "war on drugs." Examine readings that represent different themes, subfields, or areas of research interest within the history of psychedelics (medicine science). Beyond biomedicine, types of analysis include: consumerism, class, ethnicity, gender, and military history. Histories of laws, regulations, and key historical actors, as well as specific drug biographies, will be provided. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 564 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 581: Molecular and Cellular Principles in Pharmacology
Credits unavailable
In-depth introduction to the molecular and cellular principles of pharmacology. Emphasis on the mechanisms of drug and small molecule action in cells, with a focus on downstream signaling pathways, second messenger systems, protein kinase cascades, and the regulation of gene transcription.
PHMSCI 612: Legal Structures for Controlled Substances
1 credits
Discusses federal statutes and regulations related to drug manufacturing, drug distribution, and drug use, with an emphasis on drug scheduling and controlled substances. Describes the governmental framework within which pharmaceutical development is regulated and practiced. Covers statues and regulations protecting human subjects' privacy and autonomy in research. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 612 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 623: Pharmacology III
3 credits
Pharmacological actions and underlying basic and clinical science of antimicrobial and antiviral drugs. Pharmacology of hormones and other drugs affecting the endocrine system.
PHMSCI 632: Neuroscience of Psychedelics
Credits unavailable
Explore the neural mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of serotonergic psychedelics, focusing on how the actions of these drugs at specific serotonin receptor subtypes might couple to cellular, network, and behavioral effects, and how these mechanisms intersect with current models of the neural basis of perception, cognition, and consciousness. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 632 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 640: Appropriate Use of Abused Drugs
Credits unavailable
Explores biological and pharmacological foundations of substance dependence and best practices for prescribing potentially addictive agents. Covers opioids for pain management, cannabinoids, psychedelics, amphetamines, and related substances. Includes therapeutic tapering, withdrawal management, overdose treatment, interpretation of urine drug tests, and use of prescription drug monitoring programs. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 640 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 671: Psychedelic Drugs in Science and Society
Credits unavailable
Overview of the science behind therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD; basic medicinal chemistry of the tryptamine and phenethylamine psychedelics, as well as the neurochemistry and neuropharmacology of their action. Fundamentals of drug development and FDA approval process; Standards of screening and guiding individuals before and during a therapeutic psychedelic session contrasted with the recreational use of these drugs; Appraisal of current clinical research including an objective analysis of risk/benefit for indications such as depression and addiction. History of traditional, ceremonial use of psychedelics, as well as the relationship between recreational use and attempts to regulate and restrict their use. Role of psychedelics in indigenous cultures, impacts of psychedelic tourism and wild-crafting of plants and animals on indigenous peoples. Contrasts in psychedelic treatments to other therapeutic interventions such as mindfulness and meditation.
PHMSCI 672: Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences
3 credits
Learn about essential components of drug development and cutting-edge research in drug discovery, drug action, and drug delivery. Focus on useful and practical information and essential underpinnings in chemistry, biology, physical chemistry, and engineering.
PHMSCI 674: Cannabinoids in Science and Society
2 credits
Provides an overview of the history, botany, and legal policies of cannabis and examines cannabinoid pharmacology and the most common therapeutic applications. Assessment of cannabinoid therapy with an emphasis on evaluating the risks and benefits of cannabinoid therapy for these conditions, product and dose regimen selection, monitoring and titration. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 674 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 679: Pharmacology and Toxicology Seminar
Credits unavailable
Senior student presentations of independent research or of published papers on a specific topic approved by the course coordinator. Faculty-led seminars on selected topics regarding responsible conduct of research. The course also provides a venue for career talks by Pharmacology and Toxicology alumni and guests working in a variety of professional settings - research, industry (pharmaceutical; biotech; contract research; consumer products; etc.), a variety of healthcare professions, and law.
PHMSCI 691: Senior Thesis
2 credits
Individual study for seniors completing theses as arranged with a faculty member.
PHMSCI 692: Senior Thesis
Credits unavailable
Individual study for seniors completing theses as arranged with a faculty member.
PHMSCI 699: Advanced Independent Study
1–6 credits
Directed study projects as arranged with a faculty member.
PHMSCI 741: Pharmaceutical Sciences Grant Writing
Credits unavailable
Develop a National Institutes of Health (NIH) F31-style predoctoral fellowship grant proposal in pharmaceutical sciences, suitable for external submission or a preliminary exam. Participate in peer review, small group collaboration, and proposal critique.
PHMSCI 748: Skills for Professional Success
1 credits
Explores strategies for navigating key phases of the graduate student experience: transitioning into graduate school, the formation of professional identity, and charting post-graduation career pathways within the pharmaceutical sciences. Builds skills needed for success in graduate-level coursework, as well as professional competencies valued in today's scientific workplace. Focuses on effective scientific communication, career development, collaboration skills, personal reflection, self-advocacy, metacognitive practices for learning, and commitment to personal integrity - and how each of these connect to the core concepts of the Wisconsin Experience.
PHMSCI 751: Introduction to Regulatory Practice
3 credits
Identifies and examines the key regulatory agencies and practices that govern the highly regulated and diverse pharmaceutical industry. Highlights current and emerging FDA and ICH regulations and guidance documents to successfully navigate meeting with the agencies and to submit required documentation for successful product development.
PHMSCI 752: Gxp (good Practice): Working in a Regulated Environment
3 credits
The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries have strict documentation and production requirements. Prepares the learner to work in a regulated environment. Explains roles and responsibilities across multiple disciplines and proper documentation practices. Prepares learner for protocol, report creation and audit responses. Discusses specifications, guidances and root-cause analysis.
PHMSCI 753: Project Management in Drug Development
3 credits
Key concepts and body of knowledge of Project Management (PM) applied to the specifics of the drug development process. PM theory and language. The life cycle of a project: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Control, and Closing. Predictive, adaptive and hybrid PM frameworks and tools. Project Charter, statement-of-work, scope of work, work-breakdown structure, project network and timelines. Critical path method and earned value analysis to adjust schedules, allocate resources, and implement corrective actions. Risk management in pharmaceutical projects. An overview of documents management and decision-making strategies.
PHMSCI 754: Business Tools for Pharmaceutical Scientists
Credits unavailable
Explores business aspects of pharmaceutical product development and post-approval product maturation. Covers startup financing, risk management, intellectual property considerations, supply chain management, and strategic decision-making, as applied to both large and small pharmaceutical companies.
PHMSCI 755: Laboratory and Instrumentation Methods
Credits unavailable
Teaches the theory and application of many common laboratory techniques and instruments used in drug discovery and development. Includes a laboratory component to teach safety and basic techniques necessary for working in a lab. Instruction begins with basic techniques and builds upon these techniques to instruct in proper sample preparation and handling for analysis using a variety of analytical instrumentation.
PHMSCI 756: Introduction to Data Analyses in Drug Development
Credits unavailable
Provides a high-level overview of how data analysis techniques augment the drug discovery and development process. Focuses on project-based skills-building through the application of industry-standard software and use of public databases. Explores best practices for data processing and management to ensure experimental reproducibility. Develops troubleshooting skills through critical evaluation of data analysis results and root cause analysis.
PHMSCI 757: Introduction to Drug Development
2 credits
Scientific process of drug development from discovery through clinical trials. Brief history of drug development, along with an overview of drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical activities that take place during development. Application to real-world drug development scenarios and challenges, especially as they apply to development of drugs to treat neurological diseases.
PHMSCI 758: Working Effectively in a Scientific Environment
Credits unavailable
Application of communication, interpersonal and cultural competency skills. Synthesis of knowledge, skills and abilities to demonstrate aptitude for careers in respective industries.
PHMSCI 759: Current Trends in Drug Discovery and Development
1 credits
Provides the experience and skill to find, read and critically analyze scientific and regulatory literature in the field of drug discovery and development.
PHMSCI 760: Summative Research Internship
Credits unavailable
Summation of core coursework to a real-world project and/or internship experience. Synthesis of knowledge, skills and abilities to demonstrate aptitude for careers in respective industries.
PHMSCI 761: Introduction to Pharmacology
Credits unavailable
Introduction to basic concepts of drug delivery and action, methods used to study drug action. Includes a brief survey of drugs acting on the cardiovascular system, the central nervous system and other drug targets.
PHMSCI 762: The Drug Development Process From Discovery to Investigational New Drug Application (ind)
3 credits
Overview of the drug development process from discovery to investigational new drug application (IND). Drug discovery (target identification, target validation, and hit-to-lead) preclinical CMC activities, and preclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and toxicology studies as they apply to both small and large molecule drugs.
PHMSCI 763: The Drug Development Process From Fih to Bla/nda
Credits unavailable
Overview of the drug development process from first-in-human (FIH) to submission of a new drug application (NDA) or biologics license application (BLA). Phases of clinical development and the role of biomarkers, companion diagnostics, statistical analysis, and CMC in clinical trials. Both small molecule and protein therapeutics will be addressed.
PHMSCI 764: Case Studies in Drug Development
2 credits
Explores the scientific, regulatory, and strategic considerations involved in modern drug development through case studies and real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on solving complex and interdisciplinary challenges across the entire development pipeline and incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced delivery technologies into the drug development process.
PHMSCI 765: Principles of Assay Development
Credits unavailable
Biochemical and spectrophotometric basis of molecular target assays in drug development. Different types of in vitro and cellular assays - how to choose the best one for the problem at hand. On-target and off-target activity. Uses and limitations of biochemical assays, biomarkers, and animal models. Challenges of translating pre-clinical data into clinical assumptions. Biases on non-quantifiable data. Critical evaluation of case studies and experimental assays on infectious diseases, auto-immune diseases, and CNS disorders. Designing proper assays according to drug development projects hypotheses.
PHMSCI 768: Pharmacokinetics
3 credits
Quantitative aspects of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Philosophy and applications of pharmacokinetic modeling and its use in clinical practice.
PHMSCI 770: Cns Drug Designs, Actions, and Applications I
3 credits
Explores how chemical properties influence molecular targets in the central nervous system (CNS), how altered signaling drives physiological changes, and how cholinergic and glutamatergic pharmaceuticals improve patient outcomes. Develops skills in primary literature analysis to enable conceptual integration of information across chemical, molecular, cellular, systems, and societal levels. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 770 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 771: Cns Drug Designs, Actions, and Applications II
Credits unavailable
Applies knowledge regarding the molecular and anatomical factors that influence the actions of central nervous system active drugs to understand the medical applications of drugs acting on the GABAergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and opioid systems. Develops written communication skills regarding the integration of chemical, molecular, cellular, and systems information to explain the discovery, development, and applications of these compounds. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 771 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 773: Molecular Solids
Credits unavailable
Science and technology of molecular solid materials with applications in medicine, food, energetic materials, and organic electronics.
PHMSCI 775: Polymeric Drug Delivery
Credits unavailable
Introduces synthetic and biological polymers applied for drug targeting and controlled drug release, focusing on injectable drugs, including biologics.
PHMSCI 786: Natural Product Synthesis, Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery
Credits unavailable
Synthesis and biosynthesis of natural products in drug discovery. Topics include: natural products in drug discovery; biosynthetic pathways and synthetic strategies for major natural product classes; and basic bioorganic chemistry and enzyme mechanisms in biosynthesis.
PHMSCI 801: Bioethics and Scientific Integrity
1 credits
Explores basic ethical issues associated with biomedical science research and application, particularly as pertains to the development and marketing of drugs and emergent pharmaceutical therapies, such as psychoactive-assisted therapies in the context of regulatory, safety, and legal concerns. Not open to students with credit for PHARMACY 801 prior to fall 2026.
PHMSCI 931: Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
1 credits
Weekly series that provides exposure to a diverse array of research topics. Students enroll in one of three sections, corresponding to their research core (Drug Action, Drug Discovery, or Drug Delivery). Students in their 2nd year and beyond present their research progress or review literature. The course includes talks from nationally and internationally recognized scientists from academia and industry.
PHMSCI 932: Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar
Credits unavailable
Weekly series that provides exposure to a diverse array of research topics. Students enroll in one of three sections, corresponding to their research core (Drug Action, Drug Discovery, or Drug Delivery). Students in their 2nd-year and beyond present their research progress or review literature. The course includes talks from nationally and internationally recognized scientists from academia and industry.
PHMSCI 990: Research
1–12 credits
Independent research and writing for graduate and students under the supervision of a faculty member.
PHMSCI 999: Advanced Independent Study
1–12 credits
Directed study projects for graduate students as arranged with a faculty member.