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Pharmacology and Therapeutics

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Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Location

Location

  • Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • McIntyre Medical Sciences Building
  • 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Room 1325
  • Montreal QC H3G 1Y6
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-3623
  • Fax: 514-398-2045
  • Email: gradstudies.pharmacology [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/pharma

About Pharmacology and Therapeutics

About Pharmacology and Therapeutics

The Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics offers training leading to M.Sc. (Thesis) and Ph.D. degrees.

The Department also offers the Chemical Biology Interdisciplinary Graduate Option, together with the Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry. Students interested in training in this option must first be accepted for graduate studies by one of the participating departments. Information on this option can be found at www.mcgill.ca/biochemistry/graduate-studies-2/chemicalbiology.

Pharmacology is a multidisciplinary science that deals with all aspects of drugs and their interactions with living organisms. Thus, pharmacologists study the physical and chemical properties of drugs, their biochemical and physiological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic and other uses. The Department offers broad exposure and training in both basic and clinical research in a range of areas of specialty, including:

  • neuropharmacology;
  • reproductive pharmacology;
  • endocrine pharmacology;
  • receptor pharmacology;
  • cardiovascular pharmacology;
  • cancer;
  • developmental pharmacology;
  • autonomic pharmacology;
  • clinical pharmacology;
  • biochemical pharmacology;
  • molecular biology;
  • toxicology.

The present 55 full and affiliate members of the Department have research laboratories located in the McIntyre Medical Sciences Building and in a variety of hospitals, institutes, and industry including the Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Allan Memorial Institute, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal Heart Institute, Lady Davis Research Institute, Pfizer Canada, Merck Frosst Canada Inc., and MUHC Glen site. The participation of researchers from both industry and government ensures the relevance of the Department's applications-oriented training programs.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Pharmacology (Thesis) (45 credits)

The objective of the M.Sc. (Thesis) and Ph.D. degree training programs is to provide in-depth independent research experience in a specific area of pharmacology. The program leading to a master’s degree is designed to provide students the opportunity to acquire knowledge in pharmacology, to conduct a research project, to analyze data, and to write a thesis. Students will also receive essential training in research professionalism and scientific communication.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Pharmacology (Thesis) — Chemical Biology (47 credits)
This program is currently not accepting applicants.

The Chemical Biology Thematic Group is engaged in a diverse range of research topics that span structural biology, enzymology, nucleic acid research, signalling pathways, single molecule biophysics, and biophysical chemistry of living tissues. Among the themes that unite the research being performed in this group is trying to learn new chemistry and physics from biological systems.

We have projects relating to pharmaceutically relevant enzymes such as those involved in drug metabolism and antibiotic resistance; development of therapeutic agents in the control of inflammation, cancer, and viral infections; the chemical biology of NO; quantification of bioenergetic markers of metabolism; self-assembly mechanisms of the HIV-1 virion capsid; liposome microarray systems to address membrane protein dynamics and recognition; studies on reactive oxygen species translocation across the aqueous/lipid membrane interface; RNAi/antisense technologies; dynamic combinatorial chemistry; protein dynamics and function; mechanistic aspects involved in cellular adhesion and transport in membrane and zeolite channels; and cutting-edge microscopes used to examine transport, motility, and reactivity in cells.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Pharmacology

The objective of the M.Sc. (Thesis) and Ph.D. degree training programs is to provide in-depth independent research experience in a specific area of pharmacology. The program leading to a doctoral degree is designed to provide students the opportunity to acquire knowledge in pharmacology, to conduct an original research project, to analyze data, and to write a thesis. Students will also receive essential training in research professionalism and scientific communication.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Pharmacology — Chemical Biology
This program is currently not accepting applicants.

The Chemical Biology Thematic Group is engaged in a diverse range of research topics that span structural biology, enzymology, nucleic acid research, signalling pathways, single molecule biophysics, and biophysical chemistry of living tissues. Among the themes which unite the research being performed in this group is the attempt to learn new chemistry and physics from biological systems.

We have projects relating to pharmaceutically relevant enzymes such as those involved in drug metabolism and antibiotic resistance; development of therapeutic agents in the control of inflammation, cancer and viral infections; the chemical biology of NO; quantification of bioenergetic markers of metabolism; self-assembly mechanisms of the HIV-1 virion capsid; liposome microarray systems to address membrane protein dynamics and recognition; studies on reactive oxygen species translocation across the aqueous/lipid membrane interface; RNAi/antisense technologies; dynamic combinatorial chemistry; protein dynamics and function; mechanistic aspects involved in cellular adhesion and transport in membrane and zeolite channels; and cutting-edge microscopes used to examine transport, motility, and reactivity in cells.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Jul. 18, 2016) (disclaimer)

Pharmacology and Therapeutics Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Pharmacology and Therapeutics Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Candidates are required to hold a B.Sc. degree in a discipline relevant to the proposed field of study; those with the M.D., D.D.S., or D.V.M. degrees are also eligible to apply. A background in the health sciences is recommended, but programs in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physical sciences may be acceptable.

Admission is based on a student's academic record, letters of assessment, and, whenever possible, interviews with staff members. Students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test () and the Test of English as a Foreign Language () or the equivalent, except as follows: in accordance with ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ policy, only those whose mother tongue is English, who graduated from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), or who completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction are exempt from providing proof of competency in English.

Inquiries relating to all aspects of graduate study should be directed to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, as early as possible in each academic year.

¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Requirements – Chemical Biology Option

As for the regular graduate programs of the participating departments, acceptance into the Chemical Biology option consists of two steps:

  1. Preliminary approval by the Department's Graduate Committee based on the student's transcript, references, and other documents submitted with the application. The criteria for assessment at this level are the same as those for the regular graduate programs of the participating departments.
  2. Acceptance by an individual research director. For students wishing to participate in the Chemical Biology option, the director must propose a research project for the student that provides training in the methods and philosophy of chemical biology. Project proposals are assessed by the Chemical Biology Program Committee.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations and Resources > Graduate > Graduate ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • GRE – required for degrees from outside North America
  • Acceptance by a Chemical Biology research director (Chemical Biology option only)

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines listed here are set by the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ academic unit's website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: May 15 Fall: March 15 Fall: March 15
Winter: Oct. 15 Winter: Sept. 10 Winter: Same as Canadian/International
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A

Please refer to our website for complete deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Jul. 18, 2016) (disclaimer)

Pharmacology and Therapeutics Faculty

Pharmacology and Therapeutics Faculty

Chair
G. Multhaup
Graduate Program Director
B. F. Hales
Emeritus Professors
R. Capek; M.D., Ph.D.(Prague)
H.H. Zingg; M.D., Ph.D.(McG.)
Professors
G. Almazan; Ph.D.(McG.)
D. Bernard; Ph.D.(Johns Hop.)
D. Bowie; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Lond.)
P.B.S. Clarke; M.A.(Camb.), Ph.D.(Lond.)
A.C. Cuello; M.D.(Buenos Aires), M.A., D.Sc.(Oxf.), F.R.S.C.
B.F. Hales; Ph.D.(McG.)
T. Hébert; Ph.D.(Tor.)
D. Maysinger; Ph.D.(USC)
A. McKinney; Ph.D.(Ulster)
P.J. McLeod; M.D.(Manit.), F.R.C.P.(C)
G. Multhaup; Ph.D.(Cologne)
A. Ribeiro-da-Silva; M.D., Ph.D.(Oporto)
B. Robaire; Ph.D.(McG.)
H. Saragovi; Ph.D.(Miami)
M. Szyf; Ph.D.(Hebrew)
J. Trasler; M.D.,C.M., Ph.D.(McG.)
Associate Professors
S. Nattel; M.D.,C.M.(McG.)
E. Zorychta; Ph.D.(McG.)
Assistant Professors
B. Castagner; Ph.D.(Col.)
L. Münter; Ph.D.(Free Univ., Berlin)
J. Tanny; Ph.D.(Harv.)
J.F. Trempe; Ph.D.(Oxf.)
Associate Members
M. Alaoui-Jamali; Ph.D.(Paris IV)
M. Culty; Ph.D.(Fr.)
L. Diatchenko; M.D., Ph.D.(RNRMU)
L. Fellows; M.D., C.M.(McG.) Ph.D.(Oxf.)
S. Gauthier; M.D.(Montr.)
T. Geary; Ph.D.(Mich.)
B. Jean-Claude; Ph.D.(McG.)
S. Kimmins; Ph.D.(Dal.)
S. Laporte; Ph.D.(Sher.)
C. O'Flaherty; Ph.D.(Buenos Aires)
V. Pappadopoulis; Ph.D.(Paris VI)
S. Rousseau; Ph.D.(Laval)
Y. Shir; M.D.(Israel), Ph.D.(Johns Hop.)
L. Stone; Ph.D.(Minn.)
M. Ware; M.B.B.S.(West Indies)
T. P. Wong; Ph.D.(McG.)
Adjunct Professors
B. Allen, B. Boivin, M. Boucher, L. Breton, M. Bruno, S. Chemtob, Y. De Koninck, L. Garofalo, J. Gillard, J. S. Joyal, J.M.A. Laird, J. Mancini, K. Meerovitch, G. Miller, T. Sanderson
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Jul. 18, 2016) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Pharmacology (Thesis) (45 credits)

The program leading to a master's degree is designed to provide students the opportunity to acquire knowledge in Pharmacology, to conduct a research project, to analyze data, and to write a thesis. Students will also receive essential training in Research Professionalism and Scientific Communication.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Pharmacology (Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Pharmacology (Thesis) — Chemical Biology (47 credits)

This program is currently not accepting applicants.

Thesis Courses (24 credits)

PHAR 696 (3) Thesis Preparation
PHAR 698 (9) Thesis Preparation 2
PHAR 699 (12) Thesis Preparation 3

Required Courses (9 credits)

PHAR 601 (6) Comprehensive
PHAR 712 (3) Statistics for Pharmacologists

Complementary Courses (14 credits)

2 credits, two of the following courses:

BIOC 610 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 1
BIOC 611 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 3
BIOC 689 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 2
BIOC 690 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 4

6 credits, from the following courses:

PHAR 562 (3) Neuropharmacology
PHAR 563 (3) Endocrine Pharmacology

or, for students who have taken PHAR 562 and PHAR 563 as part of their undergraduate degree, they can be replaced with two of the following courses:

BIOC 603 (3) Genomics and Gene Expression
BIOC 604 (3) Macromolecular Structure
CHEM 504 (3) Drug Design
CHEM 522 (3) Stereochemistry
CHEM 591 (3) Bioinorganic Chemistry
CHEM 621 (5) Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 629 (5) Organic Synthesis
CHEM 655 (4) Advanced NMR Spectroscopy
PHAR 504 (3) Drug Discovery and Development 2
PHAR 707 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 6

3 credits, one of the following courses:

PHAR 700 (3) Seminars in Pharmacology
PHAR 702 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 1
PHAR 703 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 2
PHAR 704 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 3
PHAR 705 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 4
PHAR 706 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 5
PHAR 707 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 6

3 credits, one of the following courses:

CHEM 502 (3) Advanced Bio-Organic Chemistry
PHAR 503 (3) Drug Discovery and Development 1
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Jul. 27, 2016) (disclaimer)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Pharmacology

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Pharmacology.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Pharmacology — Chemical Biology

This program is currently not accepting applicants.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses (13 credits)

BIOC 610 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 1
BIOC 611 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 3
BIOC 689 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 2
BIOC 690 (1) Seminars in Chemical Biology 4
PHAR 601 (6) Comprehensive
PHAR 712 (3) Statistics for Pharmacologists

Complementary Courses (14 credits)

6 credits, from the following courses:

PHAR 562 (3) Neuropharmacology
PHAR 563 (3) Endocrine Pharmacology

or, for students who have taken PHAR 562 and PHAR 563 as part of their undergraduate degree, they can replace them with two of the following courses:

BIOC 603 (3) Genomics and Gene Expression
BIOC 604 (3) Macromolecular Structure
CHEM 504 (3) Drug Design
CHEM 522 (3) Stereochemistry
CHEM 591 (3) Bioinorganic Chemistry
CHEM 621 (5) Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 629 (5) Organic Synthesis
CHEM 655 (4) Advanced NMR Spectroscopy
PHAR 504 (3) Drug Discovery and Development 2
PHAR 707 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 6

two of the following courses:

PHAR 700 (3) Seminars in Pharmacology
PHAR 702 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 1
PHAR 703 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 2
PHAR 704 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 3
PHAR 705 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 4
PHAR 706 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 5
PHAR 707 (3) Topics in Pharmacology 6

one of the following courses:

CHEM 502 (3) Advanced Bio-Organic Chemistry
PHAR 503 (3) Drug Discovery and Development 1
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Jul. 27, 2016) (disclaimer)
Faculty of Medicine—2016-2017 (last updated Jul. 18, 2016) (disclaimer)
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