WHAT IS PHARMACOLOGY?

Pharmacology is the science of drug action on biological systems; a drug being broadly defined as any chemical agent that acts on living cells. Pharmacological studies range from determining the effects of chemical agents upon subcellular mechanisms, to investigating the potential hazards of pesticides and industrial pollutants. Pharmacologists focus on drugs used in the treatment and prevention of diseases. They investigate structure, activity, and toxic effect of drugs. They design new therapeutic agents using state-of-the-art computer technologies. They use gene therapy methods to target therapeutic agents to the site of human diseases. Pharmacologists are involved in an interdisciplinary pursuit that employs the experimental techniques of physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics and pathology. Pharmacology is a science devoted to unlocking the mysteries of drug action to discover new therapies and treatments to prolong life, making it basic to medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine and many other healthcare fields.

PHARMACOLOGY VS PHARMACY

Pharmacy, which involves the dispensing of drugs, is pursued through a university with a PharmD or pharmacy program, which Stony Brook does not have. Pharmacy forms only a small part of the discipline of pharmacology, which we can define in general as the study of how drugs alter body processes, usually with therapeutics in mind. A pharmacologist must have a strong background in organic and biochemistry as well as physiology and cell biology. Certainly a fascinating part of the field involves the identification of meaningful drug targets and the design of effective drugs, but there is much more involved such as testing these drugs for safety and efficacy, determining the pharmacokinetics of drugs, identifying potentially harmful side effects, and the like.

WHY PHARMACOLOGY?

If you are a highly motivated and curious individual who is fascinated with the life sciences and enjoys problem solving--- then pharmacology is for you. Pharmacological sciences include biochemical, cardiovascular, endocrine, molecular and neuropharmacology. Related fields are clinical pharmacology, and medical chemistry. Novel drugs have been designed to combat cancer, AID's and autoimmune diseases. The effects of chemicals and industrial pollutants upon the environment and ecosystems are monitored by pharmacologists and toxiocologists. Marine natural products with therapeutic properties are being isolated. Drugs are being used as probes to better the understanding of molecular and genetic events within the human body. There are no boundaries for the science of drug discovery to improve the quality of human life.

PHARMACOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR

The undergraduate major in Pharmacology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook began in the fall of 1994. The emphasis of the program is on preparing students for careers in drug research and development. It provides an excellent academic background for students who plan to enter graduate programs in pharmacological sciences or pursue careers in medicine or other health sciences. Focusing on cellular, molecular, and human pharmacology, the program allows students to learn in a basic science and research environment interacting with medical school faculty. Students with interests and strong backgrounds in chemistry, biochemistry and cell biology are excellent candidates for entering a pharmacology program. The major in Pharmacology (BCP) introduces the scientific principles and mechanisms of drug action on biological systems. Experimental studies in pharmacology range from those that focus on the treatment and prevention of disease states to determining the effects of chemical agents upon subcellular mechanisms and the toxicology of biohazard, pesticides and industrial pollutants.

INTERNSHIP IN INDUSTRY PROGRAM

Students enrolled in the pharmacology undergraduate program at Stony Brook are eligible for internships in the research laboratories of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Junior and senior pharmacology majors of good academic standing may submit applications for summer positions which include stipends. Students are assigned a project and will be supervised by an industrial scientist, becoming a temporary member of his/her research team. The project is written up in a short research paper format and a verbal presentation of the results made at the company. These internships provide undergraduate pharmacology majors with opportunities to:
-Experience the working environment of a major pharmaceutical or biotechnology company
-Actively participate in ongoing research for the development of new drugs
-Establish networking for future employment and career development following graduation
-Participate in placement services for industrial employment and entry into academic programs for further education.

REQUIREMENTS AND ADMISSION TO THE PHARMACOLOGY PROGRAM

Freshman applicants must have successfully completed four years of high school science and four years of high school math, including Trigonometry. A minimum grade point average of 88 (B+) is required in a strong college preparatory curriculum, along with a minimum math SAT score of 600. Transfer or current Stony Brook students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) in a strong college science curriculum. All courses offered for the major must be taken for a letter grade. Completion of the major requirements entails approximately 66-67 credits. Acceptance into the program requires an application process involving reference letters, a personal statement and an interview. Applications are available through the Undergraduate Pharmacology website. (http://www.pharm.stonybrook.edu/Undergraduate_Program/Pages/Undergraduate_Pharmacology_Program/)