Class of 2008
UNDERGRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY
The undergraduate Pharmacology Program at Stony Brook University was initiated in the fall of 1994. Although the Program has grown in size over the years, we currently maintain an enrolment of 25-30 students per year. Students receive individual attention, and courses are taught by faculty members. The Program provides excellent academic training for students planning to enter graduate programs or pursue careers in medicine or other health sciences. The pie chart below illustrates the career paths of our recent graduates.
Focusing on cellular, molecular, and human pharmacology, the Program provides students with opportunities to conduct independent research projects under the supervision of medical school faculty. Many of our students publish their results in scientific journals.
Students with interests in physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology are excellent candidates for entering the Pharmacology Program. The major in Pharmacology introduces students to the scientific principles and mechanisms of drug action on biological systems. Experimental studies in pharmacology range from the treatment and prevention of disease states to determining the effects of chemical agents upon subcellular processes. In addition, the toxicology of biohazardous materials, pesticides, and industrial pollutants is explored. Please see below for application forms and instructions.
WHAT IS PHARMACOLOGY?
Pharmacology is a scientific discipline that focuses on how drugs affect biological systems. In this context, a 'drug' is 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 the structure, activity, and toxic effects of drugs. They design new therapeutic agents using state-of-the-art 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/molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, structural biology, and pathology. In short, Pharmacology is a science devoted to unlocking the mysteries of drug action in order to discover new therapies and treatments. Pharmacology is thus the foundation of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine and many other healthcare fields. Click here for more information about the scientific field of Pharmacology.
IS PHARMACOLOGY THE SAME AS PHARMACY?
The short answer is No. 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 encompasses a small part of the discipline of pharmacology, which can be defined as the study of how drugs alter body processes, usually with therapeutics in mind. Click here for more information about the differences between Pharmacology and Pharmacy.
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, AIDs and autoimmune diseases. The effects of chemicals and industrial pollutants upon the environment and ecosystems are monitored by pharmacologists and toxicologists. Marine natural products with therapeutic properties are being isolated. Drugs are being used as probes to better understand the 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.
B.S./PH.D. TRACK IN PHARMACOLOGY
This track is open to outstanding Undergraduate Pharmacology majors who plan to pursue a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at Stony Brook.
Criteria for the BS/PhD track in Pharmacology:
1. You must be an Undergraduate Pharmacology major
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4
3. Three reference letters; one must be from your undergraduate research mentor
4. Participation in Summer research that includes a minimum of ten weeks in the lab (stipend will be provided)
5. Application deadline is March 01 (send application to Janice Kito - see below for contact information)
COMBINED B.S. PHARMACOLOGY/M.B.A. PROGRAM
In conjunction with the College of Business, we are pleased to offer a five-year program leading to a combined B.S./M.B.A. degree. The program is designed for outstanding students with a strong record of academic leadership and excellence. The deadline for applying to the combined program is February 01, and students should apply in their junior year (or when they have junior standing). For more information, contact the College of Business or stop by the Pharmacology Office (BST-8 Room 140).
COMBINED B.S. PHARMACOLOGY/M.P.H. PROGRAM
This 5-year program is currently under development and is anticipated to launch by the Fall 2009 semester. The program will lead to a B.S. in Pharmacology and Master of Public Health combined degree. A major goal of the combined program is to attract talented students with a commitment to Pharmacology into the public health field. There is currently no combined B.S. in Pharmacology/M.P.H. degree program anywhere in the USA, despite a strong demand for M.P.H. graduates with highly developed analytical and quantitative lab skills. The program will be highly selective, and it is anticipated that only a few students will be admitted each year.
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 re-entry into academic programs.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADMISSION TO THE PHARMACOLOGY PROGRAM
Transfer or current Stony Brook students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) in a strong college science curriculum. Incoming freshman must complete at least one semester of coursework at Stony Brook before applications can be processed. All courses offered for the major must be taken for a letter grade. Completion of the major requirements entails approximately 66-67 credits. In addition to courswork, a written senior thesis based upon an independent research project is required for the degree.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications are available HERE and should be submitted during the freshman or sophomore years, although juniors are encouraged to apply as well.
All applications must include:
1) A brief essay (500 words) describing why you believe the Pharmacology Program will help you realize your career goals.
2) Copies of your college transcript (or high school transcript if you are an incomming freshman).
3) Two recommendation letters. Recommendation letter forms are provided in the application file. Provide one form to each respondent that you have selected to write a letter on your behalf. Remember that neither of the respondents can be related to you and one respondent must be a Stony Brook University faculty member. However, if you are a high school student, then instead of a Stony Brook University faculty member, one respondent must be a teacher or counselor. All recommendation letters must be submitted in a signed and sealed envelope.
Mail or fax the completed application to:
Undergraduate Pharmacology Program
Stony Brook University
BST-8, Room 140
Stony Brook , NY 11794-8651
Fax: (631) 444-9749
Transfer students, incoming freshman, and high school seniors are encouraged to apply to the Pharmacology Program. Please note, however, that you cannot be considered for acceptance into the Pharmacology Program until you have been accepted by Stony Brook University. In addition, you must complete at least one semester of coursework at Stony Brook before your application can be processed. Enrollment is limited, so students should initiate the application process as early as possible.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Director, Undergraduate Pharmacology
BST8 Room 130
631-444-1574
Assistant Director
BST8 Room 140
631-444-3027
