A concentration in Pharmacology is being added to the AB and BS degrees in chemistry in response to requests from majors. Below is the description of the new concentration which has been sent to the University Curriculum Committee for approval.

PHARMACOLOGY AS AN AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN CHEMISTRY

Pharmacology is more than the study of the mode of action of drugs. It is a science which uses the basic concepts of biology and chemistry to determine how drugs affect the organism, it gives a unique perspective in understanding how cells, organ systems, and organisms function. Unlike other basic science fields, pharmacology combines many disciplines so that one can investigate systematically the mechanisms underlying a biological event--from the molecular level to the whole animal. Pharmacology also allows us to study how biological systems fail, providing information on the etiology of disease and on the mechanisms underlying toxic reactions. Pharmacologic research is essential for the development, testing and use of drugs and other bioactive molecules such as pesticides or industrial chemicals.

The objective of Pharmacology as an Area of Concentration for Chemistry Majors is to provide students with knowledge of the basic principles underlying the design and actions of drugs and toxic substances. In addition, it provides the opportunity to apply these principles in a research setting. Ultimately, an introduction of pharmacology to undergraduates will encourage interested students to consider graduate study in the fields of pharmacology and/or medicinal chemistry, leading to a career in academic research, in governmental regulatory agencies, or in industry.

This area of concentration requires that students take specific courses in biological sciences and chemistry in addition to pharmacology, and two semesters of research in Pharmacology or related area. The required courses are Bio 25L (Principles of Biology) and Bch 227 (Introductory Biochemistry I), which will provide the necessary biological background for Chemistry majors to proceed with studies in Pharmacology. Chemistry 198S deals with specific topics in Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Introductory Pharmacology Principles. Pharmacology 233, Essentials of Pharmacology and Toxicology, is an entry-level, graduate course that uses mathematical, chemical, and biochemical principles to describe the mechanism of chemical interactions with biological targets (organs, receptors, enzymes, genomic processes). Students will also spend 2 semesters of independent study (Phr 191, 192 or Chm 191, 192) in the labs of faculty doing research in pharmacology . Mentors for independent study are chosen from a list of approved chemistry and pharmacology faculty. Other recommended pharmacology courses include an introductory course on the general aspects of the mode of drug action, Pharmacology: Drug Actions and Reactions (Phr 150); a course on Drugs, Brain and Behavior (Phr 160); and a course in Marmmalian Toxicology (Phr 254).

A.B. DEGREE IN CHEMISTRY WITH CONCENTRATION IN PHARMACOLOGY



In conjunction with the Department of Pharmacology in the Duke Medical Center, the Chemistry Department offers the A.B. degree in Chemistry with Concentration in Pharmacology. Certification of the Concentration is designated on the official transcript.

Prerequisites.

Chemistry 11L, 12L (or 23L or 31S or 19).

Mathematics 31, 32 (or 31L, 32L or 41); Physics 51L, 52L (or 53L, 54L);

Biology 25L, Biochemistry 227.

Major.

Chemistry 131/133L, 151L, 152L, 161/163L;

either* Chemistry 198S or Pharmacology 150;

plus Pharmacology 233;

plus 2 semesters of independent study (Chemistry 191**, 192** or Pharmacology 191, 192).

* Normally CHM 198S should be taken to fulfill this requirement. If CHM 198S is not offered, PHR 150 may be substituted.

**The independent study project must involve some aspect of pharmacology.
B.S. DEGREE IN CHEMISTRY WITH CONCENTRATION IN PHARMACOLOGY



In conjunction with the Department of Pharmacology in the Duke Medical Center, the Chemistry Department offers the B.S. degree in Chemistry with Concentration in Pharmacology. Certification of the Concentration is designated on the official transcript.

Prerequisites.

CHM 11L, 12L (or 19, or 23L or 31S );

Mathematics 31, 32 (or 31L, 32L or 41); Physics 51L, 52L (or 53L, 54L);

Biology 25L, Biochemistry 227.

Major Requirements.

Chemistry 117, 131/133L, 151L, 152L, 161/163L, 162L;

either* Chemistry 198S or Pharmacology 150;

plus Pharmacology 233;

plus 2 semesters of independent study (Chemistry 191**, 192** or Pharmacology 191, 192).

Recommendations.

Mth 103, Chemistry 180L***, Biology 151L, Pharmacology 160, 234, and 254.

* Normally CHM 198S should be taken to fulfill this requirement. If CHM 198S is not offered, PHR 150 may be substituted.

**The independent study project must involve some aspect of pharmacology.

***Majors who wish to earn a B.S. degree in chemistry that is certified by the American Chemical Society must include Chm 180L (half course credit).

FACULTY FOR AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN PHARMACOLOGY

Administration for Pharmacology Concentrations

Director of Undergraduate Studies.......Rochelle D. Schwartz-Bloom, Ph.D.
(Advises Biology Majors)

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies....Theodore A. Slotkin, Ph.D.
(Advises Chemistry Majors)

Courses and Instructors in Pharmacology Concentration

PHR 150..Pharmacology: Drug Actions & Reactions ...Rochelle D.Schwartz-Bloom, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacology

PHR 160..Drugs, Brain and Behavior ................Cynthia M. Kuhn, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology

PHR 233..Essentials of Pharmacology & Toxicology ..Theodore A. Slotkin, Ph.D.,Professor of Pharmacology

PHR 254..Mammalian Toxicology .....................M. Bahie Abou-Donia, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology

PHR 191, 192..Independent Study ...................Pharmacology Faculty

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