Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program

Among the graduate programs offered at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison is molecular and cellular pharmacology.

The Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Graduate Program is an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental program in pharmacology. The program focuses on biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches to investigating mechanisms of signal transduction and the interaction of drugs and chemicals with living systems. The program's primary objective is to train graduate students in molecular and cellular biology and the basic principles of pharmacology.

Pharmacology is the classic discipline for studying cellular signaling. Biochemistry, on the other hand, traditionally emphasizes the molecular characterization of cell components and their metabolism. Pharmacology is the only biomedical discipline that comprises a comparable variety of conceptual and technical approaches toward an understanding of molecular and physiological processes.

Modern molecular biology, protein biochemistry, immunology, cell biology, genetics, electrophysiology and microscopy are well represented in the program in molecular and cellular pharmacology. Students will be instructed thoroughly in these fields as well as in the unique principles of Pharmacology.

One major objective of the program is to teach the students a fundamental understanding of the molecular basis of signal transducing systems and their regulation. The program brings together an outstanding group of dedicated trainers with a focus on cellular signal transduction. Graduates of the program will be well prepared for a career in basic biomedical sciences.

The program provides a unique training experience for young scientists who want to elucidate basic principles of cellular signal pathways. Detailed knowledge of these pathways is the most important prerequisite for the discovery of new drugs and the treatment of diseases.