Biochemical Pharmacology
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
102 Farber Hall
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3000
(716) 829-2194
Fax: (716) 829-2801
Web: Biochemical Pharmacology
Vijay C. Swamy, Director of Undergraduate Studies
97 Farber Hall
(716) 829-2194
E-mail: vswamy@acsu.buffalo.edu
Pharmacology, simply defined, is the study of the interaction of drugs
with living systems. This subject, which has a fascinating history and
continues to be relevant in modern times, deals with a number of questions.
For example: What is the molecular site of action, what are the changes
caused by a drug in the normal function of tissues and organs, what is
the relationship between the dose of a drug and its effect, how do drugs
produce their effects, and what happens to drugs once they enter the body?
Since a drug is traditionally defined as a chemical that interacts with
living systems, this subject has a very broad relevance-from its obvious
importance in the diagnosis and treatment of disease to the impact of
abuse substances or environmental chemicals on societies. A strength of
the department is its focus on the use of molecular biology and gene cloning
methods to develop the pharmacological agents of the future. Students
in the department are encouraged to do research projects with the faculty
who have interdisciplinary research interests in molecular biology, protein
biochemistry, electrophysiology, and protein biophysics.
The broad academic background provides students with a wide choice of
career opportunities. Many graduates enter medical or dental schools or
pursue graduate studies in pharmacology or other biological and biochemical
sciences. Pharmacology graduates also go directly to the pharmaceutical
industry, government, or university laboratories and hospitals to seek
employment in technical or sales positions (e.g., research scientists,
drug information specialists, sales representatives, production/analytical
work, etc.). Students have also pursued careers in law and management
following completion of their B.S. degree in pharmacology.
Students should apply for admission while completing the departmental
prerequisites-preferably during the middle of the sophomore year. Applicants
should bring a copy of their current UB DARS report directly to the Department
of Biochemical Pharmacology.
Transfer students should obtain admission to the university through the
Office of Admissions before applying to the Department of Biochemical
Pharmacology. Previous prerequisite courses taken by students will be
evaluated by the department as possible substitutes for required courses.
302 Introduction to Pharmacology (4) (F)
Introductory survey of the major drug groups commonly used in therapeutics.
Presents the scientific bases of drug action and the utilization of their
properties in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Content and instruction
is largely directed toward students in biomedical sciences programs (e.g.,
nursing, exercise science, physical therapy). Prerequisites include a
strong background in basic sciences (chemistry and biology) and physiology
(PGY300 or equivalent). LEC
405-406 Fundamentals of Pharmacology (4-4) (F; Sp)
Principles of drug action on biological systems; mechanism of action of
each class of agents on specific organ systems; review and extension of
pertinent physiologic concepts of that system; chemical structure-drug
activity relationships; sites of action; metabolic patterns of principal
drugs; therapeutic and toxicologic aspects. LEC/REC
407 Selected Topics in Biochemical Pharmacology (3) (Sp)
Selected topics, particularly the more recent advances in pharmacology.
LEC
408 Undergraduate Research Participation in Biochemical Pharmacology (1-12)
(F; Sp)
Direct involvement in original research involving a literature search
and laboratory work. LAB/TUT
409 Experimental Pharmacology (3) (Sp)
Corequisite: BCP405
Fundamental pharmacologic techniques; a complement to instruction in BCP405.
LEC/LAB
499 Undergraduate Independent Study (1-8) (F; Sp)
Literature search and library work on a current topic in pharmacology.
Interdisciplinary projects (analyses of trends in drug use, toxicological
projects, applied clinical aspects, etc.). TUT
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in required courses
Prerequisite Courses
BIO200 Evolutionary Biology
BIO201 Cell Biology
CHE101 General Chemistry or CHE105 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
CHE102 General Chemistry or CHE106 Chemistry: Principles and Applications
CHE201 Organic Chemistry
CHE202 Organic Chemistry
MTH121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications I or MTH141 College Calculus
I
MTH122 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications II or MTH142 College Calculus
II
PHY101/151 College Physics I/Lab or PHY107 General Physics I
PHY102/152 College Physics II/Lab or PHY108/158 General Physics II with
Lab
Major Requirements
BCH403 Principles of Biochemistry
BCP405 Principles of Pharmacology
BCP406 Principles of Pharmacology
BCP409 Experimental Pharmacology
BIO302 Introduction to Molecular Biology
MCH311 The Chemistry of Drug Action
PGY451 Human Physiology I
PGY452 Human Physiology II
Science electives*
See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (page 254) for general education
and remaining university requirements.
First Year
Fall-BIO200; CHE101 or CHE105; MTH121 or MTH141
Spring-BIO201; CHE102 or CHE106; MTH122 or MTH142
Second Year
Fall-CHE201; PHY101/151 or PHY107
Spring-CHE202; PHY102/152 or PHY108/158
Third Year
Fall-BCH403, MCH311, PGY451
Spring-Science electives*, PGY452
Fourth Year
Fall-Science electives*, BCP405, BIO302
Spring-Science electives*, BCP406, BCP409
*15-25 credit hours of science electives required; CHE349 Physical Chemistry
for Life Sciences strongly recommended.
Suited to a wide variety of science and nonscience majors interested in
acquiring an introductory understanding of drug action.
Applications should be made when the student has completed the prerequisite
courses or is in the process of completing them during the semester when
the application is made.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall in minor to graduate
Prerequisite Courses
BIO200 Evolutionary Biology and BIO201 Cell Biology
CHE101-102 General Chemistry
CHE201-202 Organic Chemistry
Courses in Program
BCH403 Principles of Biochemistry
BCP302 Introduction to Pharmacology
PGY300 Human Physiology
One elective science course selected with approval of program director
Questions and Comments about this site should be sent to:
- Academic Affairs
- Phone: (716) 645-6003
- Fax: (716) 645-2549
Last updated: Thursday, 09-Dec-2004 15:21:16 EST
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