Pharmacology and Toxicology (PharmTox) is an undergraduate major offered through the School of Pharmacy; successful completion of program requirements results in earning the Bachelor of Science–Pharmacology and Toxicology degree. Pharmacology and toxicology are related biomedical science disciplines. Pharmacology is the study of the sites, properties, effects, and mechanisms of drug action—the interactions of chemicals with biological systems. Toxicology addresses adverse effects of chemicals on humans and animals and includes exposure assessment, hazard identification, dose response assessment, and risk characterization. Both subjects integrate multiple scientific disciplines and rely on cutting-edge biotechnological approaches to gain insight into drug and toxicant action at the molecular level. Though the degree is titled “Pharmacology and Toxicology,” the program’s curriculum is multidisciplinary across various biomedical sciences.
The PharmTox degree/major has a selective and competitive admissions process, requiring completion of 60 college credits and specific prerequisite coursework. These typically take two academic years (freshman and sophomore years) to complete. Prerequisite coursework can be done at UW–Madison or at most accredited colleges and universities (see this website for course equivalencies from other universities). Questions about course equivalencies from other colleges or universities can also be addressed with the PharmTox advisor.
At UW–Madison, pre–PharmTox students are usually in either the College of Letters & Science or the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences during their freshman and sophomore years while taking prerequisite coursework and preparing to apply to the major. Students can request to be assigned to the PharmTox advisor during this time, in addition to having a primary academic advisor in their current school. It is important to stay in contact with the PharmTox advisor to remain up-to-date with admission requirements and program changes. Applications are typically due in February, with students being admitted to the major and beginning core coursework in fall of the following year (typically junior year). The core major curriculum typically requires two years to complete (junior and senior years).
For those interested in becoming a licensed pharmacist, information about our Doctor of Pharmacy program (PharmD) can be found at https://pharmacy.wisc.edu/programs/pharmd/. The PharmD is required to be eligible to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and be registered and licensed as a pharmacist.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | Application required. Meeting the requirements listed below does not guarantee admission. (https://pharmacy.wisc.edu/academics/pharm-tox/admissions/) |
| Courses required to get in | Students must complete the following by the end of the summer semester prior to entering the program. Calculus I (one of) General Chemistry (one of) Organic Chemistry Introductory Biology (one of)
Communication A Social Science
|
| GPA requirements to get in | None. |
| Credits required to get in | 60 credits must be completed by the end of the summer semester prior to entering the program. AP, IB, retrocredits, and credit-granting transfer coursework from other institutions (including coursework completed while in high school) count. |
| Other | None. |
| Semester | Deadline to apply | Decision notification timeline |
|---|---|---|
| To apply for a fall start | Early February | End of March |
| To apply for a spring start | This program does not accept applications to start in the spring. | |
| To apply for a summer start | This program does not accept applications to start in the summer. |
Prospective Transfer Applicants
Transfer students apply separately for admission to both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Pharmacology and Toxicology program during the spring term for fall enrollment. Information for prospective transfer students can be found on the School of Pharmacy Information for Transfer Students page.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
Overview of Requirements
The Pharmacology and Toxicology BS degree requires the following groups of coursework:
- University general education requirements (above - those that are also prerequisite requirements will be completed before entering the program; remaining gen ed requirements can be completed at any time prior to graduation)
- Prerequisite requirements (completed prior to admittance/entrance to the program)
- Pharmacology and Toxicology major requirements (mostly completed after entering the program, though some courses can be completed earlier)
The PharmTox degree does not require any additional breadth courses beyond the university general education requirements. World language coursework can count towards the "Humanities/Literature/Arts" gen ed requirement.
School of Pharmacy academic policies (regarding matters such as academic and professional conduct, academic progress/probation, honor roll, pass/fail registration, and independent study coursework) are found in the PharmTox student policy handbook.
Prerequisites
Calculus I
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following options: 1 | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | ||
| Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry I and Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | ||
- 1
MATH 211 Survey of Calculus 1 taken at UW-Madison does not fulfill the Calculus I requirement for this major.
General and Organic Chemistry
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following general chemistry options: | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Principles I | ||
| Select all of the following organic chemistry courses: | ||
| CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 345 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 344 | Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
Introductory Biology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following options: | ||
| Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology | ||
| Animal Biology and Animal Biology Laboratory and General Botany | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory and Cellular Biology and Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
Communication
The UW–Madison communication A requirement must be fulfilled.
Social Science
Any course that qualifies as social science (S or Z) credit, 3 credits required.
Other College Courses
Sixty (60) credits must be completed by the end of the summer semester prior to entering the program. AP, IB, retrocredits, and credit-granting transfer coursework from other institutions (including coursework completed while in high school) all count toward the 60 credits.
Pharmacology and Toxicology Major Requirements
Students must take most of their major-level coursework in very specific semesters in order to graduate within four semesters of starting the program, due to prerequisites and fall or spring-only courses - see four year plans for course sequences. It may be possible to take some major-level courses earlier if prerequisites are met; consult the advisor. The five credits of elective coursework, statistics, genetics, and physics requirements can be completed at any time, including prior to admission to the program. The directed/independent study requirement must be performed after matriculation into the program (i.e. the first fall semester officially declared in the major or any semester thereafter).
Directed/Independent Study (699), 2 Credits
Must be completed after matriculation into the major (i.e. the first fall semester officially declared in the major or any semester thereafter) and have prior approval to meet PharmTox major requirements. Students should not wait until the final semester to try to fulfill this requirement, as it can be difficult to find a research opportunity close to graduation. The research-based directed/independent study (typically a course numbered 699) must be in a biological, chemical, or biomedical sciences department, and can include laboratory-based research, library or literature-based research, or clinical research. Experiences such as peer mentoring or teaching assistance, even if a 699 course is used for credit, cannot fulfill this requirement.
Physics I and II
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following options (consult with advisor on recommended sequences): | ||
| PHYSICS 103 & PHYSICS 104 | General Physics and General Physics | 8 |
| PHYSICS 201 & PHYSICS 202 | General Physics and General Physics | 10 |
| PHYSICS 207 & PHYSICS 208 | General Physics and General Physics | 10 |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | ||
| STAT 240 | Data Science Modeling I | 4 |
| STAT 301 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
| STAT 371 | Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences (recommended) | 3 |
| STAT 324 | Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| STAT/B M I 541 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
Biochemistry
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOCHEM 507 & BIOCHEM 508 | General Biochemistry I and General Biochemistry II | 6 |
Physiology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | ||
| ANAT&PHY 335 | Physiology | 5 |
| BIOCORE 485 & BIOCORE 486 | Principles of Physiology and Principles of Physiology Laboratory | 5 |
Genetics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | ||
| GENETICS 466 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 467 & GENETICS 468 | General Genetics 1 and General Genetics 2 1 | 6 |
| BIOCORE 381 & BIOCORE 382 & BIOCORE 383 & BIOCORE 384 | Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory and Cellular Biology and Cellular Biology Laboratory 2 | 10 |
- 1
If students choose GENETICS 467 & GENETICS 468, 3 credits from this sequence will count towards the 5 required elective credits.
- 2
Students who have taken BIOCORE for introductory biology will have typically also completed the genetics requirement via BIOCORE courses taken sophomore/second year.
Pathology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PATH 404 | Pathophysiologic Principles of Human Diseases | 3 |
Pharmaceutical Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| All of the following are required: | ||
| PHM SCI 558 | Laboratory Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology | 2 |
| PHM SCI 679 | Pharmacology and Toxicology Seminar (taken twice) 1 | 1 |
| PHM SCI 521 & PHM SCI/PHMCOL-M 522 | Pharmacology I and Pharmacology II | 6 |
| PHM SCI 623 | Pharmacology III | 3 |
| or PHM SCI 581 | Molecular and Cellular Principles in Pharmacology | |
| PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/ONCOLOGY/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 625 & PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/PATH/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 626 | Toxicology I and Toxicology II | 6 |
- 1
Students need to take PHM SCI 679 in both their first and second years in the major in spring semesters (typically junior and senior years); the course is repeatable for degree credit.
Electives in the Major
Students must complete at least 5 elective credits in the Pharmacology and Toxicology major from the below list. Electives in the Pharmacology and Toxicology major are available within the School of Pharmacy and in many departments. It is suggested that students select electives in consultation with their advisor. Another option for fulfilling a portion or all of these 5 credits are additional directed/independent study (699) credits beyond the minimum 2 credits required for the major. Additional 699 credits must be approved by the PharmTox program to count towards the elective requirement if they are not done under the same principle investigator that was approved for the original two credits required.
Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmacy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHM SCI 420 | Physicochemical Principles of Drug Formulation and Delivery | 3 |
| PHM SCI/B M E 430 | Biological Interactions with Materials | 3 |
| PHM SCI 531 | Medicinal Chemistry I | 3 |
| PHM SCI 532 | Medicinal Chemistry II | 2 |
| PHARMACY 632 | Neuroscience of Psychedelics | 3 |
| PHARMACY 640 | Appropriate Use of Abused Drugs | 2 |
Anatomy & Physiology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANAT&PHY 337 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| ANAT&PHY 338 | Human Anatomy Laboratory | 2 |
Animal Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AN SCI/DY SCI 434 | Reproductive Physiology | 3 |
Biochemistry
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOCHEM/NUTR SCI 510 | Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism | 3 |
| BIOCHEM 551 | Biochemical Methods | 4 |
| BIOCHEM/NUTR SCI 560 | Principles of Human Disease and Biotechnology | 2 |
| BIOCHEM 570 | 3 | |
| BIOCHEM/M M & I 575 | Biology of Viruses | 2 |
| BIOCHEM 601 | Protein and Enzyme Structure and Function | 2 |
| BIOCHEM/GENETICS/MICROBIO 612 | Prokaryotic Molecular Biology | 3 |
Biology Core Curriculum (Biocore)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOCORE 587 | Biological Interactions | 3 |
Chemistry
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 547 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 561 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 665 | Biophysical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 562 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 563 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM 564 | Physical Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
Environmental Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVIR ST/POP HLTH 471 | Introduction to Environmental Health | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/POP HLTH 502 | Air Pollution and Human Health | 3 |
Food Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOOD SCI 550 | Fermented Foods and Beverages | 2 |
Genetics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GENETICS 545 | Genetics Laboratory | 2 |
Math
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 605 | Stochastic Methods for Biology | 3 |
Medical Microbiology & Immunology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M M & I 301 | Pathogenic Bacteriology | 2 |
| M M & I 341 | Immunology | 3 |
| M M & I/PATH-BIO 528 | Immunology | 3 |
Medical Physics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MED PHYS/H ONCOL 410 | Radiobiology | 2-3 |
Microbiology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MICROBIO 303 | Biology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MICROBIO 304 | Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | 2 |
| MICROBIO 305 | Critical Analyses in Microbiology | 1 |
| MICROBIO 357 | General Bioinformatics for Microbiologists | 3 |
| MICROBIO 626 | Microbial and Cellular Metabolomics | 3 |
Oncology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ONCOLOGY 401 | Introduction to Experimental Oncology | 2 |
| ONCOLOGY/M M & I/PL PATH 640 | General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | 3 |
Psychology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 450 | Primate Psychology: Insights into Human Behavior | 3 |
| PSYCH 454 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| PSYCH/ZOOLOGY 523 | Neurobiology | 3 |
Toxicology (Molecular & Environmental Toxicology)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M&ENVTOX/CIV ENGR/SOIL SCI 631 | Toxicants in the Environment: Sources, Distribution, Fate, & Effects | 3 |
| M&ENVTOX/AGRONOMY/ENTOM/F&W ECOL 632 | Ecotoxicology: The Chemical Players | 1 |
| M&ENVTOX/AGRONOMY/ENTOM/F&W ECOL 633 | Ecotoxicology: Impacts on Individuals | 1 |
| M&ENVTOX/AGRONOMY/ENTOM/F&W ECOL 634 | Ecotoxicology: Impacts on Populations, Communities and Ecosystems | 1 |
Zoology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ZOOLOGY 425 | Behavioral Ecology | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 430 | Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | 5 |
| ZOOLOGY 470 | Introduction to Animal Development | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 555 | Laboratory in Developmental Biology | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 570 | Cell Biology | 3 |
Quality of Work Requirements and Pass/Fail
Students must have a 2.000 cumulative grade point average at the time of graduation in order to earn a Pharmacology and Toxicology BS degree.
No course that is used for Pharmacology and Toxicology degree requirements may be taken as pass/fail and must be taken for a letter grade (AP, IB, or other test credits or placement exemptions are excluded from this requirement). This includes all prerequisite coursework, major requirements, and university general education requirements.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the supportive biomedical fields.
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of Pharmacology.
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of Toxicology.
- Understand scientific principles of laboratory design and presentation of scientific data.
Four-Year Plan
A minimum of 120 credits is required to earn the BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology. Below are sample four-year plans for the Pharmacology and Toxicology major, incorporating both prerequisites and major coursework. They focus on science coursework sequencing and do not take into account factors such as AP or advance standing credits, additional summer courses, study abroad, or preparing for standardized tests like the MCAT or PCAT.
It is critical that you talk with your advisor about your tentative plan for course sequences and prerequisites, which courses are offered fall vs. spring vs. summer, etc.
Example Plan: Chemistry 103/104
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 103 | 4 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | STAT 371 | 3 |
| Communication A | 3 | Social Science | 3-4 |
| Electives | 3-4 | Electives | 3-4 |
| 15-16 | 14-16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 343 | 3 | CHEM 345 | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 (or Biocore) | 5 | CHEM 344 | 2 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3-4 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 (or Biocore) | 5 |
| Electives | 3 | Humanities | 3-4 |
| 14-15 | 13-14 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOCHEM 507 | 3 | BIOCHEM 508 | 3 |
| ANAT&PHY 335 (or Biocore) | 5 | PATH 404 | 3 |
| PHM SCI 558 | 2 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 |
| Humanities | 3 | PHYSICS 103 | 4 |
| Research (699) credits | 2-3 | Electives in the Major or add'l research credits | 2-3 |
| 15-16 | 13-14 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHM SCI 521 | 3 | PHM SCI/PHMCOL-M 522 | 3 |
| PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/ONCOLOGY/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 625 | 3 | PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/PATH/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 626 | 3 |
| PHM SCI 6231 | 3 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 |
| PHYSICS 104 | 4 | GENETICS 466 (not req. if Biocore taken) | 3 |
| Electives in the Major or add'l research credits | 2-3 | Electives | 3 |
| 15-16 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 112-120 | |||
- 1
PHMCOL-M 521 and PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III are taken concurrently/in the same semester; PharmTox students can take PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III before taking PHMCOL-M/PHM SCI 522 Pharmacology II.
Example Plan: Chemistry 109, Biology in First Year
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 109 | 5 | CHEM 343 | 3 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 | 5 |
| Communication A | 3 | Social Science | 3-4 |
| Electives | 3-4 | Electives | 3-4 |
| 16-17 | 14-16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 | 5 | CHEM 344 | 2 |
| CHEM 345 | 3 | PHYSICS 103 or 207 | 4-5 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3-4 | STAT 371 | 3 |
| Humanities | 3-4 | Humanities | 3-4 |
| Electives | 2-3 | ||
| 14-16 | 14-17 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOCHEM 507 | 3 | BIOCHEM 508 | 3 |
| PHM SCI 558 | 2 | PATH 404 | 3 |
| ANAT&PHY 335 | 5 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 |
| Research (699) credits | 2 | PHYSICS 104 or 208 | 4-5 |
| Electives | 3 | Electives in the Major or add'l research credits | 2-3 |
| 15 | 13-15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHM SCI 521 | 3 | PHM SCI/PHMCOL-M 522 | 3 |
| PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/ONCOLOGY/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 625 | 3 | PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/PATH/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 626 | 3 |
| PHM SCI 6231 | 3 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 |
| Electives in the Major or add'l research credits | 2-3 | GENETICS 466 | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | Electives | 3-4 |
| 14-15 | 13-14 | ||
| Total Credits 113-125 | |||
- 1
PHMCOL-M 521 and PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III are taken concurrently/in the same semester; PharmTox students can take PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III before taking PHMCOL-M/PHM SCI 522 Pharmacology II.
Example Plan: Chemistry 103 in Spring of First Year
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| MATH 112, 113, 114, or 171 | 3-5 | CHEM 103 | 4 | ||
| Social Science | 3-4 | MATH 221 or 217 | 5 | ||
| Communication A | 3 | Humanities | 3-4 | ||
| Electives | 3-4 | Electives | 3-4 | ||
| 12-16 | 15-17 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| CHEM 104 | 5 | CHEM 343 | 3 | CHEM 345 | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 | 5 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 | 5 | CHEM 344 | 2 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3-4 | Humanities | 3-4 | ||
| Electives | 3 | Electives in the Major | 3 | ||
| 16-17 | 14-15 | 5 | |||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BIOCHEM 507 | 3 | BIOCHEM 508 | 3 | ||
| PHM SCI 558 | 2 | PATH 404 | 3 | ||
| ANAT&PHY 335 | 5 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 | ||
| STAT 371 | 3 | PHYSICS 103 | 4 | ||
| Research (699) credits | 2-3 | ||||
| 13 | 13-14 | ||||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| PHM SCI 521 | 3 | PHM SCI/PHMCOL-M 522 | 3-4 | ||
| PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/ONCOLOGY/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 625 | 3 | PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/PATH/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 626 | 3 | ||
| PHM SCI 6231 | 3 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 | ||
| PHYSICS 104 | 4 | GENETICS 466 | 3 | ||
| Electives in the Major or add'l research credits | 2-3 | Electives | 3-4 | ||
| 15-16 | 13-15 | ||||
| Total Credits 116-128 | |||||
- 1
PHM SCI 521 Pharmacology I and PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III are taken concurrently/in the same semester; PharmTox students can take PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III before taking PHM SCI/PHMCOL-M 522 Pharmacology II.
Three-Year Plan
Below is a sample 3 year plan for the Pharmacology and Toxicology major, incorporating prerequisites, major coursework, and university-wide breadth and general education requirements. Students interested in graduating in three years should meet with the PharmTox academic advisor early and often to discuss feasibility, appropriate course sequencing, post-graduation plans (careers, graduate school, etc.), and other considerations.
While there are many advantages to attending four years of college, including making the most of research and study abroad opportunities, exploring alternative majors, completing additional majors and certificates, developing skills and interests through student groups, and personal growth, students may have various reasons for wanting to graduate in three years, and the PharmTox advisor will work with students to help them prioritize their goals.
This example plan assumes that students will:
- Enter their first year at UW-Madison with at least 25 advanced standing credits (to be able to meet the PharmTox application prerequisite of 60 credits by the start of their second year), including equivalency credit for Introductory Biology (ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151) . Entering with fewer credits would require more credits in the fall, spring, and/or summer terms in the first year than in the example plan.
- Place into or are eligible to enroll in MATH 221 for first semester.
- Apply to the PharmTox major during their first year for admission for fall of their second year and have all prerequisite coursework complete by the end of the summer term after the first year.
- Enroll in enough credits each term to earn 120 total credits. Some terms may require more or less credits than the example plan, depending on the number of advanced standing credits a student brings in.
Summer coursework will be required after the first year for students without chemistry advanced standing credits, in order to complete general and organic chemistry before the start of the second year. Other summer coursework is not necessarily required, but may be helpful to alleviate credit loads and course combinations in fall or spring terms.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| MATH 221 | 5 | CHEM 343 | 3 | CHEM 345 | 3 |
| CHEM 109 | 5 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 | 5 | CHEM 344 | 2 |
| Communication A | 3 | Social Science | 3-4 | ||
| Humanities | 3-4 | Ethnic Studies | 3-4 | ||
| 16-17 | 14-16 | 5 | |||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| BIOCHEM 507 | 3 | BIOCHEM 508 | 3-4 | ||
| ANAT&PHY 335 | 5 | PATH 404 | 3 | ||
| PHM SCI 558 | 2 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 | ||
| STAT 371 or 301 | 3 | PHYSICS 103 | 4 | ||
| Research (699) credits | 2 | Electives in the Major or add'l research credits | 2-3 | ||
| 15 | 13-15 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| PHM SCI 521 | 3 | PHM SCI/PHMCOL-M 522 | 3-4 | ||
| PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/ONCOLOGY/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 625 | 3 | PHM SCI/M&ENVTOX/PATH/PHMCOL-M/POP HLTH 626 | 3 | ||
| PHM SCI 6231 | 3 | PHM SCI 679 | 1 | ||
| PHYSICS 104 | 4 | GENETICS 466 | 3 | ||
| Humanities | 3-4 | Electives in the Major or add'l research credits | 2-3 | ||
| Electives | 3 | ||||
| 16-17 | 15-17 | ||||
| Total Credits 94-102 | |||||
- 1
- PHM SCI 521 Pharmacology I and PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III are taken concurrently/in the same semester; PharmTox students can take PHM SCI 623 Pharmacology III before taking PHMCOL-M/PHM SCI 522 Pharmacology II.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Pre-PharmTox students are often in the College of Letters & Science or the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences during their freshman and sophomore years while they are taking prerequisite coursework and preparing to apply to the major. Students can request to be assigned to the PharmTox advisor during this time, in addition to having a primary academic advisor in their current school/college, and are welcome to meet with the PharmTox advisor at any time.
The PharmTox advisor advises both current undergraduates and prospective high school/transfer students interested in learning more about the major. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (608) 262-6234 (for prospective high school/transfer students) or scheduled online via Starfish (for current students). Advising is also available at SOAR for incoming students and includes curriculum planning and introductions to enrollment tools. The advisor can connect prospective undergraduate students with upperclassmen and alumni with similar interests. Once admitted to the major, students will have the PharmTox advisor assigned as their primary academic advisor.
Careers
Students completing the program will be well qualified to pursue entry-level scientific career employment in industry (e.g., biomedical; biotechnology; consumer products; contract research organizations; regulatory affairs; pharmaceutical), in academic basic science and clinical research laboratories, or in various agencies of government focused on science, health, or the environment. The program’s depth and breadth has proved to be an excellent foundation for graduate work in pharmacology, toxicology, or other related biomedical sciences, as well as for medical school, veterinary medicine, and other health professions schools (e.g., pharmacy, dental, optometry, public health). For students who tailor their general education and elective coursework appropriately, the Pharmacology and Toxicology program can also uniquely launch students into scientific writing, business or regulatory positions, environmental positions, or law school. As future professionals aware of the pharmacological and toxicological sciences, pharmacology and toxicology graduates are well poised to make meaningful improvements in human and animal health.
Statistical information about immediate post-degree work or advanced degree attainment for alumni in the last decade may be found on the School website. Due in part to its small size, the program has strong connections with its 400+ alumni who are located across the country and the globe. The PharmTox advisor can help students connect with alumni to explore careers and learn about employers.
Available Career Resources
- The PharmTox advisor can assist with resume building, interview preparation, and career exploration, and also gives all PharmTox students access to a virtual career center via Canvas.
- Many L&S and CALS career workshops and fairs are open to all students, including PharmTox students. The Career Exploration Center (CEC) is also available to students who are in the early stages of career exploration, especially those who have lots of ideas or no ideas yet.
- Current students can join the Pharmacology and Toxicology LinkedIn group to network with fellow students and alumni.
- Handshake features employer job postings specifically available to UW–Madison students and is a great place to browse for internships and full-time jobs. Students can also post resumes and allow employers to contact them regarding potential employment.
- The Center for Prehealth Advising assists students with preparing for and applying to professional healthcare programs, including medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, dentistry, and more.
People
Faculty Director
Johnson, Jeffrey (Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Academic Staff Affiliated with Program
Gurnee, Kendra (Program Manager and Advisor)
Kopacek, Karen (Associate Dean for Student Affairs)
de Villiers, Melgardt (Vice Dean and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs)
Admissions/Oversight Committee
Altschafl, Jeremy (Assistant Dean - Admissions)
Collier, Lara (Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Gitter, Christopher (Alumnus)
Gurnee, Kendra (Advisor and Academic Program Manager)
Hong, Seungpyo (Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Johnson, Jeffrey (Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Vezina, Chad (Associate Professor, Comparative Biosciences)
de Villiers, Melgardt (Vice Dean and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs)
Wisconsin Experience
The following opportunities can help students connect with other students interested in pharmacology, toxicology, and other biomedical sciences, build relationships with faculty and staff, and contribute to out-of-classroom learning:
- The program's small size and cohort-based model makes it easy to arrange study groups, tutoring, and social events, and funds can be requested to support these activities.
- Students have access to a student commons, group study rooms, lockers, and a variety of gathering spaces in Rennebohm Hall. Ebling Library, located adjacent to Rennebohm Hall in the Health Sciences Learning Center, serves the School of Pharmacy student body, in addition to that of students from medicine, veterinary medicine, and nursing.
- The School of Pharmacy hosts a variety of student organizations, several of which are available to PharmTox students. Junior and senior class presidents are elected each year and represent each cohort by providing feedback, as well as serve on various School of Pharmacy committees to represent the PharmTox program.
- Students are required to participate in a scientific research experience for at least one semester after being admitted to the major, though continued research involvement before and after admission to the major is highly encouraged. The Biocommons website has step-by-step information on how to find a research opportunity, and students can also speak with the advisor for additional guidance.
- Study abroad is definitely possible, although a winter session, spring break, or summer session experience fits most easily with the PharmTox curriculum. Visit the Study Abroad Major Advising Page for PharmTox to learn more.
- One to two travel awards are given annually to allow seniors to attend a national conference in the field of pharmacology and toxicology, and funding is often available to facilitate travel for interested students to regional conferences near Madison.
- The annual PharmD/PharmTox Research Symposium provides students with an opportunity to present their research projects each spring.