Biochemical Pharmacology
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
102 Farber Hall
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3000
Phone: 716.829.2800
Fax: 716.829.2801
Web: www.smbs.buffalo.edu/pmy
James R. Olson, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
13 Cary Hall
716.829.2319
jolson@buffalo.edu
About the Program
Pharmacology, simply defined, is the study of the interaction of drugs with living systems. This subject has a fascinating history and continues to be relevant in modern times. Pharmacology 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? 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. One of the strengths 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 array of career opportunities. Many graduates enter medical or dental schools or pursue graduate studies in pharmacology or other biological and biochemical sciences. Pharmacology graduates find employment in technical, production/analytical, or sales positions as research scientists or drug information specialists in the pharmaceutical industry, government, university laboratories, and hospitals. Students have also pursued careers in law and management following completion of their BS degree in pharmacology.
About Our Degrees
Acceptance Criteria - B.S.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in required courses.
Advising notes:
The department encourages students to apply by March 15th of their sophomore year. Students should contact the departmental office to obtain an application, which must be completed and returned with a DARS report. The application is also available on our website.
Acceptance Criteria - B.S./M.S.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 overall
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses
Must be a registered University at Buffalo BCP major during their junior year
Advising notes:
The department encourages students to apply by June 1st of their junior year. Students should contact the departmental office to obtain an application, which must be completed and returned with a DARS report.
Acceptance Criteria - Minor
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall in minor to graduate.
Acceptance Information (For B.S.)
Number of accepted majors/year: 35-40
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 75
Number of applicants (2005-2006): Approximately 150 applications total for both major and minor
Degree Requirements
See the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Courses
The typical class size for upper level/advanced courses is 20-130. T.A.s are not used for our upper level-courses.
Although not required for majors, BCP 302 and PGY 300 are good courses for those students who are interested in exploring Biochemical Pharmacology.
For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Faculty
Our faculty has extraordinarily broad and diverse areas of research interest. These areas range from neurobiology and mechanisms, behavioral pharmacology, hormone mechanisms, drug use and abuse, toxicology of heavy metals and halogenated hydrocarbons, and biophysics and genetics of ion channels to clinical research into hypertensive mechanisms, vascular reactivity in cardiovascular disease, bacterial pathogenesis, molecular biology of pulmonary surfactants, and psychiatric conditions.
The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. James Olson, is regularly available to discuss the program.
See a list of our undergraduate faculty.
Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities
Outstanding Senior Award – Presented to the student who has maintained a high level of academic performance throughout their undergraduate career.
Independent Study and Undergraduate Research are available with permission of an instructor.
Extracurricular Activities
Pharmacology Student Association (PSA); for information, call 716-829-2800.
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
Majors that Complement Biochemical Pharmacology
Minors that Complement Biochemical Pharmacology
Career Information and Further Study
Pharmaceutical research is at an all time high with standard fluctuations.
Alumni in Biochemical Pharmacology have been employed in the following fields:
- Administrator
- Armed forces services
- Biochemist
- Educator
- Health careers
- Manufacturer's representative
- Marketing
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist
- Sales
- Toxicologist
20-40% of graduates go on to graduate schools which have strong biomedical research activities.
Since salary trends are good relative to other scientific backgrounds, 70-100% of graduates go on to find related employment.
Links to Further Information About This Program
- Undergraduate Catalog
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:03 EST