The College of Pharmacy offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in pharmacy with subprograms in three areas: drug discovery and experimental therapeutics, health services research, and pharmaceutics.
The drug discovery and experimental therapeutics subprogram offers a unique educational opportunity for students interested in drug discovery and the development of novel therapeutics. The changing landscape of drug discovery has created a need for scientists with interdisciplinary training to navigate the complex landscape of medicinal chemistry, biotherapeutics, pharmacogenetics/genomics, and basic pharmacology/toxicology.
The health services research subprogram provides an innovative approach to studying the challenges facing the health care system and provides evidence to support policy-based solutions. It combines ideas across several distinct scientific paradigms (sociology, economics, psychology, business, and anthropology) to better understand the factors leading to decisions in health care and the consequences of these decisions. Students gain broad knowledge of health and pharmaceutical care, informed by theories from economics and social psychology. The subprogram teaches intellectual and practical skills to investigate research questions dealing with current issues.
The pharmaceutics subprogram provides a multidisciplinary science focus that examines the development, production, and characterization of dosage forms, as well as the disposition and action of drugs in the body. As pharmaceutical scientists have been engaged in the development of novel biomaterials for sophisticated drug delivery systems, they also have expanded into research with applications in the development of medical devices and tissue engineering.
For more information about graduate study, visit the College of Pharmacy website.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
- identify important research problems through development of subject matter expertise and critical evaluation of the current state of knowledge in that area of expertise;
- develop testable hypotheses and/or research questions, and then utilize sound methodology to design research approaches to address them;
- conduct, analyze, and interpret independent original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of study;
- effectively communicate research results to a range of audiences in both written and oral formats;
- conduct all aspects of research and communication of results with the highest ethical standards; and
- be prepared for a diversity of career options in academia, industry, government, or other relevant fields.
The Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacy with a subprogram in health services research requires 74 s.h. of credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00.
In the first two years in the program, students participate in ongoing research and complete coursework. In the third year, emphasis is placed on developing a dissertation topic. The following two years are spent on research and writing of the dissertation.
The Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacy with a subprogram in health services research requires the following work.
Core Competencies
Students complete the following coursework before they take the Core Competency Qualifying Exam.
Health Services Research
Course List
Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
PHAR:6320 | Health Services Research | arr. |
PHAR:6330 | Models of Patient Behavior and Choice | 3 |
PHAR:6331 | Models of Provider Behavior and Choice | 3 |
HMP:4000 | Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System (or equivalent as approved by advisor) | 3 |
Research Methods and Statistics
Specialty
The specialty area requires at least 24 s.h. of coursework. With the guidance of their faculty advisor, students develop a plan of study that encompasses an area of expertise or specialty.
Additional Requirements
Students are expected to participate in specific aspects of ongoing research. These research activities are often paid graduate research assistantships; course credit is not available for paid assistantships. By the end of their third year, students are expected to present the results from one completed research project at a regional or national meeting.
Course List
Course # |
Title |
Hours |
PHAR:5310 | Health Services Research Seminar (students enroll in the seminar for 1 s.h. each semester they are on campus, excluding summer session) | 1 |
BMED:7270 | Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I (taken in second year) | 0 |
BMED:7271 | Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research II (taken in second year) | 0 |
The Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacy with a subprogram in drug discovery and experimental therapeutics requires 72 s.h. of credit. The degree requires 24 s.h. of didactic coursework, including 14 s.h. of required courses and a minimum of 10 s.h. of interdisciplinary electives. The remaining hours may be fulfilled by research, seminars, additional electives, and the doctoral dissertation. Typical time to complete the degree is five years. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00.
The curriculum provides a strong foundational base of knowledge along with options for a tailored experience for students. The program prepares scientists capable of bridging the complex landscape of medicinal chemistry, biotherapeutics, pharmacogenetics/genomics, and basic pharmacology/toxicology.
The Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacy with a subprogram in drug discovery and experimental therapeutics requires the following work.
Required Courses
Course List
Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
PHAR:4146 | Drug Disposition and Pharmacokinetics | 2 |
PHAR:5530 | Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics Seminar | 1-2 |
PHAR:5545 | Current Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
PHAR:6515 | Perspectives in Drug Discovery | 2 |
PHAR:6820 | Drug Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics Research | arr. |
BIOS:4120 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
PCOL:4130 | Drug Mechanisms and Actions | 3 |
or PHAR:7101 | Principles of Experimental Therapeutics |
Interdisciplinary Electives
Students select a minimum of 10 s.h. of electives chosen from the courses listed below. Additional electives can be selected from biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, neuroscience, and pharmacology at the discretion of the advisor.
Course List
Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
PHAR:5512 | Drug Discovery and Mechanisms | 3 |
PHAR:5537 | Enzymatic Basis of Drug Metabolism | 3 |
PHAR:5541 | Total Synthesis of Biologically Active Natural Products | 3 |
PHAR:5549 | Analytical Biochemistry | 3 |
PHAR:6501 | Principles and Mechanisms of Chemical Toxicology | 3 |
PHAR:6504 | Mastering Reproducible Science | 1 |
PHAR:6700 | Advanced Pharmacokinetcs and Pharmacodynamics | 3 |
PHAR:7101 | Principles of Experimental Therapeutics | 3 |
PHAR:7102 | Applied Clinical and Translational Science | 3 |
BIOL:5512 | Readings in Genetics | 2 |
BIOS:5120/IGPI:5120/STAT:5610 | Regression Modeling and ANOVA in the Health Sciences | 3 |
CHEM:5321 | Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry | 3-4 |
CHEM:5328 | Mechanisms of Organic Reactions | 3 |
Comprehensive Examination
Students take the comprehensive examination between the beginning and end of their third year of graduate study.
Dissertation
The dissertation is defended in an final oral examination.
The Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacy with a subprogram in pharmaceutics requires 72 s.h. of credit. The degree requires 30 s.h. in didactic coursework, including a minimum of 15 s.h. in divisional courses and 15 s.h. of pharmacy or elective coursework. The remaining 42 s.h. can be fulfilled with research or electives. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00.
Entering students who do not have basic knowledge in all subjects follow a plan of study in order to complete divisional requirements during their first and second years.
The Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacy with a subprogram in pharmaceutics requires the following work.
Core Courses
Course List
Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
PHAR:4146 | Drug Disposition and Pharmacokinetics | 2 |
PHAR:4736 | Properties of Dosage Forms I (or equivalent) | 3 |
PHAR:4737 | Properties of Dosage Forms II | 3 |
PHAR:4800 | Chemical and Biophysical Properties of Drugs | 1 |
PHAR:5700 | Quantitative Research Methods in Pharmacy I | 3-4 |
PHAR:5720 | Pharmaceutical Materials and Analysis | 3 |
PHAR:5745 | Drug Delivery: Principles and Applications I | arr. |
PHAR:5880 | Protein Pharmaceuticals | 2 |
PHAR:6700 | Advanced Pharmacokinetcs and Pharmacodynamics | 3 |
PHAR:6706 | Equilibria Processes | 3 |
PHAR:6710 | Pharmaceutics Graduate Seminar (enrollment required each semester until completion of comprehensive exam) | 1 |
PHAR:6720 | Pharmaceutics Research | arr. |
BMED:7270 | Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I (taken in second year) | 0 |
BMED:7271 | Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research II (taken in second year) | 0 |
Elective Courses
Students choose appropriate electives for individual research objectives.
Comprehensive Examination
Students take the comprehensive examination between the beginning and end of their third year of graduate study.
Dissertation
The dissertation is defended in a final oral examination.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They must:
- hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the University of Iowa Office of Admissions;
- have a minimum grade-point average of at least 3.00;
- if an international applicant, receive a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 81, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0, or a Duolingo English Test (DET) minimum score of 105; however, if an applicant has a master's degree from a U.S. institution, this requirement is waived.
Students may submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test score, but that is optional.
Visit Graduate Degree: How to Apply on the College of Pharmacy website for a list of program requirements and application deadlines. Academic requirements for maintaining graduate registration are determined by the Graduate College and by the individual divisions in the College of Pharmacy.
Advanced study in the pharmaceutical sciences prepares students for research, teaching, and administrative positions in the pharmaceutical industry, in colleges and universities, in government agencies, and in health-related institutions and organizations.
Sample Plans of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Pharmacy, PhD
Health Services Research Subprogram
Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
Academic Career |
Any Semester |
a |
|
| Hours | 0 |
First Year |
Fall |
BIOS:4120 |
Introduction to Biostatistics |
3 |
HMP:4000 |
Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System b, c |
3 |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:5350 |
Introduction to Research Methods c, e |
3 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
2 |
| Hours | 12 |
Spring |
BIOS:5120 |
Regression Modeling and ANOVA in the Health Sciences |
3 |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:5360 |
Applied Research Methods: Primary Data |
2 |
PHAR:5365 |
Applied Research Methods: Secondary Data |
2 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
1 |
c, f, g |
3 |
| Hours | 12 |
Second Year |
Fall |
BMED:7270 |
Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I |
0 |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
2 |
PHAR:6330 |
Models of Patient Behavior and Choice c, e |
3 |
c, f, g |
3 |
g |
3 |
| Hours | 12 |
Spring |
BMED:7271 |
Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research II |
0 |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
2 |
PHAR:6331 |
Models of Provider Behavior and Choice c, e |
3 |
g |
3 |
g |
3 |
| Hours | 12 |
Third Year |
Any Semester |
h |
|
| Hours | 0 |
Fall |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
1 |
g |
3 |
g |
3 |
g |
3 |
| Hours | 11 |
Spring |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
2 |
g |
3 |
g |
3 |
| Hours | 9 |
Fourth Year |
Any Semester |
i |
|
| Hours | 0 |
Fall |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
1 |
| Hours | 2 |
Spring |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
1 |
| Hours | 2 |
Fifth Year |
Fall |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1-2 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
1 |
| Hours | 2-3 |
Spring |
PHAR:5310 |
Health Services Research Seminar d |
1-2 |
PHAR:6320 |
Health Services Research |
1 |
j |
|
| Hours | 2-3 |
| Total Hours | 76-78 |
Pharmaceutics Subprogram
Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
Academic Career |
Any Semester |
a |
|
|
|
| Hours | 0 |
First Year |
Fall |
MATH:2560
|
Engineering Mathematics IV: Differential Equations b
or Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations |
3 |
CHEM:4431
|
Chemical Thermodynamics b
or Principles of Physical Chemistry |
3 |
PHAR:4736 |
Properties of Dosage Forms I b |
3 |
PHAR:6706 |
Equilibria Processes |
3 |
PHAR:6710 |
Pharmaceutics Graduate Seminar c |
1 |
| Hours | 13 |
Spring |
PHAR:4737 |
Properties of Dosage Forms II b |
3 |
PHAR:5700 |
Quantitative Research Methods in Pharmacy I |
3 |
PHAR:4800 |
Chemical and Biophysical Properties of Drugs |
1 |
PHAR:6710 |
Pharmaceutics Graduate Seminar c |
1 |
d |
3 |
| Hours | 11 |
Second Year |
Fall |
PHAR:4146 |
Drug Disposition and Pharmacokinetics |
2 |
BMED:7270 |
Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I |
0 |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
2 |
PHAR:6710 |
Pharmaceutics Graduate Seminar c |
1 |
d |
3 |
d |
3 |
| Hours | 11 |
Spring |
PHAR:5745 |
Drug Delivery: Principles and Applications I |
3 |
PHAR:6700 |
Advanced Pharmacokinetcs and Pharmacodynamics |
3 |
BMED:7271 |
Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research II |
0 |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
2 |
PHAR:6710 |
Pharmaceutics Graduate Seminar c |
1 |
d |
3 |
| Hours | 12 |
Third Year |
Any Semester |
e |
|
| Hours | 0 |
Fall |
d |
3 |
d |
3 |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
3 |
| Hours | 9 |
Spring |
d |
3 |
d |
3 |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
3 |
| Hours | 9 |
Summer |
|
|
| Hours | 0 |
Fourth Year |
Fall |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
2 |
| Hours | 2 |
Spring |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
2 |
| Hours | 2 |
Summer |
|
|
| Hours | 0 |
Fifth Year |
Fall |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
2 |
| Hours | 2 |
Spring |
PHAR:6720 |
Pharmaceutics Research |
1 |
f |
|
| Hours | 1 |
| Total Hours | 72 |