University of California Davis

Overview

The Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Group at the University of California, Davis offers an interdisciplinary PhD program designed to equip students with the skills to explore the effects of drugs and toxic substances on biological systems. The program blends advanced coursework with hands-on laboratory training and research mentorship, fostering expertise in pharmacology, toxicology, and translational science.

• Degree: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
• Program type: Graduate Group (interdisciplinary)
• Credits: Structured as a multi-year doctoral curriculum with varying credit requirements based on individual plans of study
• Delivery: On-campus research and coursework
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Online application through UC Davis graduate admissions
• Start date: Fall intake typically
• Tuition/fees: Based on residency status and UC Davis fee schedule

What you'll study

The doctoral training encompasses a combination of coursework, research mentorship, and dissertation work. Students will complete both required and elective graduate courses, engage in research activities, and advance toward a dissertation that showcases original research findings.

Core academic areas (example coursework)

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Cancer Therapeutics
• Neuropharmacology
• Drug Discovery and Design
• Neurotoxicology

Research and progression

• Faculty mentorship: Collaboration with faculty advisors and research teams that align with student interests.
• Research training: Hands-on laboratory or research-based training to cultivate technical and analytical skills.
• Dissertation: Development of an original research dissertation that demonstrates proficiency in the field.
• Academic milestones: Regular progress reviews and evaluations as outlined by the Graduate Group.

Note: Individual course lists, sequencing, and milestone requirements may differ based on the student’s plan of study and advisor.

Entry requirements

Candidates for the PhD program are typically expected to have a strong academic background. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is often required, but higher academic performance is encouraged to enhance admission prospects.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Pharmacology and Toxicology program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, government, and industry. Potential roles include research scientist, regulatory affairs specialist, toxicologist, and pharmacologist, among others. The interdisciplinary nature of the program ensures that students are equipped with a comprehensive skill set to excel in their chosen fields.