Research Emphasis Area

Research Emphasis Tracks

Currently there are two tracks within the Research Emphasis: Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Track and Social and Administrative Pharmacy Track. More information on the Research Emphasis can be found below.

The College of Pharmacy has various options for students to participate in research. Involvement in research within the College can be accomplished in different ways.

Some examples of past mechanisms for students to become involved in research have included the following:

  • students who wish to be mentored on a project by particular faculty
  • students who choose a particular field of research
  • students who use a directed study mechanism to allow for dedicated research time for exposure to a particular research skill
  • students can also enroll in a program with a more defined research theme and required coursework by entering into one of the tracks within the Research Emphasis.

Pharmacy Student Research Opportunities

The goal of the Research Emphasis is to provide pharmacy students with a means to explore and develop research skills through activities in the classroom, interaction with active research faculty, and the completion of a research project. The Research Emphasis is an umbrella program with multiple tracks.

Currently there are two tracks available:  Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Social and Administrative Pharmacy, which align with current graduate programs.  Students who successfully complete the Research Emphasis will receive special recognition during graduation and a designation on their official academic transcript.

Required Courses

Below are the required courses that comprise the Research Emphasis regardless of track. All pharmacy students who are interested in research are encouraged to take the required Introduction to Pharmacy Research course (PHAR 6906). Any student can take PHAR 6906 regardless of their intent to enter the Research Emphasis.

Coursework Description Credits 
Introduction to Pharmacy Research PHAR 6906 This course will provide an overview of principles to research in particular research topic areas. It will also provide a forum for scientists involved in research in particular topic areas to discuss their research, environment and careers with students. 1
Seminar (1 credit/semester) Seminars are given by faculty, staff, or graduate students with topics covering issues in the research topic area. 1
PHAR 6782 Practice-Based Problem Solving with Evidence-Based Methods 2 Students must complete a research project focusing on their chosen research topic area. This requirement may be met through an original research focused PharmD paper requirement. 0.8
PHAR 7431 - Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Fulfills one APPE Elective Requirement. Students may take up to three elective APPEs.) Students will participate in a research-focused elective course, working with their chosen research mentor team to select a research experience that will build upon concepts addressed within the emphasis track. 5
  Total credits 7.8

Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Research Track

The Application Process

The clinical pharmacology research emphasis may not be able to accommodate all interested students due to resource limitations. Students interested in pursuing this emphasis area are required to apply through a competitive application process submitted in their PDII year.  The ECP Research Emphasis Application deadline is Dec. 1, 2017.  A complete application for the Research Emphasis - Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology Track should be sent to grad-ECP@umn.edu and include the following:

  • Letter of intent that includes a statement of why you are interested in the Research Emphasis along with your goals
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Permission for the admissions committee to review the student’s undergraduate and professional/graduate academic transcript
  • Possible interview with at least one committee member

Director

Angela Birnbaum, PhD
Professor and add Director of Graduate Studies for the Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Graduate Program
612-624-3158 
birnb002@umn.edu

Mentorship / Elective Courses

Those pursuing a Research Emphasis will be assigned to a mentorship team that will help students choose additional courses and a research advisor that align with their interests and goals. Students will choose a research topic in experimental, translational, or clinical pharmacology for their PharmD paper project and work with advisor(s) in the Clinical Pharmacology Research Emphasis program. A total of 7.8 required course credits (see above for course list) and 8 elective credits (can be chosen from table below) are required (total of 15.8 credits).

Students need to select at least 8 credits of elective courses.  All courses must be taken as A/F. Below is a list of the currently approved list of electives, however this list is subject to change as new courses are offered or modified. The list of electives from which students may select, with guidance from their mentor, will be approved annually by the faculty. Note, not all classes are taught every semester.  

ECP Track Elective Courses Credits
ECP 5220 - Regulatory Issues in Drug Research 2 /Fall
ECP 5620 - PHAR 5620 - Drug metabolism and Disposition 3 /Spring odd years
ECP 6124 - PHAR 6224 - Pharmacogenomics 2 /Spring
ECP 8100 - PHAR 6160 - Seminar 1* /Fall & Spring
ECP 8230 - PHAR 5230 - Principles in Clinical Pharmacology 3/2 /Fall
ECP 8900 - Advanced Topics in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology 1 /Fall & Spring
ECP 8992 - Directed Translational Readings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology (UNC, Pittsburg) 1 /Fall
ECP 8992 - Directed Readings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology (Scientific Presentation or Scientific Writing) 1 /Spring
ECP 8993 - Directed Study in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Varied* /Fall & Spring

*Only a total of 2 credits can be counted toward the ECP Research Emphasis

Social and Administrative Pharmacy Research Track

The Application Process

Applications to the Social and Administrative Pharmacy Research Emphasis track are accepted throughout the year. Those pursuing a Research Emphasis will be assigned to a mentor who will help students choose additional courses and a research advisor who will align with their interests and goals. Students who successfully complete the Research Emphasis will receive special recognition during graduation and a designation on their official academic transcript.

Students in this emphasis will choose a research topic in Social and Administrative Pharmacy for their PharmD paper project and work with advisor(s) in the Social and Administrative Pharmacy Research Emphasis program. A total of 7.8 required and 8 elective credits are required (total of 15.8 credits).

Director

Jon C. Schommer, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies for the Graduate Program in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
schom010@umn.edu
612-626-9915

Elective Courses

Students need to select at least 8 credits of elective courses. Students will work with their faculty mentor in choosing appropriate electives. All courses must be taken as A/F. Below is a list of the currently approved list of electives, however this list is subject to change as new courses are offered or modified. The list of electives from which students may select, with guidance from their mentor, will be approved annually by the faculty. Note, not all classes are taught every semester.

SAPh Track Elective Courses Credits
SAPh 5100 – Pro-Seminar 1                  
SAPh 8054 – Advanced Studies in Pharmaceutical Care 3
SAPh 8200 – Research Problems 1-3
SAPh 8235 – Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy 3
SAPh 8255 – Pharmaceutical Marketing 3
SAPh 8420 – Social & Behavioral Aspects of Pharmacy Practice                                                                                                          3
SAPh 8610 – Pharmacoepidemiology 3
SAPh 8700 – Hospital Pharmacy Administration 3
SAPh 8702 – Hospital Pharmacy Survey 1
SAPh 8810 – Social Psychology in Pharmacy 3
SAPh 8840 - Social Measurement in Pharmacy 3