Our Curriculum

Pharmaceutical Sciences II

Second of a two-part series providing a systematic review of different classes of drug targets.

Introduction to Pharmacotherapy

Preparation for the integrated pharmacotherapy blocks by introducing core concepts such as the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP), pharmacogenomics, and principles of advanced pharmacy practice. Students will begin to apply foundational knowledge to clinical processes.

Cardiopulmonary I

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders.

Study Design and Biostatistics II

Second of a two-part series continuing critical appraisal skills and statistical concepts.

Pharmaceutics I

First in a three-part series presenting an understanding of the fundamentals of biopharmaceutics and clinical pharmacokinetics, including the major physical, chemical, and biological factors that influence systemic availability of drugs from their dosage forms and rates of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in humans. Topics include rates and extent of absorption, gastrointestinal transit and physiologic considerations, membrane transport, first pass effects, parenteral and oral absorption, dissolution, bioequivalence, immediate and modified release, drug clearance, volume of distribution, and elimination of half-life. Emphasis will be placed on understanding pharmacokinetics in the normal state and will also use examples of change in pharmacokinetic parameters due to drug interactions, concurrent diseases and genetic differences.

Endocrinology, Reproduction, Metabolism, and Men's and Women's Health

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of endocrine, reproductive, metabolomic, and men's and women's health disorders.

Gastrointestinal and Liver

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver disorders.

Renal and Genitourinary

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of renal and genitourinary disorders.

Pharmacy Informatics

Students will learn fundamental skills in pharmacy information technologies and their impact on the practice of pharmacy.

Pharmaceutics II

Second in a three-part series building on foundational principles by integrating scientific, clinical, and commercial perspectives on drug formulation and delivery. Emphasis is placed on evaluating and optimizing drug delivery systems, preparing students to address real-world challenges in developing and administering therapeutic agents.

Pharmaceutics III

Third in a three-part series. This course complements biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics and presents a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to administer therapeutic agents. This includes review of the chemical, physical chemical, and physiologic barriers necessary for drug delivery; the vehicle for drug delivery; systems used for drug delivery; routes of administration; standards for formulation; FDA regulations; testing standards; expiration standards; and labeling.

Microbiology and Infectious Diseases I

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of microbial disorders and infectious diseases.

Institutional Pharmacy Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE)

Student pharmacists will learn the various roles of pharmacists in the delivery of health care services in the institutional health systems setting. Students will have the opportunity to provide direct patient-oriented medication delivery and health care to a diverse patient population, and practice effective communication with members of the health care team. Through this supervised experience, the student will be able to apply concepts from clinical didactic course work to situations to ensure competencies in patient care, management and use of resources, and efficiency within institutional health-system settings. In addition to gaining proficiency in roles related to assessing patient data and reviewing and evaluating medications orders, students will also experience product delivery and operations management.

Thriving for Success in Pharmacy through Continuous Professional Development II

This longitudinal course introduces pharmacy students to the principles of continuous professional development essential for success in their pharmacy careers. Students will build knowledge and skills in professionalism, leadership, career development, and personal wellness.

Scientific Inquiry and Clinical Practice II

In this course, students will interpret and critically analyze primary peer-reviewed literature to strengthen scientific proficiency and critical thinking skills, and to apply current best evidence in the clinical decision-making process. 

Pharm.D. Required Student Research Project

Completing a research project is required of all students and is a prerequisite for graduation. Students are encouraged to consider potential projects beginning in their first year. Students may complete their research project in any academic year. For Pharm.D./Ph.D. program students, completion of the Ph.D. thesis project will satisfy this graduation project requirement.

Neurology, Psychiatry, and Pain

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of neurological, psychiatric, and pain disorders.

Cardiopulmonary II

A continuation of Cardiopulmonary I, this course further develops students' ability to manage cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders through therapeutic drug management. Students will continue to apply principles of pathophysiology, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and clinical pharmacokinetics, with emphasis on integrating clinical data, monitoring therapeutic outcomes, and optimizing patient care.

Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Policy

Students are introduced to the organization, financing, and delivery of healthcare services in the United States. Using access to prescription drugs as one framework, the relationship of providers, patients, payers, producers, purchasers, and policy makers will be analyzed as a critical review of the system's assets and liabilities. In addition, discussions will include other comparisons of other national health policies and current United States health policy issues and controversies. 

Oncology and Hematology

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states. Students will apply principles of pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacotherapy, patient assessment, clinical pharmacokinetics, and the social and behavioral aspects of medical management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of laboratory medicine, interpretation of clinical data, therapeutic drug monitoring, and recognition and management of drug interactions and adverse effects. The course also supports the development of clinical reasoning, communication, and patient care skills related to the treatment of oncologic and hematologic disorders.

Microbiology and Infectious Diseases II

A continuation of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases I, this course further advances students' knowledge and application of therapeutic drug management for microbial disorders and infectious diseases. Students will continue to integrate principles of pharmacotherapy, pharmacokinetics, pathophysiology, and laboratory medicine to support clinical decision-making and optimizing patient care.

Multiple Organ Systems and Special Populations

Focused on therapeutic drug management across a range of disease states in special populations and builds on the preceding pharmacotherapy courses. The course will utilize comprehensive clinical cases of increased rigor and complexity that incorporate material from previous pharmacotherapy courses related to the treatment of special populations (e.g., pediatrics, older adults, etc.) and complex multi-organ system disorders. 

APPE Boot Camp

Preparatory course designed to support students' transition into Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). It covers core topics such as acute and ambulatory care, law and ethics, APPE orientation and logistics, journal club facilitation, case-based discussions, compassionate care training, and wellness strategies, ensuring students are well-equipped for success in advanced clinical settings.

Service-Learning Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE)

Health-related service learning is an opportunity for students to learn about social issues and apply their knowledge and skills to address a need in their community. It helps foster professional responsibility, develop a sense of caring for others, and reinforces what is taught in the didactic curriculum. Health-related service learning provides avenues for interaction with other health care professionals, as well as patients and caregivers in the community.

Service learning is a structured learning experience performed by students in collaboration with community partners. Such experiences require clearly defined objectives, careful preparation, purposeful reflection, and engaged discussion with fellow students, faculty members, and - if possible - members of the community served. The experiences help students establish professional relationships with patients and communities, promote patient welfare, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and/or provide exposure to drug distribution systems.
 

Thriving for Success in Pharmacy through Continuous Professional Development III

This longitudinal course introduces pharmacy students to the principles of continuous professional development essential for success in their pharmacy careers. Students will build knowledge and skills in professionalism, leadership, career development, and personal wellness.

Scientific Inquiry and Clinical Practice II

In this course, students will interpret and critically analyze primary peer-reviewed literature to strengthen scientific proficiency and critical thinking skills, and to apply current best evidence in the clinical decision-making process. 

Pharm.D. Required Student Research Project

Completing a research project is required of all students and is a prerequisite for graduation. Students are encouraged to consider potential projects beginning in their first year. Students may complete their research project in any academic year. For Pharm.D./Ph.D. program students, completion of the Ph.D. thesis project will satisfy this graduation project requirement.

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE)

The fourth year of the curriculum is devoted entirely to advanced pharmacy practice experiences, or APPEs, where students learn to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the curriculum in a variety of patient care settings. Students are assigned to clinical rotations at major teaching medical centers affiliated with the university. Required rotations include:

• Acute Care
• Ambulatory Care
• Community Pharmacy
• Hospital/Health-System

Additional elective experiences are available in unique practice sites, including the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, government, and other specialized settings.

Pharm.D. Required Student Research Project

Completing a research project is required of all students and is a prerequisite for graduation. Students are encouraged to consider potential projects beginning in their first year. Students may complete their research project in any academic year. For Pharm.D./Ph.D. program students, completion of the Ph.D. thesis project will satisfy this graduation project requirement.

Thriving for Success in Pharmacy through Continuous Professional Development IV

This longitudinal course introduces pharmacy students to the principles of continuous professional development essential for success in their pharmacy careers. Students will build knowledge and skills in professionalism, leadership, career development, and personal wellness.

This course will provide students knowledge about the cannabis plant and the derivative constituents, primarily focusing on cannabinoids and their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The goal of this course will be to introduce the scientific basis for the development of cannabis-derived medicinal drug products beginning with the ancient history of cannabis and learning about the cultural, social, political, legal, medical, pharmaceutical, scientific and educational perspectives. As an introductory course, it will cover many aspects of cannabis, including botany, pharmacology, and therapeutics and will include guest speakers with relevant expertise. Students will have an opportunity to be at the forefront of this rapidly growing field in order to provide scientific based information to patients, and will gain expertise while interactively participating in the learning process.

The goal of the free clinic TCC is to provide behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy recommendations to uninsured and disadvantaged patients. In addition to TCC, students will also treat patients in comprehensive fashion focusing on medication management in complex patients. This will be a pre-APPE study mimicking an APPE ambulatory care rotation with emphasis on TCC and medication management of chronic diseases.

Profound racial and ethnic disparities are deeply woven within the constructs of the US healthcare system. Infectious diseases are the second leading contributor to healthcare racial disparities, however, racially/ethnically minoritized groups are less likely to have access to preventative therapies. This SSPPS elective, Exploring the Intersection of Racism, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Vaccine Equity, is a one-unit course focusing on the confluence of racism and social determinants of health on infectious diseases and disparate outcomes. At the conclusion of this course, learners will be equipped with the necessary tools to identify inequities recognized with racially/ethnically minoritized communities and their own role in narrowing the equity gaps.

A lab-based human anatomy course in which enrolled students perform hands-on dissection in parallel with the MS1 anatomy course.

This course focuses on facilitating student learning about wellbeing and actively practicing strategies for well-being. Throughout the course, there will be experiential and self-care sessions focused on the following topics: Orientation/Introduction of Wellbeing, Building Community, Self-Compassion & Kindness, Mind-Body Connection, Play and Joy, Nourishing Our Bodies. The course will conclude with a final student presentation on wellness. After learning about, reflecting on, and practicing well-being strategies, students will better understand the importance of wellbeing in their own lives in addition to the lives of their patients and peers.

This course will provide an introduction to pharmacoepidemiology and related methods to investigate the effectiveness, safety, and benefits of pharmaceuticals on the population. Pharmacoepidemiology combines the philosophies and methods of epidemiology and pharmacology to address population health issues in well-defined large populations using real-world data. Fundamental activities of pharmacoepidemiology includes drug utilization and safety, pharmacovigilance, comparative effectiveness, and benefits of pharmaceuticals on large populations. This course is for pharmacy students at all levels of their education.

This elective course provides students with a foundational understanding of Python programming, focusing on its application in healthcare practice and research. Students will learn core programming concepts, such as data types and functions, while exploring how Python can be used to analyze and interpret patient data and streamline the patient care process. No coding experience or knowledge is required. This is a beginner-friendly course designed to teach the principles behind how to code.

This course will provide an overview of the field of teratology with emphasis on specific medications used during pregnancy and the risk for congenital anomalies. Students will acquire ability to critically evaluate data and apply this to individual risk assessment.

The goal of the 2-quarter series in 'Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Development' (PPSDD) graduate courses is to provide students with an in depth understanding of the drug discovery (Part A) and drug development (Part B) processes. As part of the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at UC San Diego, the PSDD Training Area is taught by Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) faculty in association with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), the Protein Data Bank (PDB), the Center for Drug Discovery Innovation (cDDI), the UC San Diego Drug Development Pipeline, the Center for Compound Resources, the Center for Computer-Aided Drug Design and the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases. The PSDD courses are open to graduate students in related disciplines of Chemistry/Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Neurosciences, Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Marine Chemical Biology, and related, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of drug discovery and development. The Principles of PSDD part 'A' course covers target discovery, lead discovery and early preclinical drug development. The Principles of PSDD part 'B' course covers lead optimization, late stage preclinical development, clinical trials and commercialization. In addition, Part B teaches regulatory affairs and intellectual property associated with drug development. Although both quarters are recommended for graduate students, part A (3 Units) and part B (3 Units) can each be taken alone. The PSDD training area will provide translational sciences training that bridges basic sciences and clinical research for the purpose of addressing the world’s challenges in unmet therapeutic needs.

This course will provide students with a concrete understanding of the challenges and successes associated with moving optimized drug candidates to IND and clinical trials. Optimization of drug leads involves drug design and evaluation for efficacy with appropriate properties in pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety and toxicology, drug formulation for routes of administration, FDA drug regulations, and intellectual property for IND application and approval of a projected therapeutic agent.

This course is intended to give students an opportunity to hone a variety of skills including critical analysis, presentation and research skills while gaining a real world perspective of the pharmacy management process. Students will become familiarized in evaluating the available scientific, clinical and economic evidence for a new molecular entity, conduct a cost/benefit analysis, assess the impact on patient population outcomes and relate drug therapy choices to practice guidelines.

Students apply clinical and outcomes assessment skills to clinical and economic dossier for extensive review. Completion of clinical studies evidence matrix, budget impact analyses, and cost-effectiveness analyses yielding a formulary use recommendation and medication use parameters on a population level.

This course introduces students to veterinary pharmacy, challenges in drug therapy, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic variances, ethical issues, law and public health, and drug administration. Students will learn many aspects of serving veterinary patients through lectures, discussion, exercises, field visits and a project.

Through didactic lecture and case study discussions of common pharmaceutical care and chronic disease management challenges in the pediatric population, this elective provides students with specialized focus on Pediatric Pharmacotherapy. Reading materials and case studies will be drawn from clinical practice, primary literature, evidence-based medicine, and clinical practice guidelines.

This hands-on and active learning course will provide students the skills to appropriately assess and treat various pain disorders by building upon the foundation that is taught in Fall Therapeutics. Additionally the course will cover topics of opioid use disorder and prescribing opioids safely, end-of-life management, pediatric pain management, treatment of sickle cell crises, patient assessment and communication in difficult clinical situations.

Designed to develop/enhance students’ working knowledge of medical/healthcare Spanish and cultural competency to facilitate communication with Spanish-speaking patients and families. Special emphasis on oral communication skills and clinical experiences. Open to beginners with no prior exposure to Spanish.

A continuation of SPPS 270A. Designed to develop/enhance students’ working knowledge of medical/healthcare Spanish and cultural competency to facilitate communication with Spanish-speaking patients and families. Special emphasis on oral communication skills and clinical experiences.

This course focuses on teaching students basic knowledge of the legislative process and fundamental advocacy techniques. Students will learn about current legislation relevant to pharmacy and influence lobbyists, legislators, and policy professionals. Throughout the course, there will be three mandatory meetings: orientation, Legislative day, and a lunchtime talk with a guest speaker who will present about their role in advocacy. After Legislative day, we will have a post-legislative day assignment for the students and a video assignment. Lastly, students will write a letter to their senator/assemblyman about any bill presented during Legislative Day.

Presenting drug therapy management in critically ill patients. This is a complementary course to the therapeutics series. Emphasis on drug selection, pharmacology, monitoring therapeutics outcomes, integrating organ function/laboratory tests, drug interaction/adverse reaction recognition and management, pharmacokinetic analysis on select drugs.

This course explores state-of-the art research at various stages of a drug’s lifetime through a series of seminars delivered by world- renowned experts and innovators in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. Students will learn how breakthroughs change pharmaceutical industry and healthcare

Provides students the opportunity to work directly with an underserved population, provide patient education/counseling, and learn how to treat and manage chronic disease states that burden these communities. Students will receive administrative training in management, pharmacy operations and dispensing.

The Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Elective provides a general review of substances of abuse including stimulants, depressants, opioids, and marijuana. In addition, an overview of drug use, regulations, the mechanism of action of drugs, and preventing substance abuse and substance abuse and dependence will be covered.

This elective will provide an overview of diabetes management including non-pharmacological treatments, pharmacological guidelines and treatment strategies based on the patient’s culture and comorbid conditions. The students will then apply their treatment strategies to patients at the Student Run Free Clinic Program Diabetes Care Clinic.

Through descriptions of some of the most interesting phenomena involving natural products, this course will provide the foundations of the natural product sciences, including ethnobotanical uses of plants, ecological interactions and contemporary drug screening programs, and will increase awareness of the pervasiveness of natural products in pharmaceutical products. Students will gain knowledge of specific natural products of special note for their pharmaceutical or ecological value, and will integrate various scientific disciplines such as organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, ecology and the drug discovery process. There will be two planned but optional field trips (tide pool exploration, desert garden walk).

Where to find and how to visualize atomic structures of biologically important macromolecules, proteins and nucleic acids. Computer visualization and analysis of their atomic level interactions with drugs. Creating slide-show presentations with incorporated molecular structures. Presenting visualized structures in stereoscopic 3D. Using cutting edge visualization resources at UC San Diego to display and immerse into macromolecular structures in 3D:Oculus Rift VR classroom where 6 students at a time will be able to simultaneously use individual Oculus Rift based VR gear for immersive sensing and analysis of their molecular visualization classroom projects. Each student will select drug*macromolecule complex of their choice to visualize and will have 5-10 min presentation time to emphasize most important atomic drug-molecule interactions in the system, based on visualization tool capabilities.

An elective course focusing on viral and non-viral hepatitis and their impacts on the community. Lectures include epidemiology, testing, diagnosis, and therapeutic management for viral hepatitis, their significance in current healthcare, therapeutic considerations in disease and medication management, and pharmacists’ and physicians’ roles in prevention and transitions of care.

The Special Topics in Psychiatry is an elective course focusing on mental health disorders and dispelling the myths and stigma associated with mental health disorders. Topics that are currently not presented in required curriculum (e.g. Therapeutics) are highlighted.

Elective course on the therapeutic management of solid organ transplant recipients. In this course, students will use their previous knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and therapeutics and literature evaluation to formulate appropriate therapeutic decisions. By the end of the course, students will have reviewed the pathophysiology of major disease states pre- and post-transplantation, the pharmacology of the drugs used in solid organ transplantation, and the decision processes to create and implement therapeutic plans. This course will prepare students for the practice of pharmaceutical care on acute and ambulatory care solid organ transplant rotations.

This is an elective that will introduce students to oncology pharmacy and basic concepts in oncologic care. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the continuum of oncology pharmacy from beginning to end: risks/cancer prevention, drug development, clinical trial design, drug administration, future therapies, adverse effects, survivorship, and hospice/palliative care. This course will prepare students for future oncology rotations and confer basic knowledge for the responsible provision of other aspects of pharmaceutical care of patients with cancer.

This course introduces students to endocrinology with an emphasis on endocrine pathophysiology. Topics include feedback control theory, the major hormone systems, presentation of hormone and drug receptors and targets and pharmacy applications. Course is designed to provide a foundation/enhance the SSPPS/SOM integrated Scientific Curriculum course SPPS 237.

Special studies in specific topics in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, taken by more than one student.

You may earn elective credit by creating an independent study project in collaboration with a faculty advisor. You may want to consider this option if there is a topic you want to research or learn more about beyond what is currently taught in the curriculum and isn't part of your required PharmD research project. Please refer to the SPPS 298 Independent Study Project proposal form on the home page of the Student Resources Canvas course page in the "Course Lists and Other Course-related Information" module for more information.

Students who qualify and are approved by faculty are eligible to enroll in this 1-2 unit course to coordinate an SSPPS elective. Electives include, but are not limited to, the following: SPPS 264AB Managed Care I & II, SPPS 265 Geriatric Pharmacotherapy, SPPS 271 Current Concepts in Pharmacy Legislation, SPPS 279 Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, SPPS 280 Diabetes Care, and SPPS 283 Hepatitis Free SD Collaborative.

In conjunction with the faculty advisor, the student coordinators organize the lecture topics, lecture locations, and outreach events*. They evaluate feedback from the previous year’s students and faculty to determine if any changes need to be made to the course. The student coordinators also attend each course lecture and manage outreach events*. Student coordinators are also given opportunities to teach, by participating in various ways in the delivery of the course content of that elective.

Assist in teaching SPPS 225 Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems – Compounding Lab, a P1 required course. The goal of this course is for students to gain teaching experience in compounding labs through any or all of the following activities: Preparing non-sterile compounded dosage forms (i.e. capsules, creams, suppositories & suspensions), studying USP guidelines in order to effectively interpret current regulations in compounding, and participating in exercises geared towards identifying the proper role of compounding in patient therapies.