Pharmacology is the science concerned with all aspects of the action of drugs and other chemicals on living systems. Its primary aim is the discovery of chemical mechanisms, by which cellular and molecular functions are regulated for the purpose of understanding how existing drugs act and to develop new drugs for treatment and diagnosis of diseases. The broad scope of interests of pharmacology ranges from the study of intermolecular reactions of chemical constituents of cells with drugs to effects of chemicals in our environment on entire populations.<br>The overall goal of the program is to provide the student with an in-depth knowledge base and training in scientific investigation. In addition to courses in pharmacology, the student may add courses in a variety of disciplines such as cancer biology, cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, physiology, immunology, medicinal chemistry, law and business.<br>Each student will have the opportunity in their first year to obtain first-hand research experience in at least three laboratories of their choosing. This exposure will form the basis upon which the student will choose a mentor and an area of research for the their thesis research project. Professional pharmacologists tend toward careers in basic research and teaching in academia, research in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, research institues or government agencies.<br>Our perfusion program is the first in the United States that is structured with a dual track, resulting in a Master's of Science degree in Medical Pharmacology, plus technical and clinical training in Cardiovascular Perfusion. Located in Tucson, Arizona, we are an integrated graduate research program incorporating the investigation of pharmacological, biomaterials, laboratory and clinical aspects of extracorporeal circulation. This discipline will prepare students for professional practice in perfusion with a wide range of experiences including: cardiovascular research, systems design and development, cardiopulmonary bypass, and life support systems. The University of Arizona College of Medicine is an outstanding institution for this integrated approach, due to its research and clinical strengths in: physiology, pharmacology, open-heart surgery, heart transplantation, organ preservation, mechanical circulatory systems, and related engineering sciences.