Saint Louis University's Pharmacology and Physiology Ph.D. program in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology is designed to prepare students for a career in research and teaching in this area of biomedical science.<br><br>The program combines formal coursework, advanced seminars, lab rotations, and in-depth training in one of the laboratories of the faculty. Faculty members available as mentors have diversified backgrounds in biochemistry, molecular biology, nuclear receptors, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.<br>Major areas for research specialization include:<br>Pain Disorders and Therapeutics <br>Metabolic Disorders <br>Neuronal Diseases <br>Cardiovascular Control Mechanisms <br>Diabetes<br>Immune Cell Control <br>Medicinal Chemistry <br>All formal coursework is scheduled during the morning hours, leaving the afternoons and evenings free for research. All classes have morning schedules, leaving the afternoons and evenings free for research.<br>Coursework is followed by a preliminary examination that takes the form of the specic aims and research strategies sections of an NIH R21 application. Students will then complete two to three years of graduate work devoted almost exclusively to research related to the dissertation project. Successful completion of a written dissertation along with public and private oral defenses are required for graduation.<br>The program is completed in ve years, on average.