Pharmacology

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology at Stony Brook University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to prepare them for careers in drug development, research, and healthcare. This rigorous program combines coursework in biology, chemistry, physiology, and pharmacology to provide students with a deep understanding of how drugs interact with biological systems. Students will explore the molecular mechanisms of drug action, the physiological responses to pharmaceuticals, and the processes involved in the development, testing, and regulation of new medications. The curriculum emphasizes experimental skills, critical thinking, and laboratory techniques essential for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceutical industries, or advanced healthcare positions. Students have opportunities for hands-on research, internships, and collaborative projects with faculty members engaged in cutting-edge pharmacological research. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate studies or professional health programs. Graduates of the Pharmacology program will be equipped with a thorough knowledge of drug mechanisms, safety, and efficacy, alongside skills in scientific communication and data analysis. This program aims to produce well-rounded professionals capable of contributing to innovations in medicine and healthcare. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, students will be immersed in a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing health sciences. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for a variety of professions within research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and healthcare settings. Overall, the B.S. in Pharmacology at Stony Brook University offers an excellent foundation for those passionate about understanding how medicines impact the human body and improving patient outcomes through scientific discovery and innovation.

The major in Pharmacology leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. All courses offered for the major must be taken for a letter grade. In the requirements listed below, a minimum grade point average of 3.00 must be obtained for all 100-level and upper-division courses.

Completion of the major requires approximately 68-69 credits.

A. Courses in Related Fields

• 1. CHE 131, CHE 132 General Chemistry
• 2. CHE 133, CHE 134 General Chemistry Laboratory  
• 3. CHE 321, CHE 322 Organic Chemistry 
• 4. CHE 327 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 
• 5. MAT 131, MAT 132 Calculus I, II (See Note 1). If students do not place into MAT 125 or 131 on the basis of the math placement examination, MAT 123 is a required course for the major.
• 6. PHY 121/PHY 123, PHY 122/PHY 124 Physics for the Life Sciences and labs (See Note 1)

B. Courses in Biological Sciences

• 1. BIO 202 and BIO 203 Fundamentals of Biology
• 2. BIO 204 and BIO 205* Fundamentals of Scientific Inquiry I and II
• 3. BIO 310 Cell Biology
• 4. HBY 350 Physiology (BIO 328 will be allowed as a substitute under extenuating circumstances.)
• 5. BIO 361, BIO 362 Biochemistry I, II
• 6. BIO 365 or BIO 311 Biochemistry Laboratory

*BIO 207 may be used as a substitute for BIO 205

C. Pharmacology

• 1. BCP 400 Writing in Pharmacology
• 2. BCP 401 Principles of Pharmacology
• 3. BCP 402 Advanced Pharmacology
• 4. BCP 403 Principles of Pharmacology Laboratory
• 5. BCP 404 Advanced Pharmacology Laboratory
• 6. BCP 406 Pharmacology Colloquium
• 7. BCP 487 Pharmacology Research (at least three credits are required to graduate, along with a written senior thesis)

D. Upper-Division Writing Requirement

To fulfill the upper-division writing requirement in Pharmacology, a sample of writing from an upper-division course in biological sciences, must be submitted to the Department of Pharmacological Sciences for evaluation by the Pharmacology writing committee. This writing sample can be a laboratory report, a term paper, or a report for a reading or research course, and it must contain at least 750 words of text. It is to be accompanied by a form (available in the Department of Pharmacological Sciences office) signed by the student and the instructor of the course for which the material was written. The student must enroll in BCP 400 Writing in Pharmacology for the semester in which the upper-division writing requirement is being attempted. The deadline for submission of the writing sample is December 1 for students graduating in the following May or August, and May 1 for students graduating in the following December. If the writing in this sample is judged to be satisfactory by the writing committee, the requirement is fulfilled. If the writing is judged unsatisfactory, the student is advised to seek help in writing skills from the Writing Center and must pass a writing examination administered by the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at a scheduled time prior to graduation.

Students should consult with the department advisor to ensure that their plan for completing the Upper Division Writing Requirement is consistent with  university graduation requirements for General Education.  Students completing the Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC) must complete a course that satisfies the "Write Effectively within One's Discipline" (WRTD) learning objective to graduate.  The Upper Division Writing Requirement is consistent in most cases with the SBC learning outcomes for WRTD.

E. Courses Recommended but not Required for the Major

• BCP 475 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I
• BCP 488 Internship
• BIO 320 General Genetics
• CHE 301 Physical Chemistry I
• CHE 302 Physical Chemistry II
• CHE 312 Physical Chemistry (Short Course)

Note: The following alternate sequences may be substituted for major requirements:

• for MAT 131, MAT 132: MAT 125, MAT 126, MAT 127 or MAT 141, MAT 142 or MAT 171
• for PHY 121/PHY 123, PHY 122/PHY 124: PHY 131, PHY 132 and labs or PHY 141, PHY 142 and labs or PHY 125, PHY 126, PHY 127 and labs

Honors Program in Pharmacology

Graduation with honors in Pharmacology requires: 1) a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher in all courses in Requirements A, B, and C above, and 2) presentation of an outstanding thesis based on a research project performed under BCP 487, written in the format of a paper in a scientific journal. A student interested in becoming a candidate for honors should submit an outline of the proposed thesis research project to the pharmacology director, no later than the second week of classes in the last semester. (Acceptance of a project for BCP 487 registration does not imply automatic acceptance of that project for honors.) The director, in consultation with the student, then appoints a thesis committee consisting of the research sponsor and two additional faculty members. Two members of the thesis committee must be members of the Department of Pharmacological Sciences and one must be a member of another department in a related field.

Copies of the finished thesis, approved by the research sponsor, must be presented to the pharmacology director and thesis committee at least 21 days before the date of graduation.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmacology and Master of Public Health (MPH) Evaluative Science Concentration 

The BS in Pharmacology is an excellent preparation for the MPH degree, particularly for the MPH 
Evaluative Sciences concentration which focuses on the highly quantitative areas of biostatistics and demography. The current demand for MPH graduates with quantitative backgrounds is strong.
Admission Requirements: Students must have completed 60 credits of undergraduate coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all college work before being admitted into any accelerated Bachelor/Masters degree program. Additional entry requirements 
for this specific accelerated degree consist of: GPA in courses required for the Pharmacology major of at least 3.3, and letters of recommendation from two faculty members in the undergraduate Pharmacology Program. Students in this accelerated BS/MPH program will be able to complete 
both degrees in 5 years.

• Required member questions
• Essay of at least 250 words
• Online Teacher/Counselor Evaluation
• Application Fee $50
• Submit your English Proficiency via an official score report for the TOEFL, SAT, ACT, IELTS, or PTE Academic.
• Official secondary school records. All academic credentials must have an official seal, stamp or signature of a school or government official, and be submitted in the original language (if not in English, it must be accompanied by an exactly worded and certified translation).
• International applicants must document their ability to meet educational and living expenses for one-year of study so that Stony Brook University can issue a Certificate of Visa Eligibility (I-20). Currently, students must show proof of $43,400 (as of September 2016; subject to change) by way of bank statement(s).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Scholarships

• Honors College scholarships
• Presidential and Provost's Scholarships
• Valedictorians and Salutatorians
• WISE - Women In Science and Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology at Stony Brook University offers students a comprehensive foundation in the biological and chemical sciences as they relate to the development, action, and effects of drugs. This program prepares students for careers in pharmaceutical research, healthcare, and related fields, providing essential knowledge about drug mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the biological systems affected by pharmaceuticals. Students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that includes coursework in chemistry, biology, physiology, and molecular biology, along with specialized classes focused on drug interactions, toxicology, and the development of new therapeutics.

The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills. Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and may participate in ongoing research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members. This research exposure fosters critical thinking skills, experimental design, and data analysis acumen, which are essential for advanced study or employment in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research, or further education in health sciences or medicine. In addition, students are encouraged to engage in internships and cooperative education experiences that connect academic learning with real-world applications.

The curriculum is carefully structured to prepare students for graduate studies in pharmacology, medicine, or related fields. It integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from chemistry, biology, and medicine, to provide a holistic understanding of drug action and therapeutic development. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and the societal impacts of pharmaceuticals, encouraging students to consider the broader implications of their work in drug development and healthcare.

graduates of the program often pursue careers in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, regulatory agencies, or continue their education in graduate or medical schools. The university supports students with career counseling, research opportunities, and connections to industry partners, enhancing employability and professional growth. The program's goal is to develop scientifically skilled graduates capable of contributing to advancements in drug discovery, development, and therapy, ultimately improving patient care and public health outcomes.