Pharmacology Major (Science Program) - ASMAJ2082

Pharmacology is an integrative medical science that builds upon the core foundational disciplines of the basic life sciences. This program is intended for students who want to gain knowledge in Pharmacology in combination with a separate and complementary area of study and is designed for students interested in broad, multidisciplinary training. The Pharmacology Major program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the therapeutic properties and clinical uses of externally administered chemical substances in the whole body, as well as the mechanisms of their actions and interactions with molecular, cellular and tissue targets. Students learn about both basic and clinical pharmacology through lectures, tutorials and small group sessions.

This understanding prepares students for a variety of either research-based or non-research-based careers, including positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, in government agencies, in research institutes and in universities. Pharmacology (and its application in clinical therapeutics) plays a prominent role in society, and a comprehension of drug mechanisms and uses is fundamental to career success in the fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing. While some students take the Pharmacology Major program in preparation for these professional programs, students are advised to contact the respective Faculties directly for questions related to transfer credits.

This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 8.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enroll. Students interested in this program should initially apply to the general Major (ASMAJ2675) after their first year of study. Following their second year of study, students in ASMAJ2675 must choose to pursue either the Pharmacology Major (ASMAJ2082) or the Biomedical Toxicology Major (ASMAJ2573).

Students who have completed 4.0 to 7.5 credits cannot apply directly to ASMAJ2082 and must first apply to ASMAJ2675, using the following courses:

Students who have completed at least 8.0 credits and who are already enrolled in ASMAJ2675 may enrol in ASMAJ2082 themselves on ACORN.

Students who have completed at least 8.0 credits but who are not already enrolled in ASMAJ2675 must apply to ASMAJ2082 using the following courses:

Variable Minimum Grade and Variable Minimum Grade Average
A minimum grade and minimum grade average in required courses are needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants.

To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade lower than 65% in each course, or a combined grade average lower than 70% in these required courses will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum final grade and minimum grade average does not guarantee admission to the program. The underlying numeric final mark in each of your courses required for program enrolment will be used by the relevant academic unit to determine your eligibility.

Applications from students lacking numerical grades in one or more of the specified enrolment requirements, or students applying in their second or later years, may be considered on the basis of their entire academic record and the availability of space in the program. In addition to applying through ACORN, students applying in their second year or later are asked to please contact the department directly at undergrad.pharmtox@utoronto.ca, specify which program you would like to be considered for, and provide your student number. Please consult the Arts & Science Program Toolkit for more information on program enrolment.

Notes:

  • While it is difficult to predict what will be competitive course marks and average in a given year, based on previous years, the estimate is: course marks = mid 80s; average = mid 80s.
  • Students wishing to enroll in this program will initially apply to a general departmental Major (ASMAJ2675) after their first year. After admission, and prior to the start of their third year of study, students will select the focus for their future studies (Biomedical Toxicology or Pharmacology). First and second year courses are the same for all Major programs within the Department (ASMAJ2675/ASMAJ2082/ASMAJ2573). Students cannot combine a Pharmacology Major program with a Pharmacology Major or Specialist program for their degree.
  • Students wishing to enroll after their second year who have taken PCL201H1 will be considered on a case by case basis. Successful completion of required pre-requisite courses is required to further enroll in upper level program courses.

(8 credits)

First Year: BIO120H1; BIO130H1; ( CHM135H1, CHM136H1)/ CHM151Y1

Second Year: BCH210H1; BIO230H1/​ BIO255H1; PCL201H1; CHM247H1/​ CHM249H1; ( PSL300H1, PSL301H1) (NOTE: PSL201Y1 is not acceptable)

Third Year: PCL302H1; BCH311H1/​ PSL350H1

Third or Fourth Year: PCL469H1 and 1.0 credit from: JPM300H1/​ JPM400Y1/​ PCL345H1/​ PCL367H1/​ PCL368H1/​ PCL386H1/​ PCL389H1/​ PCL402H1/​ PCL475H1/​ PCL476H1/​ PCL477H1/​ PCL484H1/​ PCL490H1

Fourth Year: PCL470H1

Notes:

  1. Students are not allowed to enroll concurrently in the Major Program in Pharmacology and the Major Program in Toxicology.
  2. Students are not allowed to enroll concurrently in the Major Program in Pharmacology and a Specialist Program in Toxicology.
  3. Students are not permitted to take PCL472Y1 or PCL474Y1.