Pharmaceutical Sciences
49 courses · UC Irvine · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
PHRMSCI 1 New Student Seminar
- Units
- 1
Weekly meetings consisting of presentations by faculty, professional staff, and Peer Academic Advisors provide information about the Pharmaceutical Sciences major, campus resources, learning skills, and special programs and opportunities.
PHRMSCI 3 Professional Development and Careers in the Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 0
Pharmaceutical Science majors select a career track and prepare for graduate program applications and careers in industry.
PHRMSCI 42 Life 101
- Units
- 2
Covers the latest scientific work on the impact of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices on mental and physical health. Motivates students to make positive changes by fostering personal growth.
PHRMSCI 66 Gateway to Drugs
- Units
- 4
Introduces students to human physiology, how drugs work, and where they come from, common health issues and the drugs used to treat them, and well-known recreational drugs.
PHRMSCI 76 Ethical Conduct of Research
- Units
- 2
Covers the ethical responsibilities of biomedical scientists. Topics include, as discussions and case studies, the high standards of science, the responsible conduct of research, animal experimentation, and clinical trials as they relate to the pharmaceutical sciences.
PHRMSCI H80 Drugs and Society
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Recommended: High school chemistry and biology
Where drugs come from, how drugs work, how and why people abuse drugs, the costs of drug abuse on society, which drugs are commonly abused, and how drug abuse can be prevented and treated. Course intended for non-science majors.
PHRMSCI 90 The Art of Public Speaking
- Units
- 4
Teaches effective preparation and delivery of public speeches and slide presentations. Included are storytelling, informative, commemorative, and persuasive speeches, and scientific presentation. Evaluating speeches and strategies to reduce speaker apprehension is also covered.
PHRMSCI H90 The Idiom and Practice of the Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
Explores pharmaceutical sciences: the discovery, development, and safe use of medicines. Students study the drug development process from concept to product, examining interdisciplinary approaches combining biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering for human health.
PHRMSCI 120 Human Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 97 and CHEM 1C
Surveys the function of the human body. All major organ systems are discussed. Designed to prepare students for healthcare careers, such as nursing, pharmacy, and medicine, and for research careers which require basic knowledge of how the human body functions.
PHRMSCI 120L Human Physiology Lab
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 97 and CHEM 1C
Complements PHRMSCI 120. Computer-based lab simulations are used to study the function of the human body. Class meets in person for review sessions and exams.
PHRMSCI 121 Human Anatomy with Pathological Correlates
- Units
- 5
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 97 and BIO SCI 98 and BIO SCI 99. Recommended: Organic Chemistry series is highly encouraged
Covers the forms of, and relationships between, the many anatomical components of the human body, including discussion of several pathological conditions of the body as they relate to anatomy.
PHRMSCI 122 Medical Microbiology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 99 and CHEM 51C and BIO SCI E109
Introduces students to microbiology, emphasizing microorganisms that are medically important and drive human disease and mortality.
PHRMSCI 122L Medical Microbiology Laboratory
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 99 and CHEM 1C
An introduction to the structure, metabolism, cultivation, isolation, classification, and identification of the major groups of bacteria. Additional focus on identification of infection and use of antibiotics in diseased patients.
PHRMSCI 142 Healthspan Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 98 and BIO SCI 99 and PHRMSCI 120
Covers the complex and multi-factorial process of aging and increases the understanding of factors that contribute to enhanced lifespan, including basic principles of health and wellness and scientifically proven interventions, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.
PHRMSCI 155 Neuropsychopharmacology
- Units
- 4
Mechanisms underlying chemical signaling processes in the nervous system. Fundamental knowledge for understanding the cellular and molecular actions of drugs and their mechanisms of action on synaptic transmission. Applied neuropsychopharmacology including major drug classes and therapeutic uses.
PHRMSCI 163 Pharmacogenomics and Epigenetics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 99
Survey of the genetic and epigenetic basis of inter-subject variability in response to drugs. Covers drug efficacy, safety, and need for their optimization in pharmacotherapy. Emphasizes genetic mechanisms of polymorphisms in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of representative therapeutic drugs.
PHRMSCI 170A Molecular Pharmacology I
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (CHEM 51C or CHEM H52C) and (PHRMSCI 120 or BIO SCI E109)
- Corequisite
- CHEM 51C
Surveys the basis of drug-receptor action at the molecular and cellular levels. Structure-function of drug targets emphasizing enzymes, ion channels, and membrane transport proteins.
PHRMSCI 170B Molecular Pharmacology II
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHRMSCI 170A
Survey of central nervous system drug mechanisms of action. Drug classes covered include anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, hypnotics, muscle relaxants, recreational drugs, antibiotics, antihistamines, immunosuppressants, and cancer chemotherapeutics.
PHRMSCI 171 Physical Biochemistry
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PHYSICS 3C or PHYSICS 7E) and (CHEM 1C or CHEM H2C) and BIO SCI 99
Thermodynamics and kinetic fundamentals as applied to problems relevant to pharmaceutical sciences such as receptor/enzyme-ligand interactions. Fundamentals of biophysical methods used in the pharmaceutical sciences including structure determination and biomolecular spectroscopy.
PHRMSCI 172 Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 99
- Corequisite
- CHEM 51C or CHEM H52C
In-depth survey of special research topics intertwined with discussions of careers and graduate school opportunities in pharmaceutical sciences. Helps Pharmaceutical Sciences students select electives appropriate to their future goals.
PHRMSCI 173 Pharmacotherapy
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHRMSCI 170B (may be taken concurrently)
An exploration of the clinical application of medications to selected disease states. Focus is on an understanding of underlying principles of pharmacology and how this knowledge can be applied to treatment of diseases.
PHRMSCI 174 Biologics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- PHRMSCI 177 and PHRMSCI 177L
Introduces concepts in macromolecular drug design, production, and formulation. Topics include popular and emerging modalities (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, cellular therapies), clinical trial design, and regulatory affairs.
PHRMSCI 174L Cellular Pharmacology Lab
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PHRMSCI 177 and PHRMSCI 177L
- Corequisite
- PHRMSCI 174
Introduction to tissue culture and cellular analysis technologies. Techniques include microplate cell-based assays of reporter gene expression and cytotoxicity, real-time tissue culture, fluorescence imaging microscopy, and flow cytometry. Materials Fee
PHRMSCI 175 Drug Discovery Computing Techniques
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- CSE 41 or I&C SCI 31. CSE 42 or I&C SCI 32 is recommended
Techniques used in computer-aided drug discovery, including theory behind these techniques and practical applications. Topics include scientific computing; python; classical force fields and simulations; visualization and movie-making; quantum mechanics in drug discovery; molecular dynamics; solvation models; and several others.
PHRMSCI 177 Medicinal Chemistry
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 51A and CHEM 51B and CHEM 51C and (BIO SCI 98 or CHEM 128). Recommended: BIO SCI 99
Surveys drug target classes; lead identification and optimization; pharmacokinetics; discovery strategies including natural product chemistry, encoded combinatorial libraries, molecular modeling, and high-throughput screening; case studies in antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer drug discovery and development.
PHRMSCI 177L Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 51A and CHEM 51B and CHEM 51C and (BIO SCI 98 or CHEM 128)
- Corequisite
- PHRMSCI 177 or CHEM 177
Introduction to high-throughput experimentation for identifying bioactive compounds. Techniques include microplate assay setup, IC50 determination, quantitative assay development, library screening, and structure-activity analysis. Materials Fee
PHRMSCI 179 Emerging Technologies in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicine
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI 99 and CHEM 51C
Introduces emerging, ground-breaking technologies in biomedical research and medicine, including pharmacogenomics, genome editing, and stem cell and engineered T cell therapies. Explores these novel technologies with both their underlying theories and forward-thinking applications.
PHRMSCI 197 Professional Internship
- Units
- 1-4
Provides students with opportunity to develop leadership and professional skills necessary for competitive placement in their chosen industry. Students gain new and field-specific skills outside the classroom environment while participating in a supervised internship for a total of 100 hours.
PHRMSCI 198 Independent Study in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 1-4
Students interested in independent study should arrange with a faculty member to sponsor and supervise such work. A time commitment of three hours per week per unit is expected. A written report is required at the end of each quarter.
PHRMSCI 199 Undergraduate Research
- Units
- 1-4
Original research in the laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty. Attendance at regular research group meetings is also generally expected, and a quarterly written report is required. Strongly recommended for students considering research careers and/or graduate degree programs.
PHRMSCI H199 Honors Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 1-4
Undergraduate honors research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. A student time commitment of 10-15 hours per week is required.
PHRMSCI 223 Biological Macromolecules
- Units
- 4
Introduction to nucleic acid and protein structure, dynamics, and function. Topics include analytical methods, molecular evolution, folding, and catalysis.
PHRMSCI 241 Advanced Topics in Pharmacology
- Units
- 2
Application of pharmacological principles in disease therapy. Advanced pharmacological mechanisms and in-depth study of drug action. Discussion of several major drug classes/therapeutic strategies: molecular mechanisms of action, physiological consequences of administration, and clinical use.
PHRMSCI 242 Healthspan Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Recommended: Undergraduate courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, and basic physiology
Covers the complex and multi-factorial process of aging and increases the understanding of factors that contribute to enhanced lifespan, including basic principles of health and wellness and scientifically proven interventions, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.
PHRMSCI 250A Current Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 1
Intended to expose students to the primary literature and current research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Students analyze and present information for discussion. Guest speakers from academia and industry may participate throughout the quarter.
PHRMSCI 250B Current Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- PHRMSCI 250A with a minimum grade of B-
Intended to expose students to the primary literature and current research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Students analyze and present information for discussion. Guest speakers from academia and industry may participate throughout the quarter.
PHRMSCI 250C Current Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- PHRMSCI 250B with a minimum grade of B-
Intended to expose students to the primary literature and current research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Students analyze and present information for discussion. Guest speakers from academia and industry may participate throughout the quarter.
PHRMSCI 251 Experimental Pharmacology
- Units
- 4
Introduction to the concepts and techniques used in pharmacological science. Molecular biology, quantitative and biochemical pharmacology, fluorescent probes, behavior, genetics, animal handling, anatomical and receptor binding analysis, methods for ion channel study, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs.
PHRMSCI 254 Introduction to Pharmacology
- Units
- 4
Ligand-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, ligand-regulated transcription factors, their signaling mechanisms, trafficking, macromolecular complexes, and physiological responses.
PHRMSCI 255 Neuropharmacology
- Units
- 2
Mechanisms underlying chemical signaling processes in the brain and periphery. Molecular biology, signal transduction, transmitter synthesis, and inactivation of major neurotransmitter systems. Drugs that act on these major neurotransmitters.
PHRMSCI 256 Experimental Design for Pharmacologists
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- PHARM 251 with a minimum grade of B-
Population and sample statistics, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, nonparametric statistics, experimental design, power, and the use of statistical computer software.
PHRMSCI 257 Ethics in Research
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- PHARM 299 with a minimum grade of B-
Ethical conduct in research including data handling, authorship, conflict of interest, animal rights, handling of misconduct.
PHRMSCI 263 Pharmacogenomics and Epigenetics
- Units
- 4
Survey of the genetic and epigenetic basis of inter-subject variability in response to drugs. Covers drug efficacy, safety, and the need for their optimization in pharmacotherapy.Emphasizes genetic mechanisms of polymorphisms in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of representative therapeutic drugs.
PHRMSCI 272 Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Units
- 2-4
Current topics in pharmaceutical sciences not covered elsewhere, emphasizing emerging fields and specialized research areas. Content varies annually; multiple sections may address distinct themes.
PHRMSCI 275 Drug Discovery Computing Techniques
- Units
- 4
Computer-aided drug discovery methods, including scientific computing, Python-based workflows, molecular modeling, classical force fields, molecular dynamics, solvation models, quantum mechanics, visualization, and simulation-based applications in drug design.
PHRMSCI 277 Medicinal Chemistry
- Units
- 4
Drug target classes; lead identification and optimization; pharmacokinetics; discovery strategies including natural product chemistry, encoded combinatorial libraries, molecular modeling, and high-throughput screening; case studies in antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer drug discovery and development; advanced readings and presentations required.
PHRMSCI 279 Emerging Technologies in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicine
- Units
- 4
Emerging technologies in biomedical research and medicine, including pharmacogenomics, genome editing, and stem cell and engineered T cell therapies; underlying theoretical frameworks and forward-looking applications; advanced readings and presentations required.
PHRMSCI 298 Research Seminar
- Units
- 2
Presentation and discussion of current problems and methods in teaching and research in pharmaceutical sciences.
PHRMSCI 299 Graduate Research
- Units
- 1-12
Supervised original research or investigation under the direction of an individual faculty member.