October 28, 2004
TO:
Robert Mrtek, Chair
Senate Committee on Educational Policy
FROM:
Roger Nelson
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
I am submitting for review and action by the Senate Committee on Educational Policy the
attached proposal from the Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences in the College of
Pharmacy to revise the M.S. and Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences.
The proposed change was approved by the faculty of the Department on February 2, 2004. The
College of Pharmacy Educational Policy Committee does not review or take action on graduate
programs of the College.
The proposal has been submitted to the Graduate College Executive meeting for review and
action at its meeting on November 5. I will report the outcome of that meeting to the SCEP
membership at the conclusion of that meeting.
RN:
Attachment
Cc:
Without attachment
C. Hulse
R. Betts
R. Sagraves
W. Beck
R. Gaensslen
H. Onyuksel
Title: Revision of the M.S. and Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences
Sponsor: Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy
Description:
The Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences proposes the following changes to
the M.S. and Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences:
1. Eliminate the four concentrations in the Ph.D. program (variable hours of 9—14)
2. Replace the Ph.D. concentrations with Program Electives (10 credit hours)
3. Drop the 5-hour concentration requirement from the M.S. program
4. Replace the M.S. concentration requirement with Program Electives (5 hours)
5. The range of 17—22 hours of electives for the Ph.D. changes to a specific 21
hours
6. Drop BPS 503 as a core requirement in the M.S. and Ph.D. programs
7. Add GCLS 504 and 505, Research Methods I and II (total 3 hours) as BPS core
requirements in the M.S. and Ph.D. programs
8. Total hours for the M.S. and Ph.D. remain unchanged at 32 and 96 (beyond the
baccalaureate), respectively
Justification
Changes #1-#5
The original Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, implemented in Fall 2002, had
four concentrations corresponding to faculty research emphases in the department at
the time. Each concentration had stated course requirements in addition to the Ph.D.
program core course requirements.
It has become clear after two-plus years experience with the program that the
concentrations should be eliminated. A Ph.D. program with minimal core course
requirements and a flexible menu of electives will serve the needs of the students
better than the formal concentrations.
The requirements of the Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, as approved, are
presented in Table 1. Each student is required to complete 96 hours from the B.S.
and 64 hours from the M. S. level. At least 20 hours of didactic coursework must be
at the 500-level. The Ph.D. program core consists of 25 hours. Under the current
program, all students must declare a concentration upon choosing an advisor. Each
of the concentrations has course requirements, ranging from 9-14 hours. Elective
course hours make up the remaining didactic course requirements (17-22 hours) along
with Research (40 hours). Credit hour requirements are summarized in Table 2.
1
One of the reasons that the Department changed its name to Biopharmaceutical
Sciences and put together its own Ph.D. program was to integrate several disciplines
of the biopharmaceutical sciences, since the lines of these disciplines have blurred
and overlapped over many years. It is the intent of this proposal to embrace this
concept, to continue the evolution of this field, and create a unified Ph.D. with no
formal concentrations. Under the proposed structure, each student will be able to
tailor the program to his or her future goals, and get appropriate didactic preparation
in the area selected for research, through the choice of elective courses that will be
made in collaboration with the research advisor.
To accomplish this goal, the Ph.D. Program core requirements (25 credit hours) will
remain as originally proposed and approved. The concentration requirements are
deleted and replaced by a list of “Biopharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. Program
Electives.” The list contains courses that are now regularly offered, and from which
students and advisors can choose a group that meets the needs of the student and of
the laboratory in which the student has chosen to work. Each student will complete
10 credit hours from the list that will be maintained by the Department of
Biopharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program in the form of a Handbook; the current
list is comprised of the approved “Concentration Core Courses.” Any courses taken
from the list of “Biopharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. Program Electives” beyond the
required 10 hours will apply to the 21 hours of “Elective” courses. The core courses
and program electives are summarized in Table 3. The distribution of credit hours for
the proposed program is shown in Table 4. These changes will encourage students to
see the interdisciplinary nature of the discipline of Biopharmaceutical Sciences.
The Biopharmaceutical Sciences faculty requests that these changes in
requirements be applicable to students who entered in Fall, 2002, or later. This
element will enable us to move students ahead whose progress has been delayed by
stated concentration requirements they have been unable to fulfill. Since BChe 460
was offered after the Fall of 2002, either BChe 460 or GCLS 501 credit (3 hours) will
be accepted as “Biopharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. Program Electives” credit; any
additional hours will be applied to “Elective” credits.
The research interests of many of the Biopharmaceutical Sciences faculty fit into
more than one of the formal concentrations, and the subdivisions in the Ph.D.
program do not appropriately reflect the interdisciplinary nature of activities within
academics, government, and industry in those areas represented by the program.
2
Several changes in other academic programs at the university were also instituted –
almost simultaneously with the original construction of the Ph.D. in
Biopharmaceutical Sciences -- that have precluded students from meeting the
requirements for the degree in a timely manner. Proceeding along the present path
without the proposed revisions will continue to create problems for students. These
changes could not have been anticipated at the time of original program approval.
Changes #6 and #7
Changes #6 and #7 are the result of changes made in the Graduate Education in
Medical Sciences (GEMS) program. Several classes have been added in the GEMS
program that directly overlap with approved courses in the BPS program; the BPS
program proposes to utilize these courses instead of offering a second equivalent
course. With regard to this program revision, BPS 503 (Laboratory Techniques in
Biopharmaceutical Sciences) is equivalent in content to GCLS 504 and 505 (Research
Methods I & II). Thus, BPS 503 is dropped and replaced by GCLS 504 and 505.
3
Table 1. Originally approved requirements for the Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical
Sciences.
Dept.
Course
Name
BPS Program Core
BPS
BPS
501 Biopharmaceutical Sciences I
502 Biopharmaceutical Sciences II
Laboratory Techniques in Biopharmaceutical
BPS
503 Sciences
Seminar in Biopharmaceutical Sciences (1
BPS
595 cr/sem)
BSTT
400 Biostatistics I
Scientific Integrity And Responsible
GC
401 Research
GC
470 Essentials For Animal Research
GC
471 Experimental Animal Techniques
Pharmaceutics (PC) Concentration Requirements
BPS
510 Principles of Interfacial Phenomena
Dissolution and Bioavailability of Dosage
BPS
515 Forms
BChe
460 Biochemistry
Pharmacodynamics (PD) Concentration Requirements
BPS
551 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics I
BPS
552 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics II
BChe
460 Biochemistry
Pharmacogenomics (PG) Concentration Requirements
BPS
551 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics I
BPS
552 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics II
BPS
555 Pharmacogenomics
BChe
460 Biochemistry
Gene
502 Somatic Cell and Human Genetics
Pharmacokinetics (PK) Concentration Requirements
BPS
545 Advanced Pharmacokinetics
BPS
546 Computer Techniques in Pharmacokinetics
BPS
551 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics I
BPS
552 Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics II
PCOL
508 Drug Metabolism and Disposition
4
Cr.
4
4
3
8
3
0
1
2
3
2
5
2
2
5
2
2
1
5
4
3
3
2
2
2
Table 2. Original credit hour requirements of the Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical
Sciences.
Concentra
tion
PC
PD
PG
PK
BPS
Core
25
25
25
25
Concentrati
on Core
Electi
ve
Resea
rch
Total
10
9
12
14
21
22
19
17
40
40
40
40
96
96
96
96
Table 3. Proposed requirements of the Ph.D. in Biopharmaceutical Sciences.
Dept. Course
Name
BPS Program Core
BPS
501 Biopharmaceutical Sciences I
BPS
502 Biopharmaceutical Sciences II
BPS
595 Seminar in Biopharmaceutical Sciences (1 cr/sem)
BSTT
400 Biostatistics I
GC
401 Scientific Integrity And Responsible Research
GC
470 Essentials For Animal Research
GC
471 Experimental Animal Techniques
GCLS 504/505
Research Methods I & II
BPS Ph.D. Program Electives (Not Formally listed in Catalog)
BPS
510 Principles of Interfacial Phenomena
BPS
515 Dissolution and Bioavailability of Dosage Forms
MDCH
564 Physical Medicinal Chemistry
BPS
545 Advanced Pharmacokinetics
BPS
546 Computer Techniques in Pharmacokinetics
BPS
555 Pharmacogenomics
GCLS
501 Biochemistry †
GCLS
511 Molecular Genetics
PCOL
425 Medical Pharmacology
PCOL
508 Drug Metabolism and Disposition
†BChe 460 will be accepted for students who completed this class prior to
the initiation of the GCLS program.
5
Cr.
4
4
8
3
0
1
2
3
3
2
3
3
3
2
3
3
6
2
Table 4. Proposed credit hour requirements of the Ph.D. Program in
Biopharmaceutical Sciences.
Progr
BPS
Elec
Resea
Tot
am
Core
tive
rch
al
Electives
25
10
21
40
96
Catalog Statement: See Appendix
Minority Impact:
None
Budgetary and Staff Implications:
The proposed revisions carry no budgetary or staff implications.
Library Support Implications:
None
Proposed Effective Date: Fall 2005, but the changes in concentration structure and
requirements may apply to any student who entered the Ph.D. program in Fall 2002 or
later.
6
Current
Proposed
Biopharmaceutical Science
Mailing Address: College of Pharmacy (MC 865), 833
South Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612-7231
Campus Location. 335 Pharm
Curriculum Code: 20FS1903PHD
Telephone: (312) 996-0888
E-mail: hayat@uic.edu
Director of Graduate Studies: Hayat Onyuksel
The Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences offers
work leading to degrees in biopharmaceutical sciences at
both the master's and doctoral levels. Students are not
admitted to the M.S. program in this department.
Coursework and research are available in the
concentration areas of pharmaceutics,
pharmacodynamics and toxicology, pharmacokinetics,
and cellular and molecular biology and
pharmacogenomics.
Admission Requirements
Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work
must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College
minimum requirements, applicants must meet the
following program requirements:
Prior degrees: Baccalaureate degree in pharmacy,
pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biochemistry,
biological sciences, a related medical science area, or a
doctor of pharmacy degree.
Grade point average: At least 4.00 (A=5.00) in work
for the first academic degree
Tests Required: GRE general
Minimum TOEFL Score: 600 (paper-based); 250
(computer-based)
Letters of Recommendation: Three required from
individuals who are familiar with the applicant's
training, ability, character, and potential for successful
completion of the program.
Personal Statement: Required; one page; the statement
should address the applicant's educational and
professional objectives.
This program does not admit students for a M.S. degree.
The M.S. is awarded to students who meet the stated
requirements, but who do not complete all the
requirements for a Ph.D.
Biopharmaceutical Science
Mailing Address: College of Pharmacy (MC 865), 833
South Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612-7231
Campus Location. 335 Pharm
Curriculum Code: 20FS1903PHD
Telephone: (312) 996-0888
E-mail: hayat@uic.edu
Director of Graduate Studies: Hayat Onyuksel
The Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences offers
work leading to degrees in biopharmaceutical sciences at
both the master's and doctoral levels. Students are not
admitted to the M.S. program in this department.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the Graduate College minimum
requirements, students must meet the following program
requirements:
Master of Science
Minimum Semester Hours Required: 32
Coursework
Required Core Courses:
BPS 501, 502, 503, Bstt 400, GC 401, 470 and 471 plus
BPS 595 (seminar) every semester for 4 credit hours
Degree Requirements
In addition to the Graduate College minimum
requirements, students must meet the following program
requirements:
Master of Science
Minimum Semester Hours Required: 32
Coursework
Required Core Courses:
BPS 501, 502, Bstt 400, GC 401, 470, 471, GCLS 504,
505, plus BPS 595 (seminar) every semester for 4 credit
Admission Requirements
Transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work
must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College
minimum requirements, applicants must meet the
following program requirements:
Prior degrees: Baccalaureate degree in pharmacy,
pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biochemistry,
bioengineering, biological sciences, a related medical
science area, or a doctor of pharmacy degree.
Grade point average: At least 3.00 (A=4.00) in work
for the first academic degree
Tests Required: GRE general
Minimum TOEFL Score: 600 (paper-based); 250
(computer-based)
Letters of Recommendation: Three required from
individuals who are familiar with the applicant's
training, ability, character, and potential for successful
completion of the program.
Personal Statement: Required; one page; the statement
should address the applicant's educational and
professional objectives.
This program does not admit students for a M.S. degree.
The M.S. is awarded to students who meet the stated
requirements, but who do not complete all the
requirements for a Ph.D.
7
total, and a minimum of 5 credit hours in concentration
electives or electives
Thesis, Project, or Coursework-only options
Thesis required. No other options available.
Thesis: students must earn at least 6 hours in BPS 598.
Doctor of Philosophy
Minimum Semester Hours Required: 96 from the
baccalaureate, 64 from the master’s.
Coursework
At least 20 hours must be in 500-level didactic courses.
Required Core Courses:
BPS 501, 502, 503, Bstt 400, GC 401, 470, 471 plus
BPS 595 (seminar) every semester for 8 credit hours
total.
Concentration Requirements:
Pharmaceutics: BPS 510, 515 and BChe 460
Pharmacokinetics: BPS 545, 546, 551, 552 and Pcol
508.
Pharmacodynamics / Toxicology: BPS 551, 552, and
BChe 460.
Pharmacogenomics Cell and Molecular Biology: BPS
551, 552, 555, BChe 460, Gene 502.
Thesis: students must earn at least 40 hours in BPS 599.
Examinations
Departmental Qualifying Examination: May be required
for certain admitted students to be used as a basis for
advisement on additional coursework to insure an
appropriate level of preparedness.
Preliminary (Candidacy) Examination:
Required.
Dissertation
Required.
hours total.
Thesis, Project, or Coursework-only options
Thesis required. No other options available.
Thesis: students must earn at least 6 hours in BPS 598.
Doctor of Philosophy
Minimum Semester Hours Required: 96 from the
baccalaureate, 64 from the master’s.
Coursework
At least 20 hours must be in 500-level didactic courses.
Required Core Courses:
BPS 501, 502, Bstt 400, GC 401, 470, 471, GCLS 504,
505 (3 credit hours) plus BPS 595 (seminar) every
semester for 8 credit hours total, and a minimum of 10
credit hours of program elective courses from a current
list maintained by the department.
DELETE
Thesis: students must earn at least 40 hours in BPS 599.
Examinations
Departmental Qualifying Examination: May be required
for certain admitted students to be used as a basis for
advisement on additional coursework to insure an
appropriate level of preparedness.
Preliminary (Candidacy) Examination:
Required.
Dissertation
Required.
8
Courses Added as Requirements
GCLS 504 Research Methods I
1 TO 2 hours. Lectures, demonstrations, and discussions concerned with principles
and practical aspects of modern quantitative biochemical, molecular biological,
physiological and biophysical methodology such as separation techniques and studies
of biomembranes. May be repeated. Students may register for more than one section
per term. Restricted to students enrolled in a graduate program offered through the
Colleges of Medicine or Pharmacy or the departments of Bioengineering or Biological
Sciences or consent of the instructor.
GCLS 505 Research Methods II
1 TO 3 hours. Lectures, demonstrations, and discussions concerned with principles
and practical aspects of modern quantitative biochemical, molecular biological,
physiological and biophysical methodology such as bioimaging and biochemical
analysis. May be repeated. Students may register for more than one section per term.
Restricted to students enrolled in a graduate program offered through the Colleges of
Medicine or Pharmacy or the departments of Bioengineering or Biological Sciences or
consent of the instructor.
9