Applied Clinical Pharmacology

Applied Clinical Pharmacology (ACP) is a highly customizable, course-based master’s degree program housed within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Our integrated curriculum incorporates greater breadth of study than a traditional thesis-based degree while still providing meaningful research opportunities. Our dynamic program aims to enhance the scientific, analytical, communication and professionalism skills of our learners. Our students complete interactive courses in clinical pharmacology, focusing on drug development, clinical trial design and drug safety, and the application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles. Throughout the ACP program, students interact with pharmacologists, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals and trainees, gaining knowledge and skills related to clinical pharmacology and its application.

Small class sizes facilitate individualized programs of study. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of career interests through specialized coursework, a supervised research project, networking events and full-time placements in a variety of workplace settings. These settings can include the pharmaceutical industry, government, medical communications, healthcare and consulting agencies. Many of our students are offered full-time employment as they approach graduation, resulting from successful job placements during their program.

ACP students have a unique opportunity to develop team and leadership skills through participation in a wide variety of academic courses and extracurricular activities. Many graduates return to contribute to the success of our program by serving as mentors for current students.

Curriculum

*Full course equivalent. A typical 0.5 FCE is over one term (13 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week. A typical 1.0 FCE is over two terms (26 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week.

**This course is an opportunity to complete further study under the supervision of the same graduate faculty member as PCL2200Y. It is intended for students who wish to pursue more in-depth study of their research question(s), generally with the intention of publishing their research findings. It can only be taken subsequent to completion of PCL2200Y. 

***Clinical Practicums: Students may wish to include a 4-month (PCL2101Y or PCL2102Y) or 8-month (PCL2100Y) placement option with an approved employment site (e.g., pharmaceutical company, contract research organization (CRO), consulting business, government agency, healthcare partner). The placement is an opportunity for students to explore and immerse themselves in areas such as drug development, medical writing, adverse event reporting, pharmacokinetic analysis, and clinical trial design and management.