PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

Satisfactory completion of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, pharmacy or a related discipline is required. It is assumed that the undergraduate training will include differential and integral calculus, college physics, a one-year course in general and inorganic chemistry including a laboratory, a one-year course in organic chemistry including a laboratory, and training in analytical chemistry. An undergraduate course in physical chemistry is recommended.

The ability to excel in graduate studies and research must be evident based on grades from undergraduate studies, recommendations from college faculty, results from standardized aptitude and achievement examinations (Graduate Record Examination), and performance in research and independent study.

Students with M.S. degrees in medicinal chemistry or related fields may also be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program. Students without M.S. degrees may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program, but must take 30 credits at the master’s level prior to accruing doctoral level credits.

Ph.D. students need to complete the following courses as partial fulfillment of their requirement for a Ph.D. degree. Additional graduate courses (5000 to 8000 level) may be required, as advised during the development of each student’s plan of study.

MBC 5100/7100Ethical Conduct Research1
MBC 5900/7900Medicinal Chemistry Seminar ((6-8 hours, 1 each semester)) 11
MBC 6190/8190Advanced Medicinal Chemistry4
MBC 6200/8200Biomedicinal Chemistry4
MBC 6300/8300Biomedicinal Chemistry Laboratory I1
MBC 6310/8310Biomedicinal Chemistry Laboratory II3
MBC 6550/8550Biochemistry4
MBC 8960Ph.D. Dissertation Research In Medicinal Chemistry (minimum of 30 hours) 21-15
Electives 38
1

One hour can be taken during each semester (fall or spring, not summer). A minimum of 6 hours, taken over 6 semesters, are required, up to 8 hours count towards degree completion.

2

A minimum of 30 hours are required, but more than 30 hours can be taken and count towards degree completion.

3

Other 5000- and above level courses should be taken as electives, as advised. A minimum of 8 hours are required, but more than 8 hours can be taken and will be counted towards degree completion. See list below.

The following is a list of recommended elective courses:

Chemistry Courses
CHEM 6330Spectroscopic Methods And Analysis Of Spectra4
CHEM 6400/8400Advanced Organic Chemistry4
CHEM 6410/8410Organic Synthesis4
CHEM 6510/8510Protein Chemistry4
CHEM 6520/8520Enzymology4
CHEM 6530/8530
Biology Courses
BIOL 6010/8010Advanced Molecular Biology4
BIOL 6020Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory2
BIOL 6090/8090Advanced Cell Biology4
BIOL 6100/8100Research Methodology: Cell And Molecular Biology3
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Courses
MBC 5380Medicinal And Poisonous Plants3
MBC 6100/8100Advanced Immunology2
MBC 6450/8450Advanced Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry2
Other 5000/7000 or 6000/8000 level courses as advised

In addition, all students must satisfy the following:

  1. Minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s level (course numbers 7000 and above), including a minimum of 15 hours of courses, laboratories and seminars (exclusive of dissertation research) and a minimum of 30 hours of Ph.D. dissertation research.
  2. Satisfactory overall performance on a written qualifying examination covering graduate-level medicinal chemistry, biochemistry and either organic chemistry or advanced cell/molecular biology.
  3. Selection of a doctoral research adviser, preparation of an acceptable written Ph.D. dissertation proposal in consultation with the adviser, and the satisfactory oral defense of the proposal before the dissertation advisory committee. The written qualifying examination and the defense of the dissertation proposal will constitute the examination requirements necessary for advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry. The chair of the doctoral dissertation advisory committee will be the student’s doctoral research adviser. The dissertation advisory committee will consist of two additional Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Department faculty plus one member from outside the student’s department or college.
  4. Subsequent to admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, the student is expected to spend a minimum of two semesters in full-time study at The University of Toledo.
  5. Preparation of a Ph.D. dissertation based on the results of an original research investigation performed by the student during his/her Ph.D. program at The University of Toledo.
  6. Presentation of the results of the dissertation research in a public seminar before the Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and successful oral defense of the dissertation before the dissertation advisory committee.
  7. Acceptance of the dissertation by the Ph.D. dissertation adviser and the dissertation advisory committee.
  8. Maintenance of a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  9. Three semesters of experience as a teaching assistant. The program believes experience in teaching is critical to solidifying the student's understanding of the basics of the field and improving communication skills.
  • PLO 1. Interpret and critically evaluate literature in the respective discipline and identify gaps in current knowledge.
  • PLO 2. Design, implement, and analyze the results of an independent research project in the respective discipline.
  • PLO 3. Effectively communicate and defend research findings orally and in writing.
  • PLO 4. Describe and comply with standards of ethical conduct of research.
  • PLO 5. Effectively work in a team of colleagues within the discipline.
  • PLO 6. Demonstrate ability to independently design, plan, and execute a research program in the area of specialization.
  • PLO 7. Lead the ability to lead a research team and delegate components of a research program.
  • PLO 8. Describe new developments in the general field of pharmaceutical sciences and related fields.
  • PLO 9. Communicate and negotiate with leaders in these fields to find employment.