Pharmacology and Toxicology, B.S.

Pharmacology and Toxicology (PharmTox)is an undergraduate major offered through the School of Pharmacy; successful completion of program requirements results in earning the Bachelor of SciencePharmacology and Toxicology degree.Pharmacology and toxicology are related biomedical science disciplines. Pharmacology is the study of the sites, properties, effects, and mechanisms of drug actionthe interactions of chemicals with biological systems. Toxicology addresses adverse effects of chemicals on humans and animals and includes exposure assessment, hazard identification, dose response assessment, and risk characterization. Both subjects integrate multiple scientific disciplines and rely on cutting-edge biotechnological approaches to gain insight into drug and toxicant action at the molecular level. Though the degree is titled Pharmacology and Toxicology,” the programs curriculum is multidisciplinary across various biomedical sciences.

The PharmTox degree/major has a selective and competitive admissions process, requiring completion of 60 college credits and specific prerequisite coursework. These typically take two academic years (freshman and sophomore years) to complete. Prerequisite coursework can be done at UWMadison or at most accredited colleges and universities (see thiswebsite for course equivalencies from other universities). Questions about course equivalencies from other colleges or universities can also be addressed with the PharmTox advisor.

At UWMadison, prePharmTox students are usually in either the College of Letters & Science or the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences during their freshman and sophomore years while taking prerequisite coursework and preparing to apply to the major. Students can request to be assigned to the PharmTox advisor during this time, in addition to having a primary academic advisor in their current school. It is important to stay in contact with the PharmTox advisor to remain up-to-date with admission requirements andprogram changes.Applications are typically due in February, with students being admitted to the major and beginning core coursework in fall of the following year (typically junior year). The core major curriculum typically requires two years to complete (junior and senior years).

For those interested in becoming a licensed pharmacist, information about our Doctor of Pharmacy program (Pharm.D.) can be found athttps://pharmacy.wisc.edu/programs/pharmd/.The Pharm.D. is required to be eligible to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and be registered and licensed as a pharmacist.

1. Drug factors. Apply knowledge of the physical, chemical, pharmacologic, and formulation properties of drugs and relate how these properties influence drug parameters (such as kinetics, pharmacodynamics, stability, dosage form design, and treatment-related outcomes). Differentiate among the major therapeutic drug classes based on mechanisms of action, clinical use and adverse effects, contraindications, drug interactions, dosage forms, and dosing regimens.
2. Patient factors. Collect, integrate and apply knowledge of a patient’s biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, genomics, culture, socio-behavioral characteristics, and pathophysiologic states to develop an individualized patient care plan using drug factors that will improve therapeutic outcomes, minimize drug reactions, reduce adverse events, and increase adherence.
3. Drug kinetics. Design or modify dosage regimens using patient-specific or population pharmacokinetic data, plasma concentration-time profile of drugs, and factors that alter them.
4. Product preparation. Compound parenteral and non-parenteral drug products using appropriate calculations, pharmaceutical components, and techniques. Demonstrate a commitment to patient safety by assuring total accuracy in calculation, preparation, labeling and dispensing of prescription and medication orders.
5. Teamwork. Collaborate effectively with pharmacy colleagues, other healthcare professionals, scientists, and patients and/or their caregivers.
6. Health disparities. Identify causes of health disparities and incorporate principles of cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence into plans to address these issues.
7. Professional awareness. Identify emerging health-related issues, products, and services and analyze their potential implications for: disease prevention and/or treatment services; management of human, physical, medical, information, and technological resources involved in providing patient care; and patient-specific and population-based therapeutic outcomes.

All undergraduate students at UW–Madison must complete the university-wide General Education Requirements, which are designed to convey the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. These requirements provide for breadth across the humanities and arts, social studies, and natural sciences; competence in communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills necessary for success in college and beyond; and investigation of the issues raised by living in a culturally diverse society. This core is intended to provide students with intellectual and practical skills, basic knowledge of human cultures and the physical world, strategies for understanding these topics, and tools intended to contribute to their sense of personal and social responsibility. General Education complements the work students do in their majors and degrees. Together, these requirements help students learn what they need to know not just for making a living, but also for making a life.

Completing the General Education Requirements is an important part of achieving these competencies, and to do so, students choose from many courses in communication, ethnic studies, quantitative reasoning, and breadth of study across disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, literature, and arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

Completing the General Education Requirements is an important part of achieving these competencies, and to do so, students choose from many courses in communication, ethnic studies, quantitative reasoning, and breadth of study across disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, literature, and arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

Each school and college may choose to allow General Education courses to count toward other degree and/or major requirements. Students should always check with their advisors to discuss any additional degree requirements and determine if students are required to take specific General Education courses or to complete the requirements in a particular order. Students should review their Degree Audit (DARS) report to see how they are progressing toward fulfilling the General Education requirements. Please refer to.