PharmD Catalogue
About the UCI PharmD Program
Program requirements
The program of study emphasizes preventive and integrative health care using innovative and evidence-based instructional methods. The longitudinal, four-year curriculum includes didactic and experiential content areas that span across four categories of sciences: biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social/administrative/behavioral sciences, and clinical sciences. Students complete internships and practicum training throughout the program. Didactic courses are generally scheduled during the fall, winter, and spring quarters of the first three years with experiential courses during the summer sessions. The fourth year consists of six experiential courses plus a cumulative capstone course. The work of all student pharmacists will be reported with the following grades: honors (H), pass (P), fail (F), satisfactory (S), unsatisfactory (U), incomplete (I), in progress (IP), and withdraw (W).
Beyond the required didactic coursework, pharmacy students participate in a co-curriculum which includes activities such as community service, societies/clubs, and/or student chapters of professional organizations. These activities facilitate students’ personal and professional growth in the areas of leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, self-awareness, and professionalism.
Additionally, students are required to complete self-directed learning throughout the program, i.e., students follow their interests, or as part of a guided course experience, to develop independent learning opportunities. Examples include group activities such as a journal club, or faculty-guided activities such as a research project.
Normative time to complete the requirements of the Pharm.D. degree is four years. Students enter and work through the program as a cohort. Those on approved leave of absence are expected to return at the same level and must continue making normal progress upon their return. Maximum time to degree is six years.
Experiential Learning
The Office of Experiential Pharmacy Education oversees the experiential portion of the PharmD program. Preceptors, experiential sites, and students can contact the Office of Experiential Education for relevant documents and updates, including information on IPPE and APPE rotations.
PharmD Catalogue
PY1 – First Professional Year
PHMD 200A
Interprof. Clinical Foundations I
5 UNITS
The first course in a four-part series that covers interprofessional communication, patient interviewing, physical examination, and health promotion. Direct instruction in professionalism, diversity, social determinants of health, kindness, mindfulness, well-being, epidemiology, and biostatistics.
PHMD 201A
Principles of Pharmacy Practice I
2 UNITS
The first of a four-part series that covers the function and role of the health care team, Pharmacist Patient Care Process, immunization certification, communication and documentation, informatics, patient safety, interviewing, active listening, management/leadership, careers, resiliency, and student wellness.
PHMD 202A
Self Care I: Conventional and Complementary
2 UNITS
The first of a three-part series that focuses on aspects of self care. This course provides pharmacy student with methods and techniques for dealing with the stressors of a professional educational environment and life challenges
PHMD 213
Pharmaceutical Biochemistry
4 UNITS
Topics include the biological, chemical and cellular roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, hormones, enzymes and vitamins. In addition, the chemical and cellular basis of digestion, intermediary metabolism, biological oxidation and metabolic antagonism are discussed
PHMD 220
Medical Physiology with Anatomic Correlates
5 UNITS
An introduction to human anatomy and coverage of fundamental aspects of human physiology. The course uses a visual and systemic approach to the study of the body. The functional aspects of anatomy are integrated with structure. Includes laboratory periods.
PHMD 200B
Interprof. Clinical Foundations II
2 UNITS
The second course in four-part series that covers interprofessional communication, patient interviewing, physical examination, and health promotion. Direct instruction in professionalism, diversity, social determinants of health, kindness, mindfulness, well-being, epidemiology, and biostatistics.
PHMD 201B
Principles of Pharmacy Practice II
2 UNITS
The second of a four-part series that covers the function and roles of the health care team, Pharmacist Patient Care Process, immunization certification, communication and documentation, informatics, patient safety, interviewing, active listening, management/leadership, careers, resiliency, and student wellness.
PHMD 202B
Self Care II: Conventional and Complementary
2 UNITS
The second of a three-part series that focuses on aspects of self care. The study of nonprescription products and complementary and alternative medicine as it relates to the patient’s ability to care for themselves with emphasis on the pharmacist’s consultant role in production selection and non-pharmacological recommendations.
PHMD 204A
Information Analytics and Numeracy I: Biostatistics
2 UNITS
The first of a three-part series that covers information analysis and research design. This course introduces the concepts and methods of biostatistics and study design and develop the ability to critically evaluate the pharmacy and medical literature. It covers scientific research, the scientific process, and its role in clinical practice.
PHMD 210
Principles of Pharmacology
3 UNITS
The course provides an overview of the basic principles of pharmacology, covering pharmacodynamics – effects of drugs on the body- and pharmacokinetics – the process by which a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.
PHMD 214
Pharmacy Law & Ethics
3 UNITS
This course examines California/Federal legal requirements associated with pharmacy practice and operations. Case-studies allow students to make decisions upon legal/ethical reasoning. Students will use the self-assessment form for California pharmacies and become familiar with materials on the California Pharmacy Jurisprudence examination.
PHMD 201C
Principles of Pharmacy Practice III
2 UNITS
The third of a four-part series that covers the function and role of the health care team, Pharmacist Patient Care Process, immunization certification, communication and documentation, informatics, patient safety, interviewing, active listening, management/leadership, careers, resiliency, and student wellness.
PHMD 202C
Self Care III: Conventional and Complementary
2 UNITS
The third of a three-part series that focuses on aspects of self care. The study of nonprescription products and complementary and alternative medicine as it relates to the patient’s ability to care for themselves with emphasis on the pharmacist’s consultant role in production selection and non-pharmacological recommendations.
PHMD 204B
Information Analytics and Numeracy II: Drug Information
3 UNITS
The second of a three-part series that covers information analysis and research design. This course addresses development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for biomedical inquiry and discovery, including methods for data retrieval, analysis, interpretation, and synthesis.
PHMD 274A
Pharmaceutics I and Lab
5 UNITS
This course is the first in a foundational series designed to develop an understanding of the science behind drug formulation, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and interconnections with the Pharmacist Patient Care Process. In laboratory, students perform calculations, compounding, dispensing, and labeling.
PHMD 277B
Medicinal Chemistry II and Lab
5 UNITS
This course walks students through the basics of medicinal chemistry, broadly defined. Students utilize the knowledge gained in organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, pharmacology and physiology in an integrated fashion. Includes laboratory utilizing organic chemistry
PY2 – Second Professional Year
PHMD 200C
Interprof. Clinical Foundations III
2 UNITS
The third course in a four-part series that covers interprofessional communication, patient interviewing, physical examination, and health promotion. Direct instruction in professionalism, diversity, social determinants of health, kindness, mindfulness, well-being, epidemiology, and biostatistics
PHMD 204C
Information Analytics and Numeracy III: Epidemiology
2 UNITS
The third of a three-part series that covers information analysis and research design. This course covers distribution of disease and health in groups of people and the factors that influence the distribution, including evaluation of therapeutic and diagnostic treatments and delivery of health care services.
PHMD 205A
Molec Basis of Hlth and Hum Dis: Immunology
2 UNITS
The third of a three-part series covering principles of microbiology and clinical chemistry. Emphasis on normal human physiology and pathology as it related to clinical chemistry and assessment of disease states with the context of the Pharmacist Patient Care Process. Alterations of clinical chemistry results due to drug therapy is covered.
PHMD 211
Principles of Public Healt
4 UNITS
This course covers the framework, principles, and core responsibilities of public health research and practice from multidisciplinary perspectives. It also provides the necessary foundation for further studies using crosscutting approaches essential for public health practice. (concurrent with PUBHLTH 200)
PHMD 274B
Pharmaceutics II
5 UNITS
The second course in a foundational series designed to develop an understanding of the science behind drug formulation, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and interconnections with the Pharmacist Patient Care Process. Topics include drug substances, dosage forms, and therapeutic effects. Includes laboratory.
PHMD 280A
Scholarly Project I
1 UNITS
This course provides students an opportunity to develop independent thinking, with particular focus on maturing analytical skills. Students are encouraged to develop an independent project, with a mentor, to study pharmacy-related aspects of multiple areas. The first phase identifies project focus.
PHMD 200D
Interprof. Clinical Foundations IV
2 UNITS
The fourth course in a four-part series that covers interprofessional communication, patient interviewing, physical examination, and health promotion. Direct instruction in professionalism, diversity, social determinants of health, kindness, mindfulness, well-being, epidemiology, and biostatistics.
PHMD 205B
Molec Basis of Hlth and Hum Dis: Microbiology
2 UNITS
The second of a three-part series covering principles of microbiology and clinical chemistry. This course continues classification, morphology, and physiology of micro-organisms, particularly those that cause human pathology – bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, parasite, and worms – and the body’s immune response.
PHMD 212
Princ of Pharmacogenomics
2 UNITS
This course walks students through the basics of genetics and genomics. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of genetics or genetic testing to assist in patient treatment regimens and evaluation of disease.
PHMD 215
Health Policy & Pharmacoecon
3 UNITS
This course introduces students to the organization, financing, and delivery of health care serves in the U.S. The relationship of providers, patients, payers, etc. are analyzed. Management and research principles utilized to manage drug therapy are introduced.
PHMD 274C
Pharmaceutics III
4 UNITS
The final course in a foundational series designed to develop an understanding of the science behind drug formulation, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and interconnections with the Pharmacist Patient Care Process.
PHMD 203A
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: Cardio & Resp
8 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers cardiovascular and renal topics.
PHMD 203B
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: GI & Nutr
4 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers gastrointestinal and nutrition topics.
PHMD 205C
Molec Basis of Hlth and Hum Dis: Clin Chem
2 UNITS
The third of a three-part series covering principles of microbiology and clinical chemistry. Emphasis on normal human physiology and pathology as it related to clinical chemistry and assessment of disease states with the context of the Pharmacist Patient Care Process. Alterations of clinical chemistry results due to drug therapy is covered.
PHMD 277A
Medicinal Chemistry I
4 UNITS
This course walks students through the basics of medicinal chemistry, broadly defined. Students utilize the knowledge gained in organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, pharmacology and physiology in an integrated fashion.
PY3 – Third Professional Year
PHMD 203C
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: Renal & Immuno
7 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers renal and immunology topics.
PHMD 203D
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: Endocrine & Sexual Health
7 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers the endocrine system
PHMD 203E
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: Infectious Diseases
6 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers infectious disease topics.
PHMD 203F
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: CNS
5 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers neurology and psychiatry topics.
PHMD 216
Clinical Toxicology
2 UNITS
Fundamentals of pharmacology and mechanisms of action are reinforced and applied to learn the clinical effects of acute/chronic exposure derived from environmental, dietary, occupational and pharmaceutical sources. Students focus on information literacy skills and clinical management of poisonings.
PHMD 201D
Principles of Pharmacy Practice IV
2 UNITS
The fourth of a four-part series that covers the function and role of the health care team, Pharmacist Patient Care Process, immunization certification, communication and documentation, informatics, patient safety, interviewing, active listening, management/leadership, careers, resiliency, and student wellness.
PHMD 203G
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: Heme & Onc
6 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers hematology and oncologic disorders.
PHMD 203H
Pharmacoth Princ to Pract: Special Topics
5 UNITS
This course integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease. Topics include clinical chemistry, clinical toxicology, interprofessional health care, and public health. This course covers special populations and special topics.
PHMD 280B
Scholarly Project II
1 UNITS
This course provides students an opportunity to develop independent thinking, with particular focus on maturing analytical skills. Students develop an independent project, with a mentor, to study pharmacy-related aspects of multiple areas. Phase 2 focuses on final evaluation of the project.
Electives
PHMD 230
Cannabis Pharmacology and Therapeutics
2 UNITS
Provide knowledge about the cannabis plant and the derivative constituents. Introduce the scientific basis for development of cannabis-derived medicinal drug products. Provide evidence-based information to navigate the mass of cannabis information and counsel patients in its use and safety.
PHMD 260
Leadership and Management
2 UNITS
Provide an introduction to various leadership roles in the field of pharmacy, as well as management techniques to engage and inspire team building, cultivate a productive work environment, and develop future leaders in the industry.
PHMD 281
Clinical Trial Design
2 UNITS
Provide the basic principles for design of randomized clinical trials; provide a foundation in clinical trial phases and design; and recognize key stakeholders in clinical trials.
PHMD 231
Anti-aging Pharmacology
1 UNITS
Addresses why we age and what we can do about it. Introduces the five models of aging. Covers the major pathways of aging and drugs that have been demonstrated to extend lifespan in model systems.
PHMD 232
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
2 UNITS
Integrates principles of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with evidence-based traditional and non-traditional therapies for management and prevention of disease in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies.
PHMD 250A
Managed Care I
2 UNITS
Introduction to the principles and practice of managed care pharmacy, including collection and synthesis of clinical data, assessment of economic data, and decision-making for a Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.
PHMD 241
Travel Health
2 UNITS
Learn to provide effective pre-travel itinerary-based assessment, planning, and consultation related to vaccine-preventable diseases, prevention of other infectious and non-infectious travel-related diseases, and self-treatable conditions not requiring a diagnosis. Topics include yellow fever, malaria, altitude sickness, and emerging tropical diseases.
PHMD 240
Mental Health, Medications, and the Media
2 UNITS
Examines the portrayal of psychiatric disease states and psychoactive drugs through the lens of the media. Critically evaluate documentaries, movies, and television series that portray topics such as drug misuse, psychedelic use, and disease states.
PHMD 261
Health Coaching
2 UNITS
Trains student pharmacists to use health coaching techniques to care for those with different clinical conditions and goals. Reviews adult learning theories and skills, such as motivational interviewing, as they apply to health coaching. Reviews elements of clinician wellness.
PHMD 262
Healthcare Disparities
2 UNITS
Providing an understanding of the causes for healthcare disparities and then proposing pharmacy practice-based solutions for overcoming them. Engaging with community partners and healthcare professionals for real-world experiences.
PHMD 242
Advanced Cardiology Pharmacoth
2 UNITS
Focuses on cardiology specialty topics such as arrhythmias, acute decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, sudden cardiac arrest, advanced cardiovascular life support, and the pharmacist’s role in Code Blue situations, medical devices for hemodynamic monitoring and cardiac support, and heart transplantation.
