Pharmaceutical science encompasses a wide
range of disciplines, all related to the study of the actions,
interactions and effects of drugs. Students can choose from several
online options in this field, including a graduate certificate in
pharmaceutical sciences or an online Master of Science in the
discipline.
Online Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science Program Overview
There are only a few online graduate certificate programs in pharmaceutical science available online, but those that are offered are largely composed of classes in medicine and science. Students in this program study pharmaceutical concepts, including device manufacturing and new drug creation. They acquire skills in drug analysis, and they learn how to use medicinal chemistry to test the purity and composition of chemical substances.A bachelor's degree in a field of science, such as chemistry or biochemistry, is usually required for admission to these programs. Students are generally expected to have completed undergraduate semesters of advanced chemistry, organic chemistry and related labs.
Program Information and Requirements
This pharmaceutical sciences program usually takes less than a year to complete. Some programs are available entirely online - using Internet-based learning programs that simulate labs - and have no on-campus requirements. Others may require that students complete certain chemistry-based labs at a college or university nearby.Students must have a working computer, printer and Internet access to complete an online program. Software programs such as RealPlayer, Acrobat Reader, Adobe Flash and a word processing program are also required. When students log onto a school's Web-based application, they can follow video-based or real-time satellite lectures. There, they can also interact with classmates and professors and complete assignments, though exams must be proctored.
List of Common Online Pharmaceutical Science Classes
Many graduate certificate courses can be completed asynchronously - meaning, at the student's own pace and on his or her own schedule. General education classes are usually not part of the curriculum for this program.Basics of Medicinal Chemistry Course
Students taking this course discover the common actions and reactions between different drugs. They learn factors that contribute to these reactions and study how certain drugs affect the body.Medicinal Chemistry Course
In this course, students examine the basic synthesis of chemical structures and study the relationship between pharmacology and metabolism. They analyze topics about such drug categories as muscle relaxants, antidepressants, hypnotics and vitamins.Pharmaceutical Analysis Course
This course provides students with the opportunity to analyze common pharmaceutical compounds. It also familiarizes students with current issues and topics in drug analysis.Career Information for Graduates
With a graduate certificate in pharmaceutical science, students can pursue careers as chemists, biochemists, technicians or medical scientists. According to May 2008 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), chemical technicians made a median hourly salary of $21.72. For biological technicians, this figure was $19.88.Continuing Education Information
Students who complete a graduate certificate can often transfer courses and credits to a full master's degree program. A master's degree in the field can lead to more career opportunities.Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science Program Overview
The online pharmaceutical sciences master's degree is intensive to the sciences and combines information in drug chemistry, medicine and science. Students study concepts in drug chemistry and metabolism so they know how different drugs and drug combinations can affect the human body. They acquire skills in analyzing drugs and become familiar with laws regarding drug testing and drug regulations.To be eligible for this degree program, students must have at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in chemistry or a related field. There are only a few online master's degree programs available in pharmaceutical sciences.
Program Information and Requirements
This master's degree program takes about two years to complete. Although the majority of the program is available online, students must also complete a residency, where they take the program's final. Students complete the online portion of the program by logging onto the school's Web-based application. There, they can interact with other students and professors, watch video lectures and complete assignments.Students must have reliable Internet access and a working computer. They also may need to have such software programs as Java Runtime Environment, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash and Windows Media Player.
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