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PharmD Curriculum – Courses and Timeline

Doctor of Pharmacy
Alex Wontor and interprofessional health care team practicing with fake patient

A Future Facing Curriculum

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program is designed to incorporate scientific foundations, innovative research, and practical experience in a way that prepares students for the constantly evolving healthcare industry.

Within the four-year curriculum, coursework blends foundational knowledge from biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences approaches. Students master pharmacy concepts and knowledge with particular emphasis on laboratory methods, experiential learning, and career development. The result is a degree that is not only recognized as being versatile, but prepares graduates for a lifetime of success in their chosen field.

See course descriptions below for the current curriculum for the Class of 2026.

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME & DESCRIPTION NUMBER CREDITS
Physicochemical Principles of Drug Formulation & Delivery 718-420 3 cr.
Applications of physical principles and modern methods of analysis to pharmaceutical systems.
Pharmaceutical Biochemistry 718-432 4 cr.
Chemistry of metabolic processes and products of living matter with emphasis on pharmaceutical and medicinal aspects as well as recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory experience with the chemistry of metabolic processes, products of living matter and recombinant DNA.
Nonprescription Medications and Self-Care 728-438 2 cr.
Provides students with knowledge and skills needed to perform triage and make self-care and therapeutic recommendations for self-limiting health conditions commonly encountered in pharmacy practice.
Pathways in Pharmacy Practice 728-461 1 cr.
An introduction to, and exploration of, contemporary pharmacy practice settings and opportunities for career advancement.
Comprehensive Immunization Delivery 728-650 1 cr.
Addresses vaccine-preventable diseases and the implementation of pharmacy-based immunization delivery programs.
Pharmacy in the Health Care System
 732-411 3 cr.
This course introduces students to (1) the public health care system and pharmacists’ roles in the public health care system; (2) the health care system and how pharmacy fits within the health care system; (3) the patient’s perspective of health, illness, medication taking and patient-pharmacist interaction; (4) principles of educational assessment and patient consultation, and (5) skills and strategies to overcome barriers to individualized patient consultation.
Pharmacy Integrated Learning Lab 726-423 1 cr.
Provides an interdivisional foundation for pharmacy students to understand many aspects of pharmacy through a wide variety of activities. Delivers a broad understanding of the pharmacist’s public health and patient advocacy role with opportunities to practice basic calculations related to drug formulations in the context of safety, drug stability, and patient care. Fosters development of communication skills with peers and patients and be introduced to patient counseling principles. Includes active participation in a longitudinal group experience with an assigned senior in the community to apply course content.

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME & DESCRIPTION NUMBER CREDITS
Medicinal Chemistry I 718-531 3 cr.
Chemistry of medicinal products, including cholinergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic agents, antidepressants, sedative/hypnotics, antianxiety drugs, opioid drugs acting at histamine receptors, and inhibitors of mediator release.
Pharmaceutical Calculations, Dispensing and Compounding (with lab) 718-541 3 cr.
Introductory laboratory course in compounding and dispensing of pharmaceutical dosage forms, including sterile products. Includes practice in interpretation of prescription orders, pharmaceutical calculations, compounding procedures, physical manipulation of drugs and dosage form components, and product packaging and labeling.
Pharmaceutical Genetics and Immunology 726-434 2 cr.
Facilitates the understanding and application of the principles of pharmaceutical genetics, immunology, and biotechnology.
Pharmacokinetics 726-621 3 cr.
Introduction to pharmacokinetics. Fundamental principles and specific physical models are discussed. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are thoroughly described including applications to pharmacotherapy mostly through a one body compartment model. Biopharmaceuticals and small molecule drugs are discussed based on their specific pharmacokinetics. All pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics principles and concepts are further described in depth in terms of their clinical applications with an emphasis on the role of the pharmacy professional.
Pharmacy Practice Experience I 728-426 1 cr.
This required PharmD experiential course complements didactic coursework in communication, practice-based skills, and the pharmacists’ role in the health care system. Students will participate in various community-based experiences, including group collaboration with a senior partner, observing pharmacists’ roles in practice settings, and providing screenings and education outreach.
Professional Development and Engagement I 728-462 1 cr.
Assists students with career exploration and recognition of how their knowledge, skills, abilities and values further their professional development.
Social and Behavioral Aspects of Pharmacy Practice (with lab) 732-414 3 cr.
The goals of this course are to introduce students to psychosocial and behavioral aspects of pharmacy practice and patient care, including (1) the pharmacist’s role in patient care and public health; (2) patient perspective and factors related to health and medication use; (3) patient-pharmacist interaction and communication; and (4) principles of personnel management in pharmacy practice.

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME & DESCRIPTION NUMBER CREDITS
Pharmacology I 718-521 3 cr.
Pharmacological actions of important drugs, including drugs that affect the peripheral nervous system, the central nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract.
Drug Delivery Systems for Pharmacotherapy 718-540 3 cr.
The application of physical, chemical and biological principles to the study of drug delivery using a variety of solid, solution and disperse systems as dosage forms. Rationale for therapeutic use, formulation and manufacture, and evaluation of stability and bioavailability.
Parenteral Therapy and Nutrition (with lab) 718-542 3 cr.
Advanced extemporaneous prescription compounding and preparation of sterile products, with emphasis on physico-chemical stability and compatibility of drugs and dosage forms. Also addresses principles of appraisal, comparison, and selection of appropriate commercial brand name and generic products.
Pharmacy Practice Experiences II 728-526 1 cr.
The second experience of a three-year Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) sequence. Provides opportunities to integrate learning from prior didactic courses such as The Role of the Pharmacist in the Public Health System, Managing Pharmacy Systems for Patient Care, current pharmacotherapy courses, and a previous community IPPE, into observation and discussion of the provision of patient care. Students participate in a wide variety of activities to expose them to the role of the pharmacist and patient care opportunities that exist in and out of the pharmacy practice setting. Focus on the provision of care in an institutional setting along with a variety of pharmacy practice settings which fall under an elective category. Continued exposure to the Pharmacist Patient Care Process (PPCP), which is a framework for providing patient care in a pharmacy practice setting.
Pharmacotherapy I 728-555 3 cr.
Clinical application of medications in the management of various disease states. Assessment and therapeutic monitoring of drug therapy with emphasis on the concepts of pharmacokinetics/dynamics, drug interactions, pharmacy practice, and patient counseling. Topics include medical nomenclature, basic clinical laboratory values, clinical pharmacokinetics, and neuropsychiatric therapeutics.
Integrated Pharmacotherapy Skills I 728-553 1 cr.
Learn pharmacotherapeutic skills necessary to develop competence as a pharmacist to assume the responsibility to improve therapeutic patient outcomes related to medication use. Skills will include patient communication, identification and resolution of drug-related problems, and documentation.
Professional Development and Engagement II – Cultivating Self-Awareness 728-463 1 cr.
Assists students with career exploration and recognition of how their knowledge, skills, abilities and values further their professional development.

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME & DESCRIPTION NUMBER CREDITS
Pharmacology II 718-522 3 cr.
Pharmacological actions of important drugs, including hematopoietic, thrombolytic, antihyperlipidemic, immunopharmacologic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antihypertensive, antianginal, and anti-arrhythmic agents, and agents used to treat congestive heart failure.
Medicinal Chemistry II 718-532 2 cr.
Chemistry of medicinal products, including antihyperlipidemics, glucocorticoids, estrogens, progestins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, antitumor agents, and enzyme inhibitors.
Pharmacotherapy II 728-556 3 cr.
Clinical application of medications in the management of various disease states. Assessment and therapeutic monitoring of disease states and drug therapy using the concepts of pharmacokinetics/dynamics, drug interactions, pharmacy practice and patient counseling. Topics include cardiovascular and pulmonary therapeutics.
Integrated Pharmacotherapy Skills II 728-554 1 cr.
Learn pharmacotherapeutic skills necessary to develop competence as a pharmacist to assume the responsibility to improve therapeutic patient outcomes related to medication use. Skills will include patient communication, identification and resolution of drug-related problems, and documentation.
Drug Literature Evaluation 728-570 3 cr.
Fundamentals of literature evaluation to enable students to make decisions regarding the clinical use of drugs.
Managing Pharmacy Systems for Patient Care 732-514 2 cr.
Introduces concepts and principles related to managing pharmacy operations and systems for patient care, and managing financial aspects of pharmacies.
Professional Development and Engagement III 728-464 1 cr.
Assists students with career exploration and recognition of how their knowledge, skills, abilities and values further their professional development.

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME & DESCRIPTION NUMBER CREDITS
Safety & Quality in the Medication Use System (with lab) 726-608 3 cr.
Addresses the problems of medication errors and quality in health care, problem resolutions, methods of assessment, and intervention implementation and quality management.
Pharmacology III 718-623 3 cr.
Pharmacological actions and underlying basic and clinical science of antimicrobial and antiviral drugs. Pharmacology of hormones and other drugs affecting the endocrine system.
Pharmacy Practice Experiences III 728-625 2 cr.
Integrates didactic learning with active participation in a wide-variety of patient-care activities under the supervision of a pharmacist preceptor including medication reconciliation, patient consultation, complex medication reviews, documentation, therapeutic drug monitoring and calculations. Continued exposure to the Pharmacist Patient Care Process (PPCP), which is a framework for providing patient care in a pharmacy practice setting.
Pharmacotherapy III 728-655 3 cr.
Clinical application of medications in the management of various disease states. Assessment and therapeutic monitoring of disease states and drug therapy using the concepts of pharmacokinetics/dynamics, drug interactions, pharmacy practice and patient counseling. Topics include various renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, rheumatologic and immunologic disease therapeutics.
Integrated Pharmacotherapy Skills III 728-653 1 cr.
Learn and build upon pharmacotherapeutic skills necessary to develop competence as a pharmacist to assume the responsibility to improve therapeutic patient outcomes related to medication use. Skills will include patient and healthcare provider communication, identification and resolution of drug-related problems, and documentation, and complex problem solving skills.
* Potential new course – Details coming soon
Professional Electives, as needed varies varies

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME & DESCRIPTION NUMBER CREDITS
Pharmacy Law & Regulation 732-611 2 cr.
Federal and Wisconsin laws related to drug manufacture, drug distribution, drug use, and pharmacy practice.
Pharmacy Practice Experiences IV 728-626 2 cr.
Integrates didactic learning with active participation in a wide-variety of patient-care activities under the supervision of a pharmacist preceptor including medication reconciliation, patient consultation, complex medication reviews, documentation, therapeutic drug monitoring and calculations. Continued exposure to the Pharmacist Patient Care Process (PPCP), which is a framework for providing patient care in a pharmacy practice setting.
Pharmacotherapy IV 728-656 3 cr.
Clinical application of medications in the management of various disease states. Assessment and therapeutic monitoring of disease states and drug therapy using the concepts of pharmacokinetics/dynamics, drug interactions, pharmace practice and patient counseling. Topics include hematology/oncology and infectious disease therapeutics.
Integrated Pharmacotherapy Skills IV 728-654 1 cr.
Learn and build upon pharmacotherapeutic skills necessary to develop competence as a pharmacist to assume the responsibility to improve therapeutic patient outcomes related to medication use. The course will focus on building complex problem solving skills including the integration of patient and provider communication, documentation, and evaluation of integrated patient cases with a secondary focus on patient profile reviews and comprehensive medication review and assessment.
Pharmacist Communication: Educational & Behavioral Interventions (with lab) 732-652 2 cr.
Educational & Behavioral Interventions (with lab) Intermediate principles of pharmacist communication with patients and other care givers; weekly communications laboratory provides opportunity to refine skills in listening, interviewing, counseling, and use of various educational and behavioral strategies to improve drug use.
Professional Development and Engagement IV 728-465 1 cr.
Assists students with career exploration and recognition of how their knowledge, skills, abilities and values further their professional development.
Professional Electives, as needed varies varies

Summer, Fall and Spring Semesters

COURSE NAME & DESCRIPTION NUMBER CREDITS
Acute Pharmaceutical Care Clerkship 728-740 6 cr.
This required PharmD experiential course integrates prior didactic course work in pharmacotherapy, pathophysiology, and drug literature evaluation into the provision of pharmaceutical care to hospitalized patients. The student will participate in the provision of direct pharmaceutical care, by monitoring drug therapy, providing patient counseling, and providing drug information and pharmacokinetic dosing recommendations for patients. In addition, the student will gain experience and insight into health education by interacting with other health professional students.
Ambulatory Pharmaceutical Care Clerkship 728-741 6 cr.
This required PharmD experiential course integrates prior course work in pharmacotherapy, pathophysiology, and drug literature evaluation into the provision of pharmaceutical care to ambulatory patients. Students will conduct patient interviews and assessments, provide drug information to patients and health professionals, and monitor drug therapy in ambulatory settings.
Health System Pharmacy Practice Clerkship 728-742 6 cr.
This required PharmD experiential course integrates prior didactic course work into the provision of care and the development and delivery of services for hospitalized patients. The student will be exposed to the 5 pillars of the medication use system (prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, monitoring), plus procurement/storage along with the hospital services and processes that support them. The experience will also include, but is not limited to, exposure to hospital-based services/programs/committees such as investigational drugs, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, quality/performance improvement (DUE/MUE), technologies, and personnel management. The experience will also expose the student to best practices, regulatory, legal, and accreditation standards/requirements that influence the quality and delivery of care to hospitalized patients.
Community Pharmacy Practice Clerkship 728-743 6 cr.
The purpose of the community pharmacy clerkship is to provide the student with an educational experience where they can develop the skills and judgment necessary to apply the knowledge gained in the basic and clinical sciences to specific patient care situations. In addition, the course seeks to demonstrate the philosophy that clinical (APPE) and distributive pharmaceutical services should be patient oriented and integrated in contemporary ambulatory practice.
Elective Pharmacy Practice Clerkship 728-760 6 cr.
This required PharmD experiential course integrates prior didactic course work in pharmacotherapy, pathophysiology, and drug literature evaluation into the provision of pharmaceutical care to hospitalized patients and ambulatory patients. The student will participate in the provision of direct pharmaceutical care, by monitoring drug therapy, providing patient counseling, and providing drug information and pharmacokinetic dosing recommendations for patients.
Elective Veterinary Pharmacy Clerkship 728-764 6 cr.
Practical experience in a veterinary medicine environment with emphasis on the drug treatment of diseases in animals.
Elective Clinical Research and Pharmacy Investigation Clerkship 728-769 6 cr.
This experiential learning course offers students the opportunity to gain experience with clinical and translational research in a mentored situation. Students will learn study design, laboratory techniques, statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, and ethical principles of research.

* Clerkships (advanced pharmacy practice experience) to total 42 credits.

Notes
  1. Some students will be assigned to clerkship sites outside the Madison area, and some students will not receive their most desired choice of clerkship region (“hub”).
  2. Students are not permitted to count as PharmD professional electives any courses that were taken before entrance into the School of Pharmacy.

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