Curriculum Overview

The Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum consists of 4 years of full-time study to prepare students to be leaders and innovators in pharmacy practice. All students complete a required core curriculum and select an emphasis in one of three pathways: Pharmaceutical Care, Health Services & Policy Research, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Core curriculum

Years 1 and 2

The 1st and 2nd professional years are intended to broaden the students' knowledge in the basic biological, physical, and chemical sciences and understanding of the areas of professional emphasis in pharmacy. The emphasis in academic instruction shifts from the physical to the biological sciences to the mechanisms of drug action. Throughout the curriculum, students take elective coursework to explore their professional interests and the varied dimensions of pharmacy practice. In addition, through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs), students gain patient care experience in a variety of practice settings. See Year 1 course descriptions. See Year 2 course descriptions.

Pathway curriculum

Year 3

The 3rd professional year is a transitional year, combining additional scientific and professional courses with a significant clinical orientation. Students take an increasing number of pathway-specific courses in the 3rd year. See Year 3 course descriptions. See pathways curriculum.

Year 4

The 4th year combines experience in patient care settings with a focus on the pathway through a combination of required and elective courses. Students complete advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) in a variety of acute, ambulatory, long-term care, and community settings. The clinical curriculum focuses on applying formal classroom training to the practice of pharmacy in the total health care of patients. See pathways curriculum.

International experiences

UCSF student pharmacists have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs focused on global health. Participating in an international APPE or other global health education experience outside the U.S. is optional, and significant planning on the part of the student is required. Final approval for any international experience for which students will receive academic credit rests with the faculty.

In addition, students can participate in other UCSF/UC-affiliated programs such as the Global Health Framework Program during summer. These programs often provide rich learning experiences but do not involve academic credit.

Electives

Elective courses enable you to further extend your study into the areas which interest you.

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