UCSF School of Pharmacy

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, Pharmaceutical Health Policy & Management, 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.

Electives

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

Go To: PharmD Degree Program

PharmD Curricular Outcomes

The UCSF Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum prepares graduates to:

• Provide patient-centered pharmaceutical care
• Apply fundamental scientific and mathematical principles to pharmacy practice
• Communicate effectively with patients
• Work collaboratively on inter-professional teams
• Base decisions on sound science and best evidence
• Apply quality improvement principles to practice
• Manage medication use systems
• Promote public health and wellness
• Practice in an ethical and professional manner
• Maintain professional competence
• Provide leadership in community, professional, and/or political arenas.

PharmD/PhD Program

Students in the PharmD degree program may apply during the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year to enter a combined PharmD/PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics. Graduates of this combined PharmD/PhD degree are uniquely qualified to translate basic research into clinical applications. Learn more about the PharmD/PhD Program.