Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions students often ask about the Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway.

General Questions

1. Will I be competitive for post-graduate training positions (residencies, fellowships)?

   Yes. Our graduates have successfully obtained residencies and fellowships in very competitive programs. In fact, the vast majority of graduates have secured their first choice post-graduate training opportunity. Some pathway graduates have gone directly into research fellowships; other graduates have entered general practice clinical residencies to broaden their patient care experience.

2. Will the pathway give me the clinical experience I need to practice as a pharmacist?

   Yes. The PharmD curriculum is designed to prepare all graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality pharmaceutical care. Students in all pathways have had equally strong success in passing the board exam. There are opportunities for students in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway who seek additional patient care rotations to do so during the 4th year.

3. Is there enough time to complete my research project?

   Yes. The idea of the research project is to give students an experience in research by either creating their own research question or working with a faculty researcher on one of his or her existing projects. Research takes a very long time to get any real conclusions. In 6 months, you may not be able to get any conclusive results, but you will be able to move through the steps of research and work with some of the leading researchers in the world.

4. Do I need two advisors or can I have just one?

   All students in the pathway have both a pathway advisor and a research advisor. In addition to advising you on the requirements of the pathway, the pathway advisor monitors your progress in your research project and can assist you if there are points of confusion with your research advisor. The research advisor is your research mentor and supervises your research experience. We have found that students benefit from the perspectives both advisors bring to the student's experience.

5. Can I choose a research advisor outside of UCSF?

   Yes. The list of possible research advisors, most of whom are UCSF faculty, should only be considered your starting point. You are encouraged to contact individuals on this list as well as others you may learn about through your contact with UCSF faculty, discussions with your pathway advisor, or, perhaps, past research experience. Students in the pathway have demonstrated initiative in reaching out to faculty and researchers outside of this list. Examples include students who have conducted research projects in industry and those who have sought international research experiences. When you begin the pathway, you will be assigned a pathway advisor. Your pathway advisor can advise you in this process. If you decide to work with an individual outside of UCSF, your pathway advisor will serve as a liaison between UCSF and your research advisor. If you are interested in conducting research outside of a UCSF laboratory, please be aware that the arrangements are complex and planning must generally begin no later than the end of the 2nd year.

6. Can I carry out my research project in an international setting?

   Yes. A recent pathway student spent his research quarters working on a project in Uganda. International experiences require significant advance planning -- both in terms of research and funding. The faculty in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway work closely with students whose research interests lead them outside the US. We want to help you achieve your research goals.

7. Do I have to secure funding for my own research?

   No. Most students in the pathway participate in ongoing research projects in UCSF labs for which funds are already provided. Although not required, some past students have applied for external funding to support research endeavors overseas. There are small grants available through the School of Pharmacy to provide a minimal level of financial support. Students have used these funds for research-related costs and/or to help fund their travel to professional meetings related to presentation of their research.

8. Are there award or fellowship programs for which I can apply during my participation in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway?

   Each spring, the Alumni Association presents awards to graduating students for outstanding research in each of the 3 pathways in the PharmD program. Students are nominated for these awards by the pathway faculty. In addition, students can apply for the Long Prize for Outstanding Student Research awarded each spring to a graduating PharmD student.

Research-related Questions

1. How do pharmaceutical sciences research projects differ from those in the other pathways?

   The pharmaceutical sciences research project differs from that of the other two pathways in focus and in magnitude. This pathway has a focus on drug development and discovery, and students complete both basic and clinical science projects related to this area. The pharmaceutical sciences research project is a 2-quarter project and represents more units than the projects in the other two pathways. Since the foundation of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway is scientific research, the research project is the logical centerpiece of the pathway. Students find that the experience they gain in research provides a strong foundation for post-graduate research training.

2. How do I find a topic for my research project?

   Students identify topics for their research projects in a variety of ways. Many students enter the program with specific research interests, or they develop these as they progress through the curriculum. The list of past research advisors provides one starting point. We also encourage students to talk with the pathway committee to learn more about the opportunities available. We can also share the focus of past projects to help you see the types of projects students have selected. Although the faculty is here to help you, it is ultimately the students' responsibility to identify a research project and advisor. Our best advice is to begin by identifying your clinical and scientific interests. Since this project requires a significant commitment, we want to be certain it is one you are passionate about.

3. What kinds of projects can I choose for my research project?

   There are many types of projects suitable for the pathway. Some students are interested in basic science research while others are more interested in clinical studies. The pathway assistant in the Office of Student & Curricular Affairs can share past research project titles with current students to see the types of projects past graduates have completed. An important selection goal is to identify a project that is reasonable to complete within the 2 quarters of research. Since most research projects take a very long time to complete, students work closely with faculty to identify a stimulating project that is realistic to complete in the time available.

4. What should be the final outcome of the project?

   Each student prepares a final written report on the project and delivers an oral presentation to the pathway students and faculty. The final reports are presented in early March of the 4th year. A pathway syllabus which outlines all aspects of the research project and final report is provided to all pathway students. This syllabus outlines what students need to complete at each step in the process.

Go To: Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway