Pharmacology Certificate

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

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Students in a pharmacy lab.

Program Contact/Coordinator

Dan Hansen, Laughrey Endowed Dean
Brad Laible, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
James Clem, Associate Dean of Student Services
College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
Avera Health and Science Center 133
605-688-6197 or 605-688-5591

Program Information

The Pharmacology Certificate enables students to explore fundamental concepts in pharmacology, which is the study of how chemical agents, including drugs, affect biological systems. A basic understanding of pharmacology concepts prepares students for further education and careers in medical/health science professions.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the Pharmacology certificate, students will be able to:

Describe basic cell physiology, neural, hormonal, and neuroendocrine control systems.
Explain general mechanisms of drug action, principles of pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics, and reasons for individual variations in drug response.
Compare and contrast pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics with toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics.
Describe the pharmacology of medications used in the treatment of diseases related to the adrenergic and cholinergic systems.

Academic Requirements

Students in the Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)/Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program are not eligible for this minor.