GRADUATE
PROGRAM

OVERVIEW

Pharmacology Graduate Program Overview
Pharmacology explores the nature of interactions between drugs and biological systems, and their applications to the treatment of disease. Courses in this field are offered to graduate, medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and other interested UW students.

The Department of Pharmacology offers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

Admissions Requirement
GRE Scores are not required. 

A baccalaureate degree with a major in any of the sciences, such as biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, physics, physiology, psychology, or zoology, is strongly advised. Students are selected from the applicant pool based on several criteria, including academic performance, letters of recommendation, and previous research experience.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum of 90 credits, to include:

• Pharmacology 501-506 course series with a minimum grade of 2.7 for each course.
• Pharmacology 507 throughout graduate school (must attend 5 seminars).
• Pharmacology 514 in the first and second years of graduate study.
• Pharmacology 519 (laboratory rotations) during the first year of graduate study.
• Enrollment in 3 Advanced graded courses. (Minimum of one course must be offered by the Pharmacology department.)
• CONJ 531 (Signaling Mechanisms in Excitable Cells)
• One Quantitative Analysis course.
• Creditable passage of the General Examination. Thesis research beginning the second and subsequent years of study.
• Completion of an approved PhD dissertation and creditable passage of the Final Examination, which is the defense of the dissertation.

Time to Doctoral Degree
The Graduate Program in the Pharmacology Department is designed to provide the guidance and mentoring necessary for graduate students to finish all course requirements and complete and defend their thesis research within a period of 6 years from matriculation. In the Winter quarter (Year 2) after entering their thesis lab, students will form and convene their Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee to review their progress in preparation for the general exam.

Following completion of the general exam, students are required to meet with their Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee at least once every 12 months. The committee and the student develop a definite plan of action for achieving specific goals, which will be summarized in the annual thesis committee report. Stipend and tuition support extending beyond year 6 are dependent on Thesis Committee approval and the advisor’s research funding or appropriate training grant support.

Financial Support
Financial support is offered to students who maintain satisfactory academic progress. Tuition and stipends are provided by National Institutes of Health training grants, University of Washington teaching assistantships, individual research grants, and fellowships from private sources.

Contact
Debbie Bale
Box 357750
(206) 543-7485
phcoladm@uw.edu

Pharmacology Course Offerings

PHCOL 501 Drug Discovery and Emerging Therapeutics (2) Zheng
Consideration of the general principles and current approaches involved in modern drug discovery and development, with an emphasis on basic concepts in drug action, delivery, and metabolism. Discussion of novel drug discovery techniques and emerging non-standard therapeutics. Lectures and student presentations. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemistry. Offered: A (first five weeks of the quarter).

PHCOL 502/CONJ 532 Signal Transduction from the Cell Membrane to the Nucleus (2) Scott, Ong
Intracellular signaling pathways leading from cell membrane receptors to the nucleus. Pathways activated by seven transmembrane receptors and G-proteins, insulin/PI3 kinase, nitric oxide and WNTs and mechanisms of signal termination. Cytokine/Jak/Stat signaling and role of subcellular localization in signal transduction. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of biochemistry. Offered: Jointly with CONJ 532; A (second five weeks of the quarter).

PHCOL 503 Autonomic/Cardiovascular Pharmacology (2) Nathanson
Consideration of the pharmacology of the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems. Emphasizes the mechanisms of neurotransmitter, hormone, drug action at autonomic synapses, and the molecular basis for physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. Lectures, group discussion, and analysis of recent research. Prerequisite: organic chemistry, biochemistry, and introductory anatomy and physiology. Offered: W (first five weeks of the quarter).

PHCOL 504 Neuropharmacology (2) Bajjalieh, Yadav
Consideration of the neurobiological basis of drug action on the central nervous system, including mechanism of action and therapeutic use in psychiatric disorders; neurodegeneration/neuroinflammation; control of neuronal excitability and pain; drug abuse and addiction. Lectures, group discussion, and analysis of recent research. Offered: W (second five weeks of the quarter).

PHCOL 505 Endocrine Pharmacology (2) McKnight, Sancak
Consideration of the pharmacology of endocrine systems including the actions of hypothalamic/pituitary regulatory peptides, glycoprotein hormones/growth factors, peptide and steroid hormones. Lectures, group discussion, and analysis of recent research. Prerequisites: organic chemistry, biochemistry, and introductory anatomy and physiology. Offered: Sp (first five weeks of the quarter).

PHCOL 506 Immunopharmacology and Chemotherapeutics (2) McKnight, Shechner
Basic principles of immunology as applied to immunopharmacology. Current overview of cancer chemotherapy and antimicrobial chemotherapy. Lectures, group discussions, student presentations, and analysis of recent research. Prerequisite: coursework in biochemistry and physiology. Offered: Sp (second five weeks of the quarter).

PHCOL 507 Pharmacology Seminar (1) Scott
Presentation of comprehensive reports on recent medical and scientific literature in fields of current importance. Research progress reports and reports on results of completed research. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: AWSp.

PHCOL 514 Current Topics in Pharmacology (1) Faculty
Requirement for first and second-year students.  Offered: AWSp.

PHCOL 519 Introduction to Laboratory Research in Pharmacology (4) Wang
On a rotation basis, students carry out individual research projects in the laboratories of different faculty members with appointments in the Pharmacology department. At the end of each rotation, students make formal presentations of their work. For first-year graduate students in the Pharmacology program. Offered: A,W,Sp

PHCOL 550 Introduction to the Pharmacology Department (1) Wang
Overview of the Pharmacology graduate program; presentation of program requirements including required courses and teaching opportunities.  Prerequisite: first-year graduate student in the Pharmacology program. Offered: A.

PHCOL 600 Independent Study or Research (*) AWSpS Faculty

PHCOL 800 Doctoral Dissertation (*) AWSpS Faculty

ADVANCED COURSES

PHCOL 527 Joint with MEDCH 527 Advanced Drug Metabolism (2) (Managed by MEDCH)
Considerations of the enzymology and mechanisms of biotransformation and disposition of drugs and foreign compounds. Includes chemical and biochemical reaction mechanisms, enzyme induction mechanisms, kinetics of inhibition and activation, inter-individual differences in metabolism and bioactivation and toxicity. Prerequisite: MEDCH 529, PCEUT 502, or permission of instructor; recommended: knowledge of chemical and biochemical mechanisms; knowledge of enzyme kinetics; and knowledge of chemical and cellular toxicity. Offered: Sp.

PHCOL 531 Genetic Analysis of Signaling Systems (3) McKnight
Current topics involving signal transduction will be discussed with an emphasis on genetic analysis of multicellular systems and creative experimental design. Prerequisites: permission of instructor. Offered: odd years; Sp.

PHCOL 534 Molecular Basis of Drug Addiction (2) Chavkin
Advanced consideration of the effects of drugs on neurotransmission and higher order neural systems including current topics in receptor pharmacology, hormonal modulation of neuro signaling, effects of disease on neural circuits, regulation of synaptic plasticity, and mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Prerequisites: PHCOL 504 or permission of instructor. Offered: even years; A.

PHCOL 537 Molecular Neurobiology of the Cell Membrane (2) Nathanson
Advanced consideration of the structure and function of cell membranes, membrane trafficking, exocytosis, endocytosis, membrane proteins, and lipid-mediated signal transduction. Processes important to nervous system functioning will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Neuro 501, 502, 503 or permission of instructor. Offered: odd years; W.

MEDCH 528 Biophysical Enzymology and Biopharmaceuticals (2) Atkins
Covers in-depth treatment of chemical catalysis and transition state theory as related to enzyme mechanisms; thermodynamics and kinetics of protein-ligand interactions, protein-protein-interactions and protein-lipid interactions, and methods for their study. Discusses therapeutically relevant examples, including viruses, therapeutic antibodies, and drug targets. Offered: even years; W.

MEDCH 541 Biological Mass Spectrometry (3) Whittington
Covers the basics of modern ionization methods and mass analyzers; small molecule structure assignment, quantitative assay development by LC-MS and metabolomics; quantitative discovery-based proteomics and validation methods; and peptide sequence determination, post-translational modification mapping, and protein structure determination methods. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: Sp.

MCB 543  Logic Constructs and Methodologies of Biological Research (3) Bajjalieh
Explores the logic and methods of general scientific practice, form historical, logical, and practical points of view. Covers philosophical and methodological matters upon which there is consensus and cutting issues of ongoing controversy. Includes both theoretical and practical application of scientific method. Offered: Sp.

PhD Requirements and Curriculum: First Year

Students engage in three different laboratory rotations and take classes in different aspects of pharmacology. The rotations provide students the opportunity to examine different biological problems and work in different lab environments, one of which will ultimately become their dissertation laboratory.

Fall Quarter:
PHCOL 501 – Drug Discovery and Emerging Therapeutics (2 credits)
PHCOL 502/CONJ 532 – Signal Transduction from the Cell Membrane to the Nucleus (2 credits)
PHCOL 507 – Pharmacology Seminar (1 credit)
PHCOL 514 – Current Topics in Pharmacology  (1 credit)
PHCOL 519 – Introduction to Laboratory Research in Pharmacology (4 credits)
PHCOL 550 – Introduction to the Department (1 credit)
CONJ 531 – Signaling Mechanisms in Excitable Cells (1.5 credits)

Additional Courses:
Students can take one Advanced Pharmacology course and/or additional graded approved courses selected from the list of approved courses. Students should not register for more than 18 total credits.

Winter Quarter:
PHCOL 503- Autonomic/Cardiovascular Pharmacology (2 credits)
PHCOL 504 – Neuropharmacology (2 credits)
PHCOL 507 – Pharmacology Seminar (1 credit)
PHCOL 514 – Current Topics in Pharmacology (1 credit)
PHCOL 519 – Introduction to Laboratory Research in Pharmacology (4 credits)

Additional Courses:
Students can take one Advanced Pharmacology course and/or additional graded approved courses selected from the list of approved courses. Students should not register for more than 18 total credits.

Spring Quarter:
PHCOL 505 – Endocrine Pharmacology (2 credits)
PHCOL 506 – Immunopharmacology and Chemotherapy (2 credits)
PHCOL 507 – Pharmacology Seminar (1 credit)
PHCOL 514 – Current Topics in Pharmacology (1 credit)
PHCOL 519 – Introduction to Laboratory Research in Pharmacology (4 credits)

Additional Courses:
Students can take one Advanced Pharmacology course and/or additional graded approved courses selected from the list of approved courses. Students should not register for more than 18 total credits.

Summer Quarter: 
Register for UCONJ 510 (2 credits)  OR PHCOL 600 – Research (2 credits)
(UCONJ 510 space is limited, register early!)

Students should register for 2 credits MAX.

Biomedical Research Integrity Lecture Series: Students attend a minimum of 2 lectures and 2 discussion sessions.

Student Advising and Evaluation
Dr. Edith Wang advises first-year graduate students and is responsible for overseeing the activities of individual students including course registration, laboratory rotation selection, and selection of their thesis advisor and Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee members.

The progress of Pharmacology students is reported quarterly to the Pharmacology Faculty. This report is based on the student’s performance during lab rotations and coursework.

At the end of the Spring Quarter of the first year, students select a thesis advisor (with the approval of the Department Chair) who will be the Chair of their Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee.

Laboratory Rotations
Laboratory rotations are designed to provide first-year students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the theoretical and technical approaches to research that are practiced in different laboratories. This experience helps students to select a permanent lab in which to conduct their thesis research. Students complete three 10-week rotations in the labs of their choice during the Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters of their first year.

At the completion of each laboratory rotation, students provide a title and abstract describing the objectives, results, and conclusions of their research project and present a short research talk to fellow students and faculty in the Pharmacology Department. The rotation advisor provides a numerical grade and written evaluation of the student’s performance in the lab and the rotation talk. The student receives a copy of the evaluation, which becomes a part of the student’s academic file.

Students with a Master’s degree and significant research experience may petition the Pharmacology Graduate Program Committee to reduce the number of laboratory rotations required before selecting a thesis advisor.

Selection of Dissertation Advisor
By the end of the eighth week of Spring quarter (mid-May), each student must notify Dr. John Scott (Pharmacology’s Chair) of their first and second choices for a thesis advisor. Finding a mentor who agrees to accept the student into his/her lab is a qualifying step for continuation in the Pharmacology graduate program and a successful graduate career.

With the approval of the Department Chair and completion of their Spring Quarter rotation, the student moves to their thesis advisor laboratory for the remainder of their graduate studies.

Biomedical Research Integrity
The summer series on Biomedical Research Integrity (BRI) was developed by the UW School of Medicine in response to a directive from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) requiring that all graduate students supported by NIH training grants be provided with training in the ethics of research. Additionally, the Medical School Executive Committee recommends that all trainees, regardless of funding source, participate in the BRI Series during their training.

The Department of Pharmacology requires all Pharmacology graduate students to complete the course in research ethics during their study in the department. It is a requirement for graduation, whether or not you may be supported on a NIH training grant. The Department office will receive an attendance sheet; the fulfillment of the requirement is documented.

It is required that first-year students take a minimum of two lectures and two discussion groups from the Biomedical Research Integrity Series. When you are on a training grant, it is essential to check with the administrators of the training grant every year to ensure compliance with specific requirements for your training grant.

PhD Requirements and Curriculum: Second Year

Students begin work on their dissertation research project, select their Doctoral Supervisory Committee, and prepare for the written portion of the General Exam.

Fall Quarter:
PHCOL 507 – Pharmacology Seminar (1 credit)
PHCOL 514 – Current Topics in Pharmacology (1 credit)
PHCOL 560-577 (1 credit) Register for your Thesis Advisor’s laboratory meeting course.
PHCOL 600 – Research (Variable credits)
The number of credits to register for will vary. Student must register for at least 10 total credits and no more than 18 total credits during any given Quarter, except Summer Quarter.

Additional Courses:
Students can take one Advanced Pharmacology course and/or additional graded approved course.

Winter Quarter:
PHCOL 507 – Pharmacology Seminar (1 credit)
PHCOL 514 – Current Topics in Pharmacology (1 credit)
PHCOL 560-577 (1 credit) Register for your Thesis Advisor’s lab meeting course.
PHCOL 600 – Research (Variable credits)
See Autumn Quarter for explanation.

Additional Courses:
Students can take one Advanced Pharmacology course and/or additional graded approved course.

Spring Quarter:
PHCOL507 – Pharmacology Seminar (1 credit)
PHCOL 514 – Current Topics in Pharmacology (1 credit)
PHCOL 560-577 (1 credit) Register for your Thesis Advisor’s laboratory meeting course.
PHCOL 600 – Research (Variable credits)
See Autumn Quarter for explanation.

Additional Courses:
Students can take one Advanced Pharmacology course and/or additional graded approved course.

Summer Quarter:
PHCOL 600 – Research (1 credit)
PHCOL 560-577 (1 credit)
Students register for their Thesis Advisor’s laboratory meeting course. Students should not register for more than 2 total credits during Summer quarter.

Teaching Requirement
Teaching experience is considered an important aspect of training in the Pharmacology graduate program.  Students serve as Teaching Assistants for one quarter of the Pharmacology 500 series during their second year or may choose to participate in a community outreach teaching experience. The TA experience begins with participation in the TA workshop on Teaching & Learning offered by UW in September. TA responsibilities for courses include attending all sessions, supporting 1st year graduate students, preparing and delivering lectures, management of class discussion and grading of student presentations. If you prefer to participate in a community outreach TA experience, please contact Dr. Stan McKnight (mcknight@uw.edu) for more details.

University of Washington Resources for Teaching: http://www.washington.edu/teaching 

Choosing Your Doctoral Supervisory Committee 
During the Autumn Quarter of the second year, students (with the advice of the Thesis Advisor and the Graduate Program Committee) select faculty members to serve on their Doctoral Thesis Supervisory committee. The Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee consists of the thesis advisor, Graduate School Representative (GSR), and Pharmacology faculty and faculty members from other departments most familiar with the student’s dissertation research area.

At least five, but no more than seven faculty members are recommended on the Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee. The majority of the Committee members should have a primary appointment in the Department of Pharmacology. At least one, but no more than three (including the Graduate School Representative), should hold primary appointments outside of the Department of Pharmacology. Only one committee member may be a faculty member who is not a member of the Graduate Faculty. The chair of the Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee (Thesis Advisor) and the Graduate School Representative (GSR) must be in attendance at the General Examination and at the Final Examination.

Criteria for selecting the Graduate School Representative (GSR)

• The GSR cannot have an appointment within the Pharmacology department
• The GSR has no conflict of interest with the committee chair(s)/student (i.e., budgetary, familial, romantic).
• The GSR must be a Graduate Faculty member with an endorsement to chair doctoral committees.
• The GSR cannot have an affiliate or adjunct appointment with the Pharmacology department.

The names of Committee members must be submitted to Debbie Bale, who submits the information to the Graduate School with the authority of the Graduate Program Director.

Individual Development Plan (IDP) Preliminary Review
Pharmacology graduate students in their second year of graduate school are required to create an IDP and schedule a preliminary review that will prepare them for a successful future career. Please see the following guidelines for details about “Creating an IDP“.

Preliminary Review
For the preliminary review, you should plan to present the general area/ideas of your thesis project. The primary purpose is to allow committee members to provide feedback on your potential thesis project and to help you formulate the actual specific aims of your future General Exam research proposal. This meeting also will allow you to get to know your committee members before your General Exam.

Students are required to convene a preliminary review meeting with their committee members before the end of Winter quarter of their second year.

Written Component of General Examination 
The written portion of the General Examination is scheduled by Dr. Wang during the month of June or July for graduate students to take at the end of their second year. The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the student’s knowledge and understanding of basic pharmacology and the medical sciences (e.g., biochemistry, physiology, molecular/cellular biology, etc.) and their ability to apply this knowledge. The exam is take-home and consists of questions written by members of the Pharmacology faculty.

Questions will be graded by the authoring faculty members and an evaluation of overall performance on the exam will be provided to each student. Areas of perceived weakness will be noted and may be reexamined during the oral portion of the General Examination. Results of the Written General Examination will be included as a permanent part of the student’s record.

PhD Requirements and Curriculum: Fourth and Subsequent Years

The student continues with their dissertation research and prepares for their dissertation defense.

Courses

Fall/Winter/Spring Quarter:
PHCOL 507 – Pharmacology Seminar (1 credit)
PHCOL 560-577 (1 credit) Students register for your Thesis Advisor’s laboratory meeting course.
PHCOL 800 – Doctoral Dissertation (Variable credits)

Summer Quarter:
PHCOL 560-577 (1 credit) Students register for their Thesis Advisor’s laboratory meeting course.
PHCOL 800 – Doctoral Dissertation (1 credit)

Annual Review of Dissertation Progress
In Winter quarter of your fourth year and each subsequent years until the doctoral defense, the student will be reviewed annually by their Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee regarding their dissertation progress. The student prepares a two-page status report, which is circulated to the Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee and meets with the Committee for a discussion of their dissertation research progress and future plans. The annual review must be completed by the end of the Winter Quarter each year.

Laura Sheard Graduate Lecture
Fourth year students will select the lecture speaker and will consult with the department’s seminar co-chairs prior to inviting the speaker. Student will also host a lunch and dinner with the speaker. Full details will be shared before the beginning of your fourth year. To learn more about the lecture, please visit: https://pharmacology.uw.edu/seminars/laura-sheard-lecture/

Final Examination
When you and your supervisory committee have agreed you are ready to graduate, you will select a Reading Committee, a subgroup of at least three members of your Supervisory Committee, who will be appointed to read and approve your dissertation. It is the responsibility of a Reading Committee to (a) ensure that the dissertation is a significant contribution to knowledge and is an acceptable piece of scholarly writing; (b) determine the appropriateness of a candidate’s dissertation as a basis for issuing a warrant for a Final Examination and; (c) approve a candidate’s dissertation.

Once you have selected the Reading Committee, contact Debbie Bale (db29@uw.edu) with the names of your choice, Debbie will enter the Reading Committee member names into MyGrad to inform the Dean of the Graduate School. Your Reading Committee will approve your dissertation online through the MyGrad Committee View portal. Instructions will be given to them by email from the Graduate School.

Next, you will need to select a date for the thesis defense that is acceptable to your Supervisory Committee members and you. After a date has been selected, contact Debbie to reserve a room for your defense. After a room has been reserved, log In to  MyGrad: https://grad.uw.edu/mygrad-program/ to schedule your doctoral final exam. Contact Debbie after you have entered the information in MyGrad for approval.

The other formalities regarding the final submission of your dissertation are all detailed very nicely, with each step delineated, at the following website: https://grad.uw.edu/current-students/enrollment-through-graduation/graduation-requirements/

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie.

Choosing the Doctoral Supervisory Committee

During the Autumn Quarter of the second year, the student (with the advice of the Thesis Advisor and the Graduate Program Committee) selects a Doctoral Thesis Supervisory committee and is required to convene a preliminary meeting with the committee. The Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee generally includes:

• Pharmacology faculty most familiar with the area of the student’s research.
• At least five but no more than seven members.
• The majority of the Committee members should have primary appointments in Pharmacology.
• At least one, but no more than three (including the Graduate School Representative), should be faculty members that do not hold primary appointments in Pharmacology.
• The chair of the Doctoral Thesis Supervisory Committee (Thesis Advisor) and the Graduate School Representative must be in attendance at the General Exam and at the Final Exam.

Criteria for selecting the Graduate School Representative (GSR)

• The GSR cannot have an appointment within Pharmacology.
• The GSR has no conflict of interest with the committee chair(s)/student (i.e., budgetary, familial, romantic).
• The GSR must be a Graduate Faculty member with an endorsement to chair doctoral committees.
• The GSR cannot have an affiliate or adjunct appointment.

Once selected, the names of the Committee members are submitted to the Graduate Program Specialist, who submits them to the Graduate School with authority of the Graduate Program Advisor.

UW Graduate School references

https://grad.uw.edu/policies-procedures/graduate-school-memoranda/memo-13-supervisory-committee-for-graduate-students/

Written Component of General Examination

The written portion of the General Examination is scheduled during the month of June at the end of their second year. The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the student’s knowledge and understanding of basic pharmacology and the medical sciences (e.g., biochemistry, physiology, molecular/cellular biology, etc.) and their ability to apply this knowledge. The exam is take home and consists of questions submitted by members of the Pharmacology faculty. Questions will be graded by the authoring faculty members and an evaluation of overall performance on the exam will be provided to the student. Areas of perceived weakness will be noted and may be reexamined during the oral portion of the General Examination. Results of the written General Examination will be entered into the file as a permanent part of the student’s record.

For more information please visit the UW Graduate School’s General Examination webpage: https://grad.uw.edu/policies-procedures/doctoral-degree-policies/general-examination-admission-to-candidacy-for-doctoral-degree/

Steps To Your Oral General Examination

1. Contact your Thesis Advisor and committee members to find a suitable date. Your Graduate School Representative (GSR), Thesis Advisor and two other committee members must be in attendance. When you have confirmed the date and time with your committee, notify Debbie Bale (db29@uw.edu) and a suitable location will be scheduled.

2. After you have identified a date for your oral General Examination, you will need to submit your request for a General Examination online through MyGrad at least three weeks in advance of the exam date. Notify Debbie after you have submitted your request so that she can approve the date and time of your exam.

3. Prior to the exam, your Thesis Advisor should review your academic record (including your performance on the written General Examination) to advise you of any areas of general knowledge that require special attention.

4. At least two weeks before the oral General Examination, a short written description of your thesis proposal must be circulated to your supervisory committee for them to review. A copy should be given to Debbie for your file. Specific guidelines for the written thesis research proposal will be provided to students at the beginning of the Fall quarter in their 3rd year.

5. Prior to the oral General Examination, your advisor will designate another committee member to chair the oral General Examination. For the examination, be prepared to give a thirty-minute description of your thesis proposal and research progress. This will be followed by thirty to sixty minutes of questions from your committee on issues related to the proposal. After the proposal-related questions, anticipate questions on general knowledge of pharmacology and related disciplines.Debbie will provide the necessary warrant that will be given to your Advisor. Each member of your supervisory committee who is present must sign the document.

6. If it is not possible to schedule your oral General Examination by the stated deadline, please speak with Dr. Edith Wang.

After successful completion of the oral General Examination, graduate students enroll in PHCOL 800 rather than PHCOL 600. This reflects the change in status from a pre-candidate to a candidate for the doctoral degree.

Steps to Your Dissertation

The first step to your dissertation is to select a Reading Committee, a subgroup of at least three members of your Supervisory Committee who will be appointed to read and approve your dissertation. It is the responsibility of a Reading Committee to (a) ensure that the dissertation is a significant contribution to knowledge and is an acceptable piece of scholarly writing; (b) determine the appropriateness of a candidate’s dissertation as a basis for issuing a warrant for a Final Examination and; (c) approve a candidate’s dissertation.

Once you have selected the Reading Committee, contact Debbie Bale (db29@uw.edu) with the names of your choice, Debbie will enter the Reading Committee member names into MyGrad to inform the Dean of the Graduate School. (After you submit your thesis, your Reading Committee will approve your dissertation online through the MyGrad Committee View portal. Instructions will be given to them by email from the Graduate School.)

Next, you will need to select a date for the thesis defense that is acceptable to your Supervisory Committee members and you. Contact Debbie with the date and time for room reservations. After a room has been reserved, go to your MyGrad account to schedule your doctoral final exam. Debbie will approve the date and time; an email confirmation from the Graduate School will be sent to all your committee members after approval.

The other formalities regarding the final submission of your dissertation are all detailed very nicely, with each step delineated, on the UW Graduate School Thesis/Dissertation webpage.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie (db29@uw.edu).