Foundational Sciences:
* Biology: General Biology, Organic Chemistry (I & II), Biochemistry
* Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
* Physics: General Physics (often with calculus-based physics recommended)
* Mathematics: Calculus (I & II), sometimes Statistics
Pharmaceutical Sciences:
* Pharmacology: This is a cornerstone of pharmacy education, covering drug mechanisms, actions, and effects.
* Pharmaceutics: Focuses on the formulation, preparation, and dispensing of medications.
* Medicinal Chemistry: Explores the chemical aspects of drug design and synthesis.
* Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics: These courses study how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted (pharmacokinetics) and their effects on the body (pharmacodynamics).
* Toxicology: Deals with the harmful effects of drugs and other substances.
Clinical Sciences:
* Pharmacy Practice: Covers various aspects of patient care, such as medication therapy management, drug information, and counseling.
* Pharmacotherapy: Focuses on the appropriate selection and use of medications to treat specific diseases and conditions. Often broken down by organ system (e.g., cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, infectious disease pharmacotherapy).
* Patient Counseling & Communication: Essential for effective patient interaction and education.
* Drug Information & Literature Evaluation: Critical skills for accessing and interpreting scientific literature about medications.
Other Required Courses:
* Human Anatomy and Physiology: A strong understanding of the human body is crucial.
* Microbiology: Important for understanding infectious diseases and sterilization techniques.
* Law & Ethics: Covers the legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice.
* Social & Behavioral Sciences: Often includes courses in psychology and sociology, to understand patient behavior and health disparities.
Advanced Pharmacy Courses (during the PharmD program itself):
The PharmD program will also include advanced, specialized coursework in various areas, including extensive rotations in hospital, community, and other practice settings. These rotations are essential for practical experience and often count as course credit.
It's crucial to check the specific curriculum requirements of the pharmacy schools you're interested in applying to, as variations may exist. Pre-pharmacy programs at many colleges offer structured coursework to prepare students for the PharmD program, ensuring they meet the necessary prerequisites.