assortment of pills and capsules

Applied Clinical Pharmacology

MSc

Our Program

Applied Clinical Pharmacology (ACP) is a highly customizable, course-based master’s degree program housed within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Our integrated curriculum incorporates greater breadth of study than a traditional thesis-based degree while still providing meaningful research opportunities. Our dynamic program aims to enhance the scientific, analytical, communication and professionalism skills of our learners.

Our students complete interactive courses in clinical pharmacology, focusing on drug development, clinical trial design and drug safety, and the application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles. Throughout the ACP program, students interact with pharmacologists, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals and trainees, gaining knowledge and skills related to clinical pharmacology and its application.

Small class sizes facilitate individualized programs of study. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of career interests through specialized coursework, a supervised research project, networking events and full-time placements in a variety of workplace settings. Many of our students are offered full-time employment as they approach graduation, resulting from successful job placements during their program.

Curriculum

Year One

  • PCL1004Y, Clinical Pharmacology (1.0 FCE)
  • PCL1100H, Applied Skills in Clinical Pharmacology (0.5 FCE)
  • PCL1300H, Selected Topics in Clinical Pharmacology (0.5 FCE)
  • PCL1400H Systems Pharmacology I (0.5 FCE)
  • PCL1402H, Pharmacology and Toxicology in Drug Development (0.5 FCE)
  • PCL1491H, Clinical Pharmacology: Principles in Practice (0.5 FCE)
  • PCL1500H, Systems Pharmacology II (0,5 FCE)
  • PCL2200Y Major Research Project (1.0 FCE)
  • PCL3302H, Ethical Considerations and Regulation Affairs in Drug Development (0.25 FCE)
  • PCL3303H, Statistics, Bioinformatics, and AI in Clinical Pharmacology (0.25 FCE)

Year Two

  • 2.5 FCE electives

Potential Career Paths

Sample Job Titles

Graduates will obtain a knowledge and skill set that enables them to pursue a variety of careers. Some examples include:

  • Clinical Trials Manager
  • Medical Writer
  • Data Analyst
  • Market Access Intern
  • Global Study Associate
  • Pharma Consultant
  • Pharmacokinestics Specialist
  • Regulatory Affairs Associate
scientist works at a fume hood

By the Numbers

16
Annual class size.
50+
Number of practicum placement employers.
100%
Graduate employment rate.
Class of November 2022

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Learn more about our program in applied clinical pharmacology.

*Full course equivalent. A typical 0.5 FCE is over one term (13 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week. A typical 1.0 FCE is over two terms (26 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week.

**This course is an opportunity to complete further study under the supervision of the same graduate faculty member as PCL2200Y. It is intended for students who wish to pursue more in-depth study of their research question(s), generally with the intention of publishing their research findings. It can only be taken subsequent to completion of PCL2200Y. 

***Clinical Practicums: Students may wish to include a 4-month (PCL2101Y or PCL2102Y) or 8-month (PCL2100Y) placement option with an approved employment site (e.g., pharmaceutical company, contract research organization (CRO), consulting business, government agency, healthcare partner). The placement is an opportunity for students to explore and immerse themselves in areas such as drug development, medical writing, adverse event reporting, pharmacokinetic analysis, and clinical trial design and management.