The MCP Program

(Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology)

A new graduate program in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology was established in 2007 through the joint efforts of the Departments of Chemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UCI.  The program will offer a unique curriculum and exciting research opportunities for graduate students who wish to pursue careers in all aspects of drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry or in academia.

The aim of the MCP program is to provide students with state-of-the-art practical and theoretical training in their specific field of interest, such as organic synthesis, pharmacology, or molecular biology, while emphasizing the benefits of an integrated and interdisciplinary approach.  This dual goal will be accomplished through a one-year initial interdisciplinary program of coursework and lab rotations, followed by the transition into one of the participating department’s Ph.D. programs for in-depth specialization and research work.  The integrated curriculum offered in this program will give students a breadth of expertise that is not easily achievable in any single, individual department. 

Students in the program will benefit from the participation of the highly reputed faculty within each of the participating departments.  Active research programs in Chemistry include the synthesis of organic molecules and macromolecules of therapeutic significance that cover a large cross-section of chemical and biological space.  Faculty in Pharmacology have research programs in areas relevant to pharmaceutical pharmacology, especially neuropharmacology.  MB&B faculty enjoy active research in structural biology and drug design.  Participating faculty in Pharmaceutical Sciences have interests in a variety of programs with a direct impact on health sciences.

Upon successful completion of the MCP curriculum at the end of their first year, students will choose a faculty advisor who is affiliated with one of the participating departments, and will transition into their “home” department to complete the remaining degree requirements.  They will receive their Ph.D. degree from the department of their chosen advisor.

MCP participants will earn Chemistry, Biological Sciences or Pharmacology degrees.  A PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is not currently offered.

Graduate Support

Students in the MCP Program will receive full support through departmental funds, teaching assistantships and industrial fellowships.

Sponsored Events:

 Isis Pharmaceuticals Lecture

Vertex Scholar Day

Fellowships:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Admissions/Application Process 

Program Contacts

MCP Program Director: 

 Dr. Stephen Hanessian

4208 Natural Sciences I

University of California, Irvine

Irvine, CA  92697

949-824-5449

shanessi@uci.edu

 Inquiries

MCP Graduate Coordinator:

Ms. Leslie Noel

University of California, Irvine

Department of pharmaceutical sciences

Irvine, CA  92697

949-824-4892

lknoel@uci.edu