Master's in Forensic Drug Chemistry
The Forensic Drug Chemistry concentration, provided by the College of Pharmacy, is structured to provide the student with a strong foundation in analytical techniques, drug pharmacology, forensic drug chemistry and organic synthesis. The program is novel in featuring modules in forensic pharmacology, drug synthesis, expert testimony and QA/QC procedures. This program may be of interest to those currently working or seeking employment in the following areas:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Military services
- Pharmaceutical industry
Upon completion of the program, your diploma will state Master of Science in Pharmacy issued by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. Your transcripts will read Master of Science in Pharmacy, graduation date, major Pharmaceutical Sciences, concentration Forensic Drug Chemistry.
Application Information:
We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2013 term. For further information, please contact us.
Courses:
| Master of Science in Drug Chemistry | Spring | Summer | Fall | ||
| PHA 6425 | Drug Biotransformation & Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity | credits: 3 | x | x | |
| PHA 69351 | Forensic Medicine II | credits: 4 | x | x | |
| VME 6613 | Forensic Toxicology I | credits: 3 | x | x | |
| VME 6766 | Laboratory QA/QC | credits: 3 | x | x | x |
| PHA 6936 | Literature Survey (Drug Chemistry) | credits: 1 | x | x | x |
| PHA 6840 | Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs of Abuse | credits: 3 | x | x | |
| PHA 6354 | Natural Medicinal Products | credits: 3 | x | x | |
| PHA 6417 | Pharmaceutical Analysis 2 | credits: 3 | x | x | |
| PHA 6935 | Principles of Forensic Science | credits: 3 | x | x | x |
| PHA 6935 | Applied Statistics for Data Analysis | credits: 3 | x | x | x |
| PHA 6936 | Special Topics in Drug Chemistry (on location in Gainesville) | credits: 1 | x | x | x |
| PHA 6471 | Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry | credits: 3 | x | x | |
| VME 6605 | Toxic Substances | credits: 3 | x | x | |
| 1. | Forensic Medicine II does not satisfy credit requirements for Master's Degrees or Certificates. Students wishing to take this course should contact us at de-support@ahc.ufl.edu. |
Course Syllabus Catalog
The general course policies and the most recent course syllabus catalog are available as a PDF for download here.
Requirements To Earn Degree:
32 credits are required to earn this MS degree.
Grade Requirements:
The only passing grades for Graduate Students are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, and C. Please note C+ and C grades count toward degree only if an equal number of courses numbered 5000 or higher have been earned with B+, A-, or A, respectively. If a grade of C- or below is earned, the student will need to re-take the course when it is offered again to have it count toward a MS degree.
Please also note, as stated below, courses taken before being in the MS status must be earned as a B grade or higher to transfer toward the MS degree. Grades earned with a B- or less will not transfer.
Transfer of Credits Toward MS:
A maximum of 15 transfer credits are allowed to count toward a MS degree. These can include no more than 9 credits from institution/s approved by UF, with the balance obtained from nondegree and/or certificate courses at the University of Florida. These courses must be graduate level (5000-7999) and earned with a grade of B or better and the course(s) cannot have been taken longer than seven years from the term you begin as a MS student. To have credits reviewed for transfer from another University, please fax (352-273-8716) or email (de-support@ahc.ufl.edu) the following:
- a copy of your transcript (including a transcript key usually found on the back of the transcript)
- a course syllabus for review of what was covered in the course, and
- a letter containing which course(s) you would like to be considered for transfer and which course(s) you think the course(s) will replace in the Forensic Science Program.
We will forward the request to the Supervisory Committee for your major who will then make a decision. Also, if your official transcript is not already on file with the University Registrar, please sent it to:
| University of Florida |
| Office of Registrar |
| 201 Criser Hall |
| Gainesville, FL 32611-4000 |
Graduation Requirements:
Please read the information regarding the Master's graduation credit requirements for your last term.
Recommended Course Order:
The following is a recommended course order for Forensic Drug Chemistry:
- Principles of Forensic Science, Forensic Toxicology 1 and Laboratory QA/QC are recommened to be taken before any of the other courses.
- Applied Statistics for Data Analysis and Laboratory QA/QC can be taken anytime.
- Special Topics and Literature Survey should be taken in the final semester.
Special Topics Course:
The 1-credit special topics course will consist of three days of reviews, oral examination, and comprehensive final examination in Gainesville, Florida. Refer to Critical Dates for specific dates the course will be held each term.
Examinations:
In addition to tests, examinations and other assessments incorporated in the individual courses, masters students will be required to take a comprehensive final examination on the courses covered in this program.
Supervisory Committee/Academic Advisor:
A faculty member within the department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, and with graduate faculty status, will supervise all of the students enrolled in this program. If students have inquiries about the program curriculum or their schedule of courses they should contact the faculty advisor. Currently this person will be Dr. Ian Tebbett.
Library Access:
Students taking UF Forensic Science courses will also be granted online access to UF's Health Center Libraries.