Master of Science in Drug Chemistry

We are now accepting applications
for the 2010 Spring term
For further information please contact us.

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:

The diploma will state Master of Science issued by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. The transcripts will read Master of Science in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences with concentration in Forensic Drug Chemistry.

Application Information
Masters Application

Courses
Master of Science in Drug ChemistryFallSpringSummer
PHA 6425 Drug Biotransformation & Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicitycredits: 3 x  x   
PHA 69351 Forensic Medicine IIcredits: 4 x  x   
VME 6613 Forensic Toxicology Icredits: 3 x  x   
VME 6766 Laboratory QA/QCcredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6936 Literature Survey (Drug Chemistry)credits: 1 x  x  x 
PHA 6840 Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs of Abusecredits: 3   x  x 
PHA 6354 Natural Medicinal Productscredits: 3 x  x   
PHA 6417 Pharmaceutical Analysis 2credits: 3 x  x   
PHA 6935 Principles of Forensic Sciencecredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6935 Scientific Evidence and Statisticscredits: 3 x  x  x 
PHA 6936 Special Topics in Drug Chemistry (on location in Gainesville)credits: 1 x  x  x 
PHA 6471 Synthetic Medicinal Chemistrycredits: 3 x  x   
VME 6605 Toxic Substancescredits: 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 Jennifer Larson.

Requirements To Earn Degree

32 credits are required to earn this MS degree.

Grade Requirements

The only passing grades for Graduate Students are A, B+, B, C+, 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+ and 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.

Please also note, as stated above, courses taken before being in the MS status must be earned as a B grade or higher to transfer toward the MS degree.

Transfer of Credits Toward MS

Only 9 credit hours taken at other institutions can be applied to the MS degree OR 15 hours taken at UF in another status. 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 (801-504-6192) or email (jlarson@cop.ufl.edu) the following: a copy of your 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.
  • Scientific Evidence and Statistics and Laboratory QA/QC can be taken anytime.
  • Special Topics and Literature Surveys should be taken in the final semester.
Special Topics Course

The 1-credit special topic 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:

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. Currently this person will be Dr. Ian Tebbett (itebbett@ufl.edu).

Library Access:

Students taking UF Forensic Science courses will also be granted online access to UF's Health Center Libraries.