Graduate Center (GC)

This course provides an introductory graduate-level knowledge base of biochemistry, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, immunology, and neuroscience to the beginning student. The primary goal is to convey a foundation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling cell, tissue, and organ system function. It utilizes a team-taught approach to give students an expert, cutting-edge overview of a wide range of topics, combined with various reinforcing group exercises designed to guide self-learning, and to broaden scientific interest and strengthen communication skills.

This course focuses on managing drug development projects in the pharmaceutical industry. The class is divided into small working teams for homework assignments and for the final examination. The emphasis is on the development of biologics; that is, large protein molecules such as antibodies. Faculty from major pharmaceutical (e.g., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb) and smaller biotech companies will teach this course. Topics covered, include: how new drugs are brought to market via the “development” process; how project teams develop the strategies and execute the development of new drugs; how compounds are discovered and tested before entering development; how commercial and legal (i.e., intellectual property) input is integrated into the early planning stages of drug development; how large protein molecule drugs are manufactured; how project management oversees and coordinates the development process; how patients are involved in designing clinical trials; the importance of health economics in drug development; and, finally, how drugs are launched and commercialized. For the final exam, teams of students will present their development plans for approval to a mock company management board.