Chairman's Letter
| Thomas C. Westfall, | |
| William Beaumont Professor and Chairman | |
 | Email: westfatc@slu.edu |
The Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science at Saint Louis University is Pleased That You Have An Interest in Our Program.
Modern research in pharmacological and physiological science applies the experimental methods derived from disciplines that range from clinical medicine to biophysics, biochemistry and molecular biology to provide a detailed understanding of drug action and physiological function at many different levels of inquiry. The Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science is a major participant in the current excitement involving research in modern biomedical science. The faculty in the department have diversified backgrounds in the fields of biochemistry, medicine, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology. A common theme involves the physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of intracellular and intercellular communication. Major areas of specialization include: neurotransmitter biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology; molecular biology, biochemistry and pharmacology of neurotransmitter, autacoid, neurohumoral and hormone receptors; intracellular signaling and transduction mechanisms; electrophysiology and ion channels; neurochemistry; cardiovascular and circulatory control mechanisms; regulation and function of the autonomic, somatic and central nervous systems; molecular, cellular and endocrine control mechanisms; respiratory physiology; neuropharmacology and drugs of abuse.
We have assembled an excellent faculty of scholars in the Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science at Saint Louis University. The faculty has been widely recognized by awards, appointments to national committees, and invitations to speak at international symposia. We also have an excellent record of success in obtaining national funding from such sources as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. Although a relatively young graduate program, we have been able to achieve national recognition in graduate education and research. Many graduates of our program have prominent positions in academia, government and industry. The Department has been awarded Training Grants from the National Institutes of Health. These prestigious and highly competitive grants are awarded to only a few programs nationwide each year and are perhaps the best indication of the high quality of our program.
We realize that a graduate program is only as strong and viable as the quality of the students entering the program and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the faculty. The objective of our training program is to provide individuals with the opportunity to achieve a high degree of competence in the extensive area of pharmacological and physiological science, thus preparing them for research and teaching careers in this area of biomedical science. To this end we are dedicated to ensure that our graduate training program is intensive, intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding. The Department places a high priority on both the teaching and research training of our graduate students. The program is characterized by close collegial relationships among faculty members and students, diverse research opportunities for students and individually tailored programs of course work and research.
I invite you to examine carefully the following information which describes our graduate training and research programs, the University and the city. I hope you will feel the sense of excitement and enthusiasm we have for our educational and research program and will be encouraged to inquire further into the opportunities for graduate training at Saint Louis University.
Thomas C. Westfall,
Email:westfatc@slu.edu
William Beaumont Professor and Chairman