Overview of TGP Curriculum
The TGP Curriculum is designed to develop key scientific knowledge of therapeutics discovery and development, hone computational and analytical skills, and aid in advancing career exploration in a variety of therapeutics-related sectors. Our foundational courses provide the pillars of a well-rounded therapeutics education. The computational requirement strengthens the skills necessary to be a successful scientist and a competitive candidate in today's job market. And our elective allows students to pursue a more specific topic in therapeutics that is best for their academic and professional career. This curriculum is for students in the 2025 Cohort Onward.
Courses in one's Home Program may count towards TGP Requirements and vice-versa.
Listing of TGP Courses
BCMP 301 - Translational Pharmacology: The Science of Therapeutic Development: Modern Drug Discovery
M,T,W,Th,F - January Term
This intensive course covers principles of pharmacology and their translation into new drug development. Students participate in project groups composed of graduate students, medical students, and post-graduate M.D. fellows to propose a drug development strategy from target choice through clinical trials. Most mornings include two hours of lectures and/or panel discussions; most afternoons include (i) case studies presented by Harvard faculty and faculty from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and/or (ii) time to work on the group project. Evaluation is based on written and oral presentations of the group project and on class participation.
BCMP 236 - Modern Drug Discovery: From Principles to Patients
T,Th - Spring Term
This course will familiarize students with central concepts in drug action and therapeutics: specifically we will cover concepts surrounding Pharmacokinetics (PK) and the intersection of PK and medicinal chemistry in both lectures and case based discussions. These concepts are central to modern drug development and evaluation. In the course we will cover drug-target interactions, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics. This course will have a focus on modern approaches to therapeutic development for small molecules, protein based therapeutics, nucleic acid based drugs and antibacterial compounds as well new frontiers in therapeutic discovery.
SCRB 250qc - Cell and Gene Therapies
Th - Fall Term
Cell and gene therapies are among the newest breakthroughs in health care that can address difficult-to-treat diseases with no other treatment options. This course covers the history, development, and implementation of cell and gene therapies. Class time will consist of guest lectures from Harvard faculty or industry experts, in addition to discussion on primary/secondary research articles, case studies, and/or popular press articles. Students will participate in a capstone group project that proposes a novel cell or gene therapy, based on an unmet clinical need with a clear gene/cell target. Evaluation for the capstone project will be based on oral presentations of the project and an individual written assignment.