Summer Springboard

Pharmaceutical Sciences

ON THE CAMPUS OF UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

THIS PROGRAM OFFERS STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC AND IMPACTFUL FIELDS IN HEALTHCARE.

THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.

Pharmaceutical Sciences

  • Develop an understanding of fundamental pharmaceutical principles and drug development processes.
  • Explore the diverse applications of pharmaceutical sciences in areas such as clinical research, biotechnology, and regulatory affairs.
  • Enhance understanding of pharmaceutical sciences by becoming familiar with key vocabulary and terminology.
  • Gain insight into how data drives decision-making and advances research.
  • Discover a variety of career options within the field and learn about the impact on public health and wellness.

Summer Springboard

Pharmaceutical Sciences

About This Course

Seattle is a hub for pharmaceutical innovation, home to cutting-edge research and groundbreaking advancements in drug development. This pilot Summer Springboard course is perfect for students passionate about the future of medicine and fascinated by the science behind it. Have you ever wondered how the medications we take are developed and what processes ensure their safety and effectiveness? Our Pharmaceutical Sciences course offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most dynamic and impactful fields in healthcare.

Throughout the session, students will dive into the fascinating world of pharmaceutical sciences, building a strong foundation in key concepts, engaging in hands-on projects, and discovering the endless academic and professional paths within the field. This course covers essential aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. Students will participate in group work, case studies, and discussions with industry professionals, gaining real-world insights into the challenges and innovations shaping modern medicine. Whether you aspire to a career in research, clinical practice, or pharmaceutical development, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the field.

There are no prerequisites required for this course.

Guest Speakers and Excursions: Students will have the chance to visit companies, labs, or departments in the Pharmaceutical Sciences industry, as well as hear from experienced professionals in the field.

TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE

Hands-on Learning

Students will engage in hands-on projects, group work, and case studies to understand the science and processes behind drug development.

Career Exploration

Through guest speakers and visits to companies and labs, students will gain real-world insights into diverse careers in pharmaceutical sciences.

RESOURCES

Course Infosheet

Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.

Program Catalog

Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.

Campus Page

Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.

“I’ve done other programs like this before, but this one was far better than any other. I felt a real connection to all the staff and felt comfortable discussing my problems with them. I loved my class as it gave me insights into what I might do in the future, and lastly it introduced me to new people who I hope to stay in contact with for years to come.”

– Jeremy T. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Darrell Jackson is an Associate Professor at Washington State University, Spokane, since 2019, where he has been teaching pharmacology to pharmacy, graduate, and undergraduate students. Before joining the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Washington State University, Dr. Jackson served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Montana (2004-2019), where he taught pharmacology, neuroscience, and neuroanatomy to pharmacy, physical therapy, graduate, and undergraduate students.

Dr. Jackson was an assistant professor at Morehouse School of Medicine (1999-2004) in the Neuroscience Institute and at the College of Pharmacy at Washington State University (Pullman, 1996-1999), where he taught pharmacology to medical and pharmacy students. Following the completion of his doctorate degree in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Washington State University, where his research focused on investigating the role of serotonin receptors on the excitability of sensory and motoneurons in the spinal cord, Dr. Jackson became a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Boston University, investigating the regulation of acetylcholine in the hippocampal brain region.

Before becoming an assistant professor, Dr. Jackson continued his postdoctoral training at the University of Washington in the Department of Pharmacology, where he studied the regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in heart cardiomyocytes. His current research involves ischemic stroke investigations, specifically studying the neuroprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion-mediated excitotoxicity in premenopausal females (proestrus cycle) and why this effect is ablated in postmenopausal (acyclic) females.

DARRELL JACKSON

“I felt so welcomed by my peers and staff at this program, and I am so excited for a real college experience!”

– Carter G. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dates & Tuition

2026 Dates
July 27, 2026 August 8, 2026

Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.

Tuition
 Residential Tuition: $5,698
 Commuter Tuition: $2,998

Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.

Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.

Location
 City: Seattle
 State: Washington
Campus: University of Washington

Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.