This is an introductory course designed to lay the foundation for understanding basic concepts in pharmacology and the pharmacological basis of therapeutics. This course explores the general principles of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In the course, emphasis is laid on basic mechanisms of drug action in relation to both drug-receptor interactions and to the response of physiological and biochemical systems.

Students will also be introduced to the pharmacology of neuro effector systems and local anaesthetic agents. In addition, the course will outline the main stages of drug discovery and development. The course will help students acquire core knowledge in basic pharmacology for subsequent application in clinical pharmacy and other related courses in pharmacy.

The course will be delivered via face-to-face engagements (strictly face-to-face for the first 4 weeks) and on online platforms with prerecorded lessons on the University’s learning management system (LMS) and the use of Zoom sessions to support learning activities. Laboratory practical sessions and examinations will be by face-to-face engagement.

Broadly, 40% of engagements will be face-to-face and 60% will be online. All lectures are scheduled for 2 hours while laboratory sessions take 3 hours.