1. To provide a course in pharmacology with the aim of achieving adequate knowledge and competence in pharmacology, which form the basis for rational drug therapy in medical practice. The student by the end of the course should be able to:
Recognize that drugs have action at most systems and should be able to group drugs with common pharmacological actions and appreciate that this classification is not absolute.
Understand the principles of pharmacokinetics i.e. drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and be able to apply these principles in therapeutic practice.
Understand the mechanism of drug action at molecular as well as cellular levels, both desirable and adverse.
Be able to know or to prototype drugs of clinical importance within each pharmacological group
Know the common serious side effects and contraindications of each prototype drug, its interactions and factors modifying drug action.
Know the general principles of acute drug poisoning and other drug related problems such as addiction and abuse.
2. To conduct studies in the field of pharmacology, both basic and clinical, as well as in toxicology to enrich pharmacological knowledge and help in solving problems related to drugs in Iraq at large and in Basrah in particular.
3. To establish a channel of collaboration between our undergraduate and postgraduate studies and the High Commission of Medical Specializations and other colleges of the medical group such as colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy to conduct joint workshops, conferences, research and postgraduate supervision and examination.
4. The department aims to be a part of drug vigilance in partnership with the general Directorate of Health in Basra to document and follow up cases of abnormal drug use and poisoning as well as counterfeit drugs. In addition, the department looks for establishing drug poison information service and drug monitoring laboratories as a part of the services offered to community.