The
Pharmacology Department, in the Faculty of Medicine, was established in 1988 to provide the medical and paramedical students with basic and clinical concepts on drugs employed in the management of various disease processes in a systemic manner. The Department of Pharmacology offers several undergraduate and graduates courses in pharmacology and related fields. Currently, there are three professors, two associate professors, and lecturer as teaching staff members in the department. In addition, two teaching assistants are currently available.
The Department of Pharmacology participates in the undergraduate study program of medicine by offering a general pharmacology course for the medical students in collaboration with the dental, and Pharm. D. students. In addition, the staff members in the department participate in teaching the pharmacology part of various systems during the second and third year of the program in the School of Medicine.
In the academic year 2003/2004, the department developed a Master (M.S.) Program in pharmacology, and a patch of three students were enrolled in this program. Students enrolled in the M.S. program can earn the degree through a thesis program which requires 25 credit hours of course work in addition to 9 credit hours for a research project, alternatively, student may obtain the degree after completion of 34 credit hour of course work and passing a comprehensive exam.
The faculty members in the department conduct research work in various areas related to pharmacology and toxicology. The research includes, pharmacogenetics, drug interactions, bioequivalent studies, pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease, anticonvulsants, Some staff members of the department are in involved in ethical committees supervising clinical studies.