The broad objectives and goals of the medical pharmacology course are to allow each student to:

(1)  identify major drug classes* and prototype drug(s) for each class

(2)  discriminate among major drug classes* by their mechanism(s) of action at the molecular, cellular and organism levels

(3)  describe the basis for drug action on specific cells, tissues, organs, and integrated organ systems as a basis for decisions regarding applications in human therapeutics

(4)  recognize the potential for drug-induced significant adverse effects and toxicities of major drug classes* and specific drugs

(5)  link drug-drug interactions with specific observable and major adverse effects

(6)  identify and correlate significant contraindications with specific drugs and or drug classes*

(7)  recognize that special populations (e.g. pregnant women) require consideration when selecting drug classes or specific drugs

(8)  understand how to write a legal prescription