An interdisciplinary course unit in basic pharmacology and neuroscience

A newly developed course unit for second-year medical students entitled 'Introduction to Pharmacology and Neuroscience' is described. Novel features of the course relate to its interdisciplinary approach to teaching of topics traditionally taught in separate departmental-based courses. An evaluation of this unit was conducted, in order to provide information to be used for decision-making and improvement and development of the ongoing programme. The evaluation involved a number of interviews with those involved in the course, including course convenors, teachers of the course, students, and members of the Medical Faculty Curriculum Review Committee. A questionnaire was also administered to students. As a result of this evaluation, a set of recommendations for future changes were made. A majority of the students interviewed were in favour of the integration of basic pharmacology and neuroscience, as in this course unit.