Teaching and Learning of Pharmacology in a New Medical Curriculum: The University of Hong Kong Experience

Abstract

A new curriculum was introduced for medical students in the Faculty of Medicine,University of Hong Kong in 1997.Integrated teaching and other changes including problem-based learning were adopted to replace the predominately didactic lecture-basedteaching mode used previously.The implementation of the new curriculum necessitateda change in the teaching of pharmacology to medical students.We review our experience with this change in the curriculum from the prospective of the teaching of pharmacology.Careful planning and coordination are prerequisite prior to implementation ofa new curriculum.Staff development in terms of tutor training and modifications in theexamination format are also essential.Evaluation and monitoring of the curriculum areongoing to ensure that medical students gain adequate knowledge in pharmacologyand other subjects,and are also able to meet the challenges of a career in medicine.