This course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge on the use of xenobiotics as orthodox Western drugs in the treatment of human diseases. In the beginning of the course, the important principles of pharmacology will be introduced. This is followed by a series of topics on the therapeutic approach in tackling inflammation and pain management. Subsequently, a systematic coverage on the mechanisms of action of drugs that on various organ systems will be covered, from different components of the nervous system to the cardiovascular and renal systems. The last section of the course is on chemotherapeutic agents, ranging from the use of antibiotics to the different classes of antitumor drugs. In addition, students also have the opportunity to participate in a semester-end group presentation on approved topics relevant to pharmacology. By the end of the course, students are expected to acquire essential knowledge on the classes and clinical uses of different drugs currently commonly used in Hong Kong, plus a general idea about toxicology.