Who is the Department Pharmacology? 

The University of the Free State (UFS) Department Pharmacology is committed to pharmacology education and research, both clinical and analytical, and promoting rational use of drugs in humans and protecting humans against poisonous substances through teaching, research and service.

We are housed in the Pharmacology Building, situated on the Western side of the UFS campus at Senaat Street opposite the SASOL library.

History

The Department of Pharmacology was founded in January 1971 under the leadership of its first head, Prof FO Müller. Since then, the department has expanded and grown into a centre of excellency not only in pharmacology education but also in pharmacology research, both clinical and analytical, with the formation of the FARMOVS Research Centre in 1978 and the laboratory for testing of prohibited substances in sport in 1982. Recently, due to increasing growth and complexity in the department‘s structure, the Department of Pharmacology split again and the FARMOVS Research Centre attained independence when it became a fully fledged contract research organisation.

SA Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL)

We are very proud of the SA Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL) at the Department of Pharmacology, which was contracted by FIFA as the official dope-testing centre for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. The eight  staff members worked around the clock during the tournament to analyse specimens and get results to FIFA within 24 hours, using state-of-the-art equipment, the most advanced ever used for the World Cup. This was a great honour and privilege for SADoCoL to be involved in one of the world's major sporting events. 

Mission

To promote rational use of drugs in humans and protect humans against poisonous substances through teaching research and service.