Historical Background
The College of Pharmacy at the Catholic University in Erbil (CUE) was established in 2022, with the first class of 31 students admitted in the 2022–2023 academic year. Currently, we have a total of 110 pharmacy students across the three stages, supported by a team of qualified national and international faculty members specializing in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinical Pharmacy, Clinical Biochemistry, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmacognosy. The decision to launch the pharmacy program stemmed from a strategic vision to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq at large, and to contribute to the improvement of public health outcomes through education rooted in ethics and social responsibility. Recognizing the critical role pharmacists play in modern healthcare systems, the College of Pharmacy aims to prepare pharmacists who are competent, compassionate, and service-driven.
At the Catholic University in Erbil, the Pharmacy program offers a modern, outcomes-based curriculum that equips students with comprehensive pharmaceutical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies essential for patient-centered care and public health promotion. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and soft skills necessary for success in today’s dynamic healthcare environments.
Upon successful completion of the five-year program, students earn a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, qualifying them for employment across a wide range of public and private healthcare institutions. The College features state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities supporting core disciplines such as Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Pharmacology. Students also benefit from structured practical training in hospitals and community pharmacies, including placements at Marayamana Hospital in Erbil, which provides valuable real-world clinical exposure. Guided by CUE’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical values, and community engagement, the College of Pharmacy is dedicated to producing well-rounded, ethical, and globally competent pharmacists who are prepared to meet the evolving health needs of society at both national and international levels.
Mission
The College of Pharmacy at CUE is committed to providing a strong foundation in pharmaceutical education and research through student-centered learning in both pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practices. We aim to develop ethical, innovative, and competent pharmacists who embody multidisciplinary excellence, social responsibilities, and lifelong learning principles to enhance patient care, foster healthcare partnerships, and contribute to national health outcomes.
Vision
To become internationally recognized for academic excellence in pharmacy education, research, and innovation, while improving pharmacy healthcare through ethical values, professional leadership, international collaboration, and strengthening cooperation with the pharmaceutical industry.
Program Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and application of pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical analysis, drug discovery, pharmacotherapy, and clinical pharmacy to effectively contribute to patient care and pharmaceutical services.
- Design, conduct, and critically evaluate scientific research in pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to evidence-based practice, innovation, and advancements in drug development and healthcare.
- Apply ethical leadership principles, cultural awareness, and professional judgment in all aspects of pharmaceutical practice, including decision-making, patient interactions, and legal responsibilitie,s while demonstrating integrity and social responsibility.
- Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams in diverse settings to enhance collaborative care and achieve optimal health outcomes.
- Engage in lifelong learning and pharmacy professional development, participate in community outreach, and implement culturally sensitive strategies for improving medication safety, public health, and healthcare systems.
Student Learning Opportunities
The Pharmacy program integrates several credit-bearing opportunities that enhance our students’ academic and professional development. Experiential education forms a core part of our pharmacy curriculum, especially in the 4th and 5th years. During their fourth year, students undergo internships in hospitals, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies, gaining early exposure to clinical practice, pharmaceutical care, and industrial operations. These internship placements provide practical training in areas such as patient counseling, clinical decision-making, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and quality control. In addition to structured internships, students gain hands-on experience through community pharmacy practice, hospital and clinical rotations, and industrial pharmacy exposure. Participation in health awareness campaigns further enables students to apply their pharmacy knowledge in real-world healthcare settings and contribute to public health and community service.
In the final year, students undertake a research project under faculty supervision. Research areas may include pharmacology, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, or pharmacy practice, promoting critical thinking, scientific analysis, and professional writing skills. Our pharmacy program also offers a selection of elective courses in advanced and emerging topics, enabling students to advance their learning to specific interests. These include Pharmacoepidemiology, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Clinical Trial Regulation Monitoring, Regulatory Affairs, Nutraceuticals & Cosmetics, and Pharmaceutical Marketing. These structured learning experiences prepare pharmacy students with both foundational knowledge and specialized competencies needed for diverse career paths in pharmacy.
Curricula
| First Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH1101 | General Chemistry | 7.00 |
| 2 | PH1102 | Principles of Pharmaceutical Calculations | 5.00 |
| 3 | PH1103 | Human Biology & Genetics | 5.00 |
| 4 | IR1105 | Kurdology / Kurdish Language | 4.00 |
| 5 | IR1104 | Academic Debate | 4.00 |
| 6 | EN1106 | General English | 5.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| Second Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH1201 | Histology | 5.00 |
| 2 | PH1202 | Analytical Chemistry | 7.00 |
| 3 | PH1203 | Pharmaceutical Calculations | 7.00 |
| 4 | PH1204 | Pharmacogenetics | 4.00 |
| 5 | EN1206 | Computer Skills | 5.00 |
| 6 | PH1205 | Medical Terminology | 2.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| First Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH2301 | Organic Chemistry I | 7.00 |
| 2 | PH2302 | Human Physiology I | 5.00 |
| 3 | PH2303 | Advance Pharmaceutical & Clinical Calculations | 6.00 |
| 4 | PH2304 | Physical Pharmacy I | 3.00 |
| 5 | PH2305 | Microbiology I | 4.00 |
| 6 | PH2306 | Anatomy | 5.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| Second Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH2401 | Organic Chemistry II | 6.00 |
| 2 | PH2402 | Microbiology II | 6.00 |
| 3 | PH2403 | Physical Pharmacy II | 6.00 |
| 4 | PH2404 | Immunology | 3.00 |
| 5 | PH2405 | Human Physiology II | 5.00 |
| 6 | PH2406 | Pathology | 4.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| First Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH3501 | Pharmaceutical Technology I | 6.00 |
| 2 | PH3502 | Pharmacognosy I | 4.00 |
| 3 | PH3503 | Pharmacology I | 5.00 |
| 4 | PH3504 | Medicinal Chemistry I | 5.00 |
| 5 | PH3505 | Biochemistry I | 6.00 |
| 6 | PH3506 | Elective | 4.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| Second Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH3601 | Pharmaceutical Technology II | 6.00 |
| 2 | PH3602 | Pharmacognosy II | 5.00 |
| 3 | PH3603 | Biochemistry II | 5.00 |
| 4 | PH3604 | Pharmacology II | 5.00 |
| 5 | PH3605 | Medicinal Chemistry II | 5.00 |
| 6 | PH3606 | Pathophysiology | 4.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| First Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH4701 | Clinical Pharmacy I | 7.00 |
| 2 | PH4702 | Medicinal Chemistry III | 7.00 |
| 3 | PH4703 | Pharmaceutical Instrumental Analysis | 4.00 |
| 4 | PH4704 | Pharmacy Training I | 3.00 |
| 5 | PH4705 | Pharmacology III | 4.00 |
| 6 | PH4706 | Research Methods | 5.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| Second Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH4801 | Clinical Pharmacy II | 7.00 |
| 2 | PH4802 | Pharmacy Training II | 4.00 |
| 3 | PH4803 | Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics | 6.00 |
| 4 | PH4804 | Toxicology | 6.00 |
| 5 | PH4805 | Community Pharmacy | 3.00 |
| 6 | PH4806 | Elective | 4.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| First Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH58901 | Industrial Pharmacy I | 7.00 |
| 2 | PH58902 | Clinical Toxicology | 5.00 |
| 3 | PH58903 | Clinical Biochemistry | 6.00 |
| 4 | PH58904 | Phytotherapy | 3.00 |
| 5 | PH58905 | Patient Assessment & Communication | 3.00 |
| 6 | PH58906 | Pharmacotherapeutics I | 6.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
| Second Term | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | M Code | Module Title | ECTS |
| 1 | PH581001 | Industrial Pharmacy II | 7.00 |
| 2 | PH581002 | Pharmacotherapeutics II | 6.00 |
| 3 | PH581004 | Hospital & Clinical Lab Training | 2.00 |
| 4 | PH581005 | Therapeutic Drug Monitoring | 4.00 |
| 5 | PH581006 | Pharmacy Law & Ethics | 3.00 |
| 6 | PH581007 | Prodrugs & Drug Discovery | 4.00 |
| 7 | PH581008 | Graduation Project | 4.00 |
| Total: 30.00 | |||
Class Schedule
Access the official weekly timetable for the College of Pharmacy at CUE. Please download the PDF below to view detailed information about courses, lecture halls, and session timings.
