Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
PA30148: Central nervous system pharmacology |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description: | Aims: The aim of this unit is to provide a knowledge base of recent developments in central nervous system (CNS) pharmacology. In this unit, the broad base of CNS pharmacology obtained in earlier units (PA20023) will be the basis for an in depth study of selected topics. The aim will be to develop a knowledge and understanding of the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical basis of behaviours, and how such knowledge can be exploited for the identification and development of novel drug targets. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit, the student should be able to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of recently identified target molecules and processes in the CNS, give examples of the role of these targets in particular therapeutic areas and utilise a range of ICT and cognitive skills in acquiring knowledge and understanding and applying them to given situations. Skills: Scientific skills (T/F/A) Study skills, handling information, working with others (T/F). Content: A number of topics will be discussed in depth. In general, a knowledge of the neurobiology of a behaviour, that when perturbed can lead to clinical conditions, will be coupled with a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. In this way a rationale for identifying novel targets for therapeutics will emerge. Topics will be selected on the basis of their currency at a given time - examples may include anxiety pathways and novel anxiolytics, reward pathways and novel treatments for drug addiction. |