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Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


PA20023 Pharmacology of the central nervous system

Credits: 6
Level: Intermediate
Semester: 2
Assessment: EX 100%
Requisites:
Aims: To develop a knowledge of physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the central nervous system (CNS) and an understanding of the underlying concepts of the action of drugs on the CNS.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit, the student will:
1. have a working knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental properties of synaptic transmitters and pathways in the CNS
2. be able to explain the possible aetiology and pathology of major disease states affecting the brain
3. have a critical understanding of the mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses of the major classes of centrally acting drugs.
Skills:
Scientific and practical skills (T/F/A)
Study skills, handling information, working with others (T/F)
Oral communication skills (T/F)
Problem solving (T/F).
Content:
Physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the brain. The essential neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the normal brain will be examined in depth. The pathology and aetiology of major neurological and psychiatric disorders will be described and the major groups of centrally-acting drugs will be discussed in terms of mechanism of action and therapeutic uses.