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PA40160: Central nervous system pharmacology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2019/0
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 10%, EX-TH 90%*
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • coursework* (CW 10%)
  • Open book examination of 24 hours duration* (EX-TH 90%)

*Assessment updated due to Covid-19 disruptions
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PA20023
Further information on descriptions 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: synthesise an in-depth knowledge of recently identified target molecules and processes in the CNS, evaluate critically 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 complex, incomplete or contradictory situations.

Skills:
Scientific skills (T/F/A).
Study skills, handling information, working with others (T/F).
Problem solving (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.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PA40160 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
  • USPA-AKM02 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with Year long work placement (Year 4)
Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)

Notes: