- Academic Registry
Course & Unit Catalogues


SL40095: Central nervous system pharmacology (PA40160)

[Page last updated: 26 October 2023]

Academic Year: 2023/24
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CW 10%, EX 90%
Assessment Detail:
  • PA40160 coursework (CW 10%)
  • PA40160 examination (EX 90%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take PA20023 OR take SL20028
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.


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.

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

Course availability:

SL40095 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AKM04 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with Year long work placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.