- UCAS course code
- C132
- UCAS institution code
- M20
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Course unit details:
Drugs & the Brain
| Unit code | BIOL21312 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Drugs and the Brain outlines the important types of drugs, including anaesthetics, antipsychotics and antidepressants, which are used to influence activity in the brain. You will learn how these drugs act on neurotransmitters and the side effects that their actions can cause.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drugs: From Molecules to Man | BIOL10822 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Clinical Drug Development | BIOL21302 | Co-Requisite | Recommended |
Aims
To describe
- the aetiology and symptomology of a range of brain disorders
- the range of mechanisms by which drugs can interfere with neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS)
- how neurotransmitter activities can be modified by drugs leading to the rational treatment of CNS disorders
- how an understanding of neurotransmitters and mechanisms of drug action can lead to more selective treatment of CNS disorders.
Learning outcomes
After completing the unit and recommended reading, students should have an understanding of:
- basic mechanisms of brain disorders
- important classes of drugs used in medicine and/or biological research to influence central neuronal activity, particularly in humans
- the mechanisms of action of these drugs in terms of their effects on major neurotransmitters
- mechanism-related drug side-effects
Syllabus
• Introduction to neuropharmacology
• The central synapse: neurotransmitter systems as targets for drug therapy
• Accessing the central synapse: the blood-brain barrier to drugs
• Pharmacology of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
• Pharmacology of general anaesthetics and local anaesthetics
• Pharmacology of antipyretic-analgesic drugs
• Pharmacology of opioid analgesic drugs
• Pharmacology of antiepileptic drugs
• Pharmacology of anxiolytic drugs
• Pharmacology of CNS stimulants and psychotomimetics
• Pharmacology of antipsychotic drugs
• Pharmacology of antidepressant drugs
e-Learning Activity
Online assessment for formative feedback. A formative e-learning course with self-assessment activities will run alongside the lecture programme.
Employability skills
- Group/team working
- The material in the Blackboard discussion group has been healthy and interactive, with lots of student participation (ie not just asking questions, but helping one another)
- Oral communication
- Students may ask questions during/after the lecture.
- Written communication
- Through the use of Blackboard discussion board (see below)
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 5% |
| Written exam | 95% |
Online: 2 MCQ exams, (2.5% each). Take home written examination comprising 2 essays from a choice of 6 (95%).
Feedback methods
Mid-sessional formative assessment / feedback. Post-exam guidance.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
| Lectures | 22 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 76.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Richard Prince | Unit coordinator |