Unit information: Pharmacology of the Nervous System in 2021/22

Unit name	Pharmacology of the Nervous System
Unit code	PHPH20011
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Doherty
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Pharmacology 1A or Mechanisms of Drug Action
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit addresses the basic mechanisms of drug action, with a primary focus on Neuropharmacology. Major topics include: drug-receptor interactions; the pharmacological investigation of ion channels; central synaptic transmission; the pharmacology of the major classes of drugs affecting normal and abnormal central nervous function.

Aims:

At the end of this unit students should be able to explain the basic principles of pharmacodynamics (how drugs act on the body), how the structural features required for drug-receptor interactions can be determined, understand how drugs modify the actions of major families of ion channels, describe the key features of neurotransmission at the skeletal neuromuscular junction and the effect of drugs on this system, describe the major neurotransmitter pathways in the central nervous system and their modification by drugs, understand the concepts of tolerance and physical dependence, explain how drugs are used to treat a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the unit, students should be able to:

• Give accounts and demonstrate clear understanding of the mechanisms of the interactions of drugs with the nervous system;
• Synthesise, understand, manage and summarise information from a number of sources;
• Understand and interpret experimental procedures;
• Analyse and interpret scientific data;
• Read and understand scientific literature;
• Communicate clearly in writing and orally;
• Work effectively as part of a team;
• Use IT facilities for data handling and presentation of written work;
• Manage own time effectively;
• Plan projects and problem solve.

Teaching Information

Lectures (30)

Practicals (9)

Small group tutorials (4)

Workshops (3)

e-learning (eBiolabs, pre- and post-practical assignments)

Assessment Information

Coursework 30%

• eBiolabs weekly quizzes (5%)
• Full Practical Write-up (20%)
• Poster (2%)
• Presentation (3%)

End of unit assessment 70%

1. Short answer/MCQ paper (20%)
2. Essay paper (50%)

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHPH20011).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.