Unit information: Pharmacology of ion channels and synaptic transmission in 2013/14

Unit name	Pharmacology of ion channels and synaptic transmission
Unit code	PHPH30002
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Usowicz
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	PHAR20001 Principles of Pharmacology 2A PHAR20002 Principles of Pharmacology 2B
Co-requisites	20 cp Concepts and Skills (pharmacology) 20 cp Receptor signalling and non-drug therapies 20 cp Pharmacology of the nervous system 40 cp Pharmacology Introduction to Industrial study (MSci) 80 cp Pharmacology Industrial Study (MSci) 40 cp Pharmacology Research project (BSc/BSc with SiI) 40 cp Pharmacology Research proposal (MSci)
School/department	School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Students study advanced topics covering the pharmacology of ion channels and synaptic transmission. Lectures examine how drugs affect the function of a number of ion channels (including potassium and calcium channels), the roles these channels play in regulating synaptic transmission, examples of diseases caused by mutations in ion channels, the fundamental properties of synaptic transmission, and how drugs can be used to modify the operation of channels and synapses in the treatment of disease.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced topics covered in the unit and an ability to keep abreast with recent developments in the relevant field.
• The ability to gather information from the primary scientific literature and to critically evaluate the material and appraise competing theories.
• The ability to integrate information from multiple sources and disseminate it in written accounts.
• An understanding of the importance of specialist ion channel and synaptic pharmacology.

Teaching Information

Lectures, practicals

Assessment Information

The unit will be assessed through an in-course essay (1000 words) (10%) and one 3 hour examination in May/June (90%).

Reading and References

Reviews and primary articles from the current scientific literature (updated by individual lecturers on an annual basis).