Course overview
The aim of this course is to explore principles of drug action on the central nervous system, the implications of this for understanding mechanisms of action of common drugs of abuse and for developing therapeutic strategies for psychiatric and neurological disease. To achieve this, the course will begin with a basic introduction to pharmacology and neuronal communication, followed by a discussion of the biochemistry of major neurotransmitter systems. In later units, students will apply this knowledge to explore principles of drug abuse, as well as drugs used for the treatment of major psychiatric and neurological disorders. Students will develop awareness of principles of research design and data analysis in neuropharmacology and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to conduct and present the results of critical reviews of the primary research literature.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system
- Compare and contrast mechanisms of intercellular and intracellular neural signalling
- Describe the major neurotransmitters involved in CNS signalling and their functions
- Explain the mechanisms of action of commonly used drugs of abuse
- Discuss the neurobiological basis of both current and emerging treatments for major psychiatric and neurological diseases
- Evaluate and interpret articles drawn from the primary research literature in neuropharmacology
- Apply foundational knowledge of neuropharmacology and awareness of the current research literature to develop content on a class of drug/treatment