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.
- Fundamentals of neuropharmacology
- Psychoactive drugs and brain mechanisms of substance use disorder
- Psychiatric and neurological diseases including current and emerging treatments
Course learning outcomes
- Describe key synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system and their associated functions.
- Compare and contrast mechanisms of intercellular and intracellular neural signalling.
- Explain the mechanisms of action of commonly used psychoactive drugs and brain mechanisms of substance use disorder.
- Describe the neurobiology underlying the treatment of major psychiatric and neurological diseases.
- Work effectively as part of a group to examine assigned common mental health disorder or neurological diseases and its treatment by evaluating and interpreting articles drawn from the primary research literature in neuropharmacology.