Neuropharmacology of Human Health

BIOL31671 Neuropharmacology of Human Health 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 3 Mino Belle Unit coordinator School of Biological Sciences 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 Neuropharmacology of Human Health presents key topics at the forefront of modern neuropharmacology. Emphasis will be placed on how the molecular and cellular basis of function of major excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory neurotransmitter receptor systems operate under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. You will gain active knowledge into the role of neurotransmitter systems in the generation and therapy of diverse, but significant, neuropathological disorders. Neuropharmacology of Human Health presents key topics at the forefront of modern neuropharmacology. Emphasis will be placed on how the molecular and cellular basis of function of major excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory neurotransmitter receptor systems operate under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. You will gain active knowledge into the role of neurotransmitter systems in the generation and therapy of diverse, but significant, neuropathological disorders. The aim of this unit is to provide a thorough understanding of key neurotransmitter systems and how these systems function under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. You will gain insight into how these neurotransmitter systems are targeted to provide therapeutic benefit in the clinic.PLEASE NOTE: This unit has restricted numbers and it may not be possible for students to be enrolled on this unit during the two-week course unit change period at the start of semester 1.   • Understand the importance of neurotransmission for health and disease.• Describe the known signalling defects underlying specific neurological diseases and the consequences of these defects to neural circuit function and whole organism behaviour.• Describe the application of appropriate research methods used to investigate these processes and to identify aberrant signalling mechanisms.• Understand and interpret primary research findings and describe how these have been used to develop clinical treatments.• Understand how to find, identify and interpret key data, concepts and ideas and to pass these on to others. Analytical skills Multiple sources of information often provide conflicting views. The student needs to balance what they read to reach an appropriate conclusion. Oral communication Students are encouraged to ask questions during and after lectures. Research Expectation that the student will undertake additional reading to understand and extend knowledge provided in lectures. Written communication Summative exam answers (essay). For all areas, there will be material detailing basic principles and building on those from the prerequisite unit (BIOL21312 Drugs and the Brain). The topicality and importance of these areas will then be underscored by additional material designed to foster critical thinking.Neurobiology and pharmacology of addiction.Role of glutamate in schizophrenia and stroke.Role of acetylcholine in Alzheimer’s disease.5-HT and psychedelics.Brain regulation of metabolism.Rhythms in mental health and disease   0 Other 10% 1 Written exam 90% 2 hour examination (90%) consisting of: Section A (1 hour) - answer 1 essay question from a choice of 3. Section B (1 hour) - answer 1 essay question from a choice of 3. Other - Canvas self-directed activity (10%). Each lecture block will have an associated element of self-directed activity to allow for assessment on understanding during the unit. These activities will reinforce lecture material.  Interactive sessions will allow discussion and formative feedback to students. Each lecture block will have an associated element of self-directed activity to allow for assessment of understanding (this activity will collectively be worth 10% of the final mark).   BIOL21312 Drugs & the Brain Pre-Requisite Compulsory BIOL31671 Pre-requisite is BIOL21312BIOL31671 Pre & Co-requisites is BIOL21312 N Specified reading will be advertised on Canvas for each block of material. Assessment written exam 2 Lectures 18 0 80