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SL22021: Central nervous system pharmacology

[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CWRI 20%, EXCB 80%
Assessment Detail:
  • MCQ/SAQ (EXCB 80%)
  • Data analysis (CWRI 20%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Pre-requisite- lectures on receptor pharmacology and basic brain/neuroanatomy (Health and Disease)
Before taking this module you must take SL12010 OR take SL12122 OR take SL12123
Learning Outcomes: At the end of this unit, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental properties of synaptic transmitters, receptors and drug targets in the CNS
  • Explain the possible aetiology, neurobiology and pathology of major disease states affecting the brain
  • Demonstrate understanding of the mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses of the major classes of centrally acting drugs
  • Explain the use and validity of research animals to investigate drug action and disease processes.



Synopsis: Develop knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental properties of synaptic transmitters and pathways in the CNS. Explore the possible aetiology and pathology of major disease states affecting the brain. Advance your understanding of the mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses of the major classes of centrally acting drugs. Advance your knowledge of the use of animal models to investigate disease processes and drug action.

Content: Physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the brain. The essential neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the normal brain will be examined in depth. The pathology and aetiology of major neurological and psychiatric disorders will be described and the major groups of centrally-acting drugs will be discussed in terms of mechanism of action and therapeutic uses. The use and validity of research animals in the study of drug action and disease processes relevant to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Key considerations of in vivo experimental design and data analysis.

Course availability:

SL22021 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB13 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB13 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM13 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.