Neuropharmacology of CNS Disorders

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Describe the various techniques used to investigate CNS disorders and to assess their limitations
• Provide an overview of neurotransmitter systems in the brain and their putative functional roles
• Use examples of psychotomimetic and psychotropic drugs to discuss the biochemical basis of mood and behaviour
• Describe the treatments used in these disorders, their efficacy and side-effects
• An ability to evaluate and debate conflicting opinions and data relevant to the assessment and management of psychiatric conditions in society.
• Assess the hypotheses put forward to explain the neurochemical and neurophysiological bases for the following: schizophrenia, affective disorders, drug addiction and autism spectrum disorders.
• An appreciation of the current limitations in assigning diagnoses for psychiatric disorders, the current challenges they pose for therapy and the opportunities for progress in this field.

The module provides an introduction to functional brain anatomy and important neurotransmitter signalling pathways. This is used as a framework on which to describe the symptoms and treatment of brain disorders with a particular focus on a subset of psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia. The possible underlying causes of these disorders, and advances in therapy, are discussed in the light of the most recent research in these topics. Students will be expected to attend fortnightly neuroscience research seminars.

Lectures, independent study, short practise essay, examination skills workshop, debating workshop, research seminars

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.