Neuropharmacology
| Module title | Neuropharmacology |
|---|---|
| Module code | NEU2019 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Miguel Dasilva Ogando (Lecturer) Dr Tom Ridler (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will learn how altering neurotransmitter signalling in the central nervous system using drugs affects brain function and leads to changes in behaviour. For this, you will investigate the use, actions, and effects of different classes of drugs, including psychostimulants, depressants, psychedelics and drugs used for treating mental disorders. This module is mandatory for students BSc Neuroscience, and optional for BSc Medical Sciences students. The module builds on knowledge gained in NEU1006, which is a prerequisite. However, if you have not studied the preliminary content, you may be able to successfully complete the module by undertaking some additional study, but you should discuss this further with your academic tutor and the module convenor.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Through a combination of lectures, workshops and tutorials, you will learn how well-known neuroactive substances affect mood, perception, thinking, and behaviour. You will also learn about how advances in basic research are driving the development of novel pharmacological therapeutics for cognitive brain disorders.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Describe the main properties of psychoactive drugs.
- 2. Explain how psychoactive drugs modulate brain function.
- 3. Compare the relative modes of action of different commonly used recreational drugs.
- 4. Critically evaluate current research in neuropharmacology.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Explain the principles of good experimental design and data communication in neuropharmacology.
- 6. Evaluate the specific challenges in data collection within the discipline of neuropharmacology research.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Critically evaluate primary resources of information.
- 8. Produce clear scientific writing.
Syllabus plan
The precise content of the module will vary from year to year, but the following information gives a description of the typical overall structure. The module begins with a lecture in the first week to outline its broad aims and structure. In this first week, there will also be a workshop focused on skills for reading scientific literature. The different forms of assessment used in the module and the main characteristics of the data interpretation questions that will represent part of the written exam will be covered on a session in week 2. The core content of the module will be delivered on ten one-hour lectures. These lectures will be divided into blocks that will cover a main type of psychoactive drug. At the end of each block there will be a session to consolidate the content delivered on the lectures associated to that block. Aligned with these blocks there will also be a data interpretation workshop focussed on learning to interpret data from primary scientific research literature. These questions will be related to knowledge learned on the lectures and will serve as preparation for the exam. During the module, you will write a literature review based on the topics covered in in the lectures. There will be a seminar halfway through the module to help you prepare for this assignment. In the final week there will be a lecture to wrap up on content and assessment-related questions.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Module introduction and wrap sessions (2 x 1h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 8 | Consolidation sessions (4 x 2h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 8 | Data interpretation workshops (4 x 2h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Assessment workshops (2 x 1h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Scientific reading workshop (1 x 2h) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching | 10 | Lectures (10 x 1h) |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Preparation for workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | 38 | Preparation for coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | 78 | Reading and preparation for lectures and exam |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature review plan | 300 words | 1-8 | Written |
| Practice MCQ, SAQ and data interpretation questions (in-class and online) | 8 hours | 1-8 | Oral feedback (in-class) and online model answers |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short answer question and data interpretation exam | 70 | 2 hours | 1-8 | Verbal (on request) |
| Literature review | 30 | 1,000 words | 1-8 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short answer question and data interpretation exam (70%) | Short answer question and data interpretation exam (2 hours) (70%) | 1-8 | Ref/def period |
| Literature review (30%) | Literature review (1,000 words) (30%) | 1-8 | Ref/def period |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on full guidance for Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
1. ‘From Neuron to Brain’ 5th Edition (2012), Nicholls et al, ISBN: 978-0878936090 – For reference/ revision of material from Foundations in Neuroscience. Consult as needed
2. ‘Pharmacology’ 8th Edition (2015), Rang et al, ISBN: 978-0702053627, Section 4: The Nervous System, Chapters 36-38, 40, 46-48
3. ‘Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the brain and behaviour’, 2nd Edition (2013), Meyer & Quenzer, ISBN:978-0878935109, Chapters 1-10, 11-16
4. ‘Drugs, addiction and the brain’, 1st Edition (2014), Koob, Arends & Le Moal, ISBN: 978-0123869371, Chapters 1-3, 9
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | NEU1006 |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 15/08/2014 |
| Last revision date | 14/02/2023 |
