534-302 Neuropharmacology

Note

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible. Credit cannot be obtained for 534-302 and either 534-303 or 534-304 prior to 1998.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Corequisites

Principles of Pharmacology 534-301; exemption may be given at the discretion of the Head of Department for students wishing to take 534-302 as part of the Neuroscience stream.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The teaching program will address the mechanisms of neurochemical transmission and co-transmission and the techniques used to identify transmitter substances and monitor transmitter release. Adrenergic and cholinergic neurochemical transmitter systems will be covered in depth, in addition to more recently identified co-transmitters. Drug action at sites of chemical neurotransmission will be discussed. In the practical component of the course, students will develop skills to set up and carry out experiments using computer-based recording equipment, and learn to record and analyse the results of pharmacological experiments demonstrating the use of drugs affecting neurotransmission. Through this process, it is envisaged that students will come to appreciate the importance of good laboratory practice, including the proper handling of laboratory animals, keeping of laboratory records, and the need for good experimental design.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination covering material presented in lectures and practicals; continuous assessment throughout the practical component of the subject. An oral examination may also be held for students who do not pass the written examination.