Online Course Material
 

Introduction	Neurocytology
Neurophysiology	Neuropharmacology
Pharmacokinetics	Pharmacodynamics
Dose-Response Analysis (efficacy vs. potency)	Classification of Agonists & Antagonists
Tolerance & Sensitization	Additive Effects, Synergism & Potentiation
Drug Classification	Clinical Psychopharmacology

Course Description

This course surveys basic neuropharmacology, the effects of various psychotropic drugs, and the actions of drugs used to treat mental disorders. The emphasis of the first part of the course is on basic principles of neuropharmacology, distribution and elimination of drugs, drug-receptor interactions and dose-response relationships, structure of neurons, neurophysiological mechanisms involved in synaptic activity, and the distribution of specific neurotransmitter systems. The last two-thirds of the course examines the actions of specific drugs and their effects on behavior and their uses in biological psychiatry. This course is designed to provide a foundation for advanced study in behavioral neuroscience, neuropsychopharmacology, physiological psychology, and related areas and to provide an introduction to the pharmacological treatment of mental disorders for clinical students. The course also provides part of the requisite training for prescribing privileges currently awarded clinical psychologists in some states.

Prerequisites

Introductory Psychology, Research Methods or equivalent, Biopsychology or Behavioral Neuroscience; or by permission of instructor. A background in biological sciences is strongly recommended. Highly motivated students lacking the formal course prerequisites should contact the instructor prior to enrollment.

Instructional Format

This is a lecture course with student presentations and limited group discussions. Reading assignments from the textbook and from supplementary readings are an important part of this course. Video recordings and laboratory demonstrations may be used to enhance the presentation of some material. Some material will be available only on the Internet and students are required to have an active computer account. An Internet-based discussion group will also be used to address questions regarding the reading assignments and the lecture material.
 
 
 
 

Required Reading

A Primer on Drug Action, Ninth Edition (Julien, 2000) is the required text for this course. Supplementary readings will be assigned when appropriate. Students should be prepared for a heavy reading load throughout the semester.

Course Grade

Grades are determined by performance on three equally weighted examinations (25% each), unannounced 'pop' quizzes (15%), and class presentation material (10%). The three term exams will be scheduled during regular class periods and should require about an hour to complete. The 'pop' quizzes will be given during the beginning of some classes throughout the term and should require 15 to 20 minutes to complete; the lowest two quiz grades will be dropped from the grade calculations (this includes any missed quizzes). The test format may vary using any combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Quizzes cannot be made up, and makeup exams are allowed only with permission of the instructor prior to the scheduled test date. Extraordinary circumstances, along with the appropriate documentation, should be brought to the attention of the instructor for special consideration.
 
 
 
 

Copyright Notice

The material contained on this web site and the material presented in class are protected by Federal copyright laws. Students are expressly prohibited from compilation and distribution of class material except for their own private use.

Tentative Course Outline

Brief Overview of Fundamental Disciplines

Cell biology

morphology
physiology & cell metabolism

Neurophysiology

cell potentials
electrophysiological techniques

Neurochemistry

synaptic transmission
signal transduction

Neuroanatomy

central nervous system (CNS)
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
endocrine system

Pharmacokinetics

drug absorption & distribution
drug elimination

Pharmacodynamics

receptor binding
signal transduction