Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
Code LIFE369
Coordinator Dr NR Kitteringham
Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology
Neilk@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE207; LIFE234 None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12
This refers to timetabled lectures in which core concepts are introduced
  1
This refers to a timetabled tutorial
      13
Timetable (if known)     The tutorial is used to reinforce the course content. It is partly a feedback session for the summative exercise, and partly a revision session with all the lecturers present to answer questions.
  		       
Private Study 62
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  Semester 1  80  Yes    Written Exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 1  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Coursework Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 2 is a critique of an article that has to be written in lay terms. 

Aims

To develop in students advanced knowledge and understanding of neuropharmacology and neural therapies.

To develop in students an understandin of the scientific principles underlying the development of new drugs acting on the nervous system.

Learning Outcomes

To analyse critically current knowledge of the pharmacology of transmitter systems involved in central nervous system (CNS) functioning.

To relate this knowledge and understanding to currently used therapies for major neuronal disorders and diseases.

To demonstrate critical awareness of current topics in neuropharmacology, including targets for future CNS therapies

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures in which core concepts are introduced

Tutorial - This refers to a timetabled tutorial

The tutorial is used to reinforce the course content. It is partly a feedback session for the summative exercise, and partly a revision session with all the lecturers present to answer questions.

Syllabus
1 
- Neurotransmission and CNS complexity; Drug targets in the CNS 
- Neurotransmitter synthesis, degradation and uptake. Synaptic plasticity; Structural insights into CNS drug action.
- Neurotransmitter-gated ion channels: inhibitory GABA receptors and  the excitatory ionotropic glutamate receptor.
- Target identification for the development of novel anti-depressants. < /font>
- The role of receptor trafficking in physiology and disease.
- G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) systems
- Adrenoceptors: structure and functionand  structure activity relationships
- GPCR receptor theory and second messenger coupling. GPCRs in disease.  GPCR diversification and desensitization
- Epilepsy and antiepileptic drug development
- Pharmacology of traditional antiepileptic drugs
- Pharmacology of the new generation of antiepileptic drugs
- Drug resistance in epilepsy and future therapeutic strategies
- Neurodegenerative Diseases:  Neurodegeneration AD and Neurodegeneration Parkinson’s
- Neuroimaging


Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Rang H., Ritter J., Flower R. & Henderson G (2012) Rang & Dale''s Pharmacology, Churchill Livingstone, 2012. 7th Edition, Churchill, Livingstone.

Page, C., Curtis, M., Sutter, M., Walker, M.and Hoffman, B. Integrated Pharmacology. Mosby, Edinb urgh, 2002.