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PHAR30040

Academic Year 2024/2025

Development and advanced pharmacology of the nervous system (PHAR30040)

Subject:
Pharmacology
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Keith Murphy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module forms part of the curriculum for the BSc degrees in Pharmacology and Neuroscience. This course presents four cutting edge research topics in the area Neuropharmacology and Neurodevelopment:
1. Psychoactive drugs, drug addiction (Substance Use Disorder) and its treatment.
2. Autonomic regulation of the eye, glaucoma and its treatment.
3. Harnessing neurodevelopment to develop stem cell replacement therapies for nervous system disorders.
4. Understanding and harnessing the Gut-Brain Axis of communication toward treatments of mental illnesses.

During this module students will work in groups on topics related to the course and will present their findings to the class as either a slide presentation or a poster.

A series of laboratory sessions complement the theory course and introduce students to a number of key laboratory techniques.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe the neurobiology of addiction and the pharmacology of substances of abuse including stimulants and psychedelics.
2. Describe the neurobiology of the eye and review glaucoma and its treatment.
3. Critically review the key signals and processes that control neurodevelopment.
4. Describe the peripheral nervous systems that control the gut, signaling that mediated gut-brain axis communication and the role of such communication in disease and treatment.
5. Achieve competency in practical skills including metabolic assays, neurobehavioural experiments, gene expression measurement and ophthalmic pharmacology and master associated analytical skills.
6. Demonstrate an ability to work in groups and make a scientific presentation.

Indicative Module Content:

This course presents four cutting edge research topics in the area Neuropharmacology and Neurodevelopment:
1. Psychoactive drugs, drug addiction (Substance Use Disorder) and its treatment.
2. Autonomic regulation of the eye, glaucoma and its treatment.
3. Harnessing neurodevelopment to develop stem cell replacement therapies for nervous system disorders.
4. Understanding and harnessing the Gut-Brain Axis of communication toward treatments of mental illnesses.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

10
Autonomous Student Learning

61
Lectures

24
Tutorial

0
Practical

15
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
For each of the 4 themes, there will be a series of lectures, a laboratory class and project topics associated with it. The goal is to develop an advanced understanding of these aspects of the pharmacology of the central nervous system. Laboratory classes are designed to enhance technical and analytical skills as well as scientific writing skills. The project is designed to promote group working skills, to advance literature searching skills and to develop presentation and critical evaluation skills.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students taking this module have an understanding of drug action on the autonomic nervous sytem and the central nervous system.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End-of-trimester MCQ/EMQ examination (50% of module grade). This component will be graded using the Alternative Linear Scale. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Practical reports and assessment quiz examining the practical component of the course (30% of module grade). Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Group Work Assignment: Group Project worth 20% of the module grade. Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students receive individual feedback on each laboratory report submitted. Project groups will complete a self and peer evaluation which contributes to the group grade.

Name Role
Dr Colm Collins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Carmel Hensey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Breandán Kennedy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Keith Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Valentina Tonelotto Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 16:00 - 16:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 29 Mon 10:00 - 12:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 23, 25 Mon 10:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 31 Mon 10:00 - 12:50
Spring Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 21, 23, 25, 29 Thurs 10:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 2 Week(s) - 31 Thurs 10:00 - 12:50
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