NEUR40100 GPCR's as Therapeutic Targets

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is available for stage 4 of the BSc degree in Neuroscience or Pharmacology. It covers advanced topics on neurotherapeutics, addresses how drugs that interact with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have contributed greatly to current medical practice and how they might represent new opportunities in the future. Major topics covered include a review of the basic properties of GPCRs, including structure, phylogenetics, historical aspects of GPCR drug discovery, druggability, GPCR assay development and screening stratergies. Orphan GPCRs as novel therapeutic targets for CNS disease will be covered in detail, with reference to receptor deorphanisation. Finally, we will consider phytoceuticals (drugs derived from plants) as emerging GPCR modulators in neuroscience, with a focus on the therapeutic potential of cannabis and novel cannabinoid receptors, together with their utility against multiple sclerosis, neuroinflammation, addiction and neurodegeneration. It is recommended that students have taken previous modules in the general area of neuropharmacology.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate recent research findings in this field.
- Provide a good understanding of GPCR structure and function.
- Discuss the role of GPCRs as neurotherapeutic targets.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the drug discovery process and the current therpeutic potential of GPCRs, including that emerging from receptor deorphanisation research and insights from the bioactivity of phytoceutical agents.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

68
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; debates; student presentations 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Group work based on discussion topics to be selected at the start of the module. These are delivered in powerpoint format Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Examination: End of Semester Exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

80

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is provided on the discussion topic project presentations

Name Role
Professor Oliver Blacque Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Caroline Herron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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