PHAR30040 Development and advanced pharmacology of the nervous system

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module forms part of the curriculum for the BSc degrees in Pharmacology and Neuroscience. This course introduces students to the role of dopamine in the brain, autonomic regulation of the eye, glaucoma and its treatment and treating neurological disease be targeting regulators of gene expression. During this module students will work, normally in groups, on topics related to the course, and will present their findings to the class as either an oral communication a poster. A series of laboratory sessions complement the theory course and introduce students to a number of key laboratory techniques.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: (1) Evaluate the roles of dopamine and dopamine receptors in the CNS. (2) Describe the neurobiology of the eye and review glaucoma and its treatment. (3) Critically review the role of genes, and their regulation, in neurones and disease. (4) Achieve competency in practical skills including ligand-binding assays, neurobehavioural experiments and ophthalmic pharmacology and master associated analytical skills. (5) Demonstrate an ability to work in groups and make a scientific presentation.

Indicative Module Content:

There are 3 themes to the content of this module: 1) advanced dopamine receptor pharmacology, 2) ocular neurobiology and pharmacology and 3) targeting regulators of gene expression for the treatment of neurological disease.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

0
Practical

15
Specified Learning Activities

10
Autonomous Student Learning

61
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
There are 3 themes to the content of this module: 1) advanced dopamine receptor pharmacology, 2) ocular neurobiology and pharmacology and 3) targeting regulators of gene expression for the treatment of neurological disease. Each theme has lectures, a laboratory class and project topics associated with it. The goal is to develop an advanced understanding of these aspects 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 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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: 1 hour MCQ and EMQ 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50
Group Project: Students carry out a literature review project, under the direction of an academic supervisor.Groups choose to present their research as either an oral presentation or a poster. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Continuous Assessment: Written report and assessment to be completed after each laboratory session Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

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
Ms Alana Nic Chormaic Tutor
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
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 16:00 - 16:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 29 Mon 10:00 - 12:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 23, 25 Mon 10:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 31 Mon 10:00 - 12:50
Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 21, 23, 25, 29 Thurs 10:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 2 Week(s) - 31 Thurs 10:00 - 12:50
Spring