Bio 36: Drugs and the Brain is taught in Fall Quarter by Dr. Andrea Nicholas.
Dr. Andrea Nicholas
Course Objective:
Introduction to the actions of drugs on the brain. How studying drug action helps reveal the normal functions of neurons. How drugs can correct neural disorders or disrupt neural function. Biological issues related to drug abuse, drug addiction, and drug-seeking.
Sample Syllabus:
| # | Topic |
| 1 | Introduction to the Brain I |
| 2 | Introduction to the Brain II |
| 3 | Drug Classification and Behavioral Assessment |
| 4 | Dose-Response Relationships |
| 5 | Drug Metabolism and Excretion |
| 6 | Chemical Signaling in Nerve Cells |
| 7 | Chemical Signaling; Midterm Review |
| 8 | MIDTERM I |
| 9 | Neurotransmitters of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System |
| 10 | Tolerance and Sensitization Receptors |
| 11 | Tolerance, Sensitization, Addiction, and Withdrawal |
| 12 | Caffeine and Nicotine |
| 13 | Amphetamine |
| 14 | MIDTERM II |
| 15 | Cocaine |
| 16 | Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, and Mood Stabilizers |
| 17 | Sedative-Hypnotics, Anxiolytics, and Anticonvulsants |
| 18 | Naturally Occurring and Synthetic Opiates and their Antagonists |
| 19 | Dissociative Anesthetics, Psychedelics, and Hallucinogens |
| 20 | Review |
| FINAL |