N153: Neuropharmacology is taught in Fall and Spring Quarters by Professor Christie Fowler.
Dr. Christie D. Fowler
Prerequisite: BIO SCI N110
Course Objective:
The objective of this course is to introduce you to the chemical bases of behavior and the mechanisms by which various drugs influence the biological and psychological aspects of a behaving organism. This will be accomplished with a general introduction to the basics of neuropsychopharmacology and neurochemical signaling, followed by an examination of major drug classifications, emphasizing primarily the biological and at times clinical and social, dimensions of their actions.
By the end of the course, you should have a basic understanding of:
1. Principles of pharmacology
2. Brain chemistry/chemical signaling
3. Basic understanding of methods in neuropsychopharmacology
4. Mechanisms of action for the most common drugs
5. The main psychological, behavioral, and social impacts of drug use and abuse
Research Paper and Class Presentation:
You are required to complete a research paper analyzing two prescription drugs. Following the submission of the paper, your group will present the research findings to the class in an oral presentation with PowerPoint slides. The research paper will be worth 80 points and the class presentation will be worth 20 points.
Sample Syllabus:
| 1 | Introduction/Pharmacology |
| 2 | Nervous System Review/Chemical Signaling |
| 3 | Chemical Signalling |
| 4 | Catecholamines |
| 5 | Serotonin |
| 6 | Acetylcholine |
| 7 | Glutamate and GABA |
| MIDTERM I | |
| 8 | Addiction |
| 9 | Alcohol |
| 10 | Opioids |
| 11 | Cocaine and Amphetamines |
| 12 | Nicotine and Caffeine |
| 13 | Marijuana and Cannabinoids |
| MIDTERM II | |
| 14 | Student Presentations |
| 15 | Student Presentations |
| 16 | Student Presentations |
| 17 | Student Presentations |
| 18 | Student Presentations |
| 19 | Student Presentations |
| 20 | Student Presentations |
| FINAL EXAM |