Module Catalogue 2024/25

PED3008 : Advanced Topics in Neuropharmacology

PED3008 : Advanced Topics in Neuropharmacology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Sasha Gartside
  • Lecturer: Dr Gavin Clowry, Dr Fiona LeBeau, Dr Sarah Judge, Professor Richard McQuade
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aims of this module are to provide students with the opportunity to gain a current understanding of:

• morphological, neurochemical and functional correlates of neuropsychiatric disorders.
• pharmacological mechanisms and approaches used to treat and understand the biological basis of that neuropsychiatric disorders.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will focus on the neuropharmacology of specific neuropsychiatric disorders - depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. In the initial sessions you will learn about the anatomy of the brain, its gross organisation and neural pathways associated with these diseases. Following this, groups will be dedicated to each of the disorders. You will learn about specific molecular, neurochemical and anatomical pathologies of these disorders and how targeting these pathologies with pharmacological agents is often the most effective way of treating the disorder. Emphasis will also be placed on new approaches used to devise more effective therapeutic strategies in neuropharmacology. All teaching sessions are delivered by leading researchers in biological psychiatry.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

K1. Discuss known and theoretical models used to explain the aetiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders.
K2. Discuss the role of endocrine and neurotransmitter dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders.
K3. Discuss the mechanisms of action of contemporary and novel drugs used to treat various neuropsychiatric disorders.
K4. Evaluate various animal models used to study neuropsychiatric disorders and treatments.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be able to

S1. Apply knowledge and reasoning to address neuropharmacological problems.
S2. Communicate complex information in the written format.
S3. Engage in formative discussion about neuropharmacology.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion128:0028:00In-course open book
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture131:0013:00In person including module introduction talk
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical12:002:00In person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching41:004:00In person
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities41:004:00Preparation for small group teaching
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery10:300:30In person. Generic feedback on in-course assessment.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study148:3048:30Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The practical class will enable students to be introduced to the anatomy of the CNS.

Lectures and activities based on this material will support students to engage with the factual content.

Seminars will provide a forum for discussion of appropriate and relevant topics and allow students to further their knowledge and understanding of the field.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination902A70Present in person. Open book, PC based exam (1 essay from choice of 2). Digital - other: Essay will be typed using Microsoft Word and submitted via a submission point on Canvas.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M30Present in person. In course, PC based open book timed essay 90 minutes. (1 essay). Digital - other: Essay will be typed using Microsoft Word and submitted via a submission point on Canvas.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The timed open book essay in semester 1 will provide the students with the opportunity to practice their essay writing skills under timed present in person exam conditions and be provided with feedback in preparation for the final exam. The final exam will allow assessment of the individual student’s ability to retrieve and apply their taught and researched knowledge to answer particular neuropharmacological questions.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.