Modulo II - Neuropsychopharmacology
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Although no prerequisites are required, basic knowledge of general and molecular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is essential to follow the course profitably
A written test (essay-based) will be administered at the end of the course. It will be based on 3 questions randomly chosen among all the topics presented during the course. Students must score at least 18/30 in order to pass the test. Top marks (greater than 28/30 and honors), will only be awarded to students who have smartly presented and actively participated in the journal club talks.
The grade earned in this module will be averaged with the grade earned in module I - Pharmacology and Chemotherapy.
This module introduces concepts in neuroscience and pharmacology to understand how drugs are used to treat neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, and why individuals use recreational drugs. On successful completion of the course, students will be able to
- describe the neurobiological basis of the main psychopathologies and their related pharmacological treatment
- specify the alleged mechanism of action of each class of drugs
- describe how pre-clinical evaluation of new drugs acting on CNS targets is conducted
Lectures (5.5 CFU, 44 hours)
- Introduction to Neuropsychopharmacology. Cellular and Molecular Foundations of Neuropsychopharmacology
- Methods in behavioral pharmacology and neuropharmacology
- Neurodegeneration: Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- Pain (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- General anesthetics
- Seizure-related disorders (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- Psychosis (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- Mood disorders (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
-Anxiety disorders (neurobiological bases, animal models and pharmacological treatment)
- Compulsivity and impulsivity: obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Compulsivity and impulsivity: addiction
Practical activities (0,5 CFU, 8 hours of laboratory)
In the first experience, students will learn how to prepare frozen brain section slides at the cryostat. In the second experience they will learn how to prepare an enriched sample of synaptic particles (synaptosome)
Lectures (5.5 CFU, 44 hours)
- Introduction to Neuropsychopharmacology. Cellular and Molecular Foundations of Neuropsychopharmacology
- Methods in behavioral pharmacology and neuropharmacology
- Neurodegeneration: Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- Pain (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- General anesthetics
- Seizure-related disorders (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- Psychosis (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
- Mood disorders (neurobiological bases, animal models, and pharmacological treatment)
-Anxiety disorders (neurobiological bases, animal models and pharmacological treatment)
- Compulsivity and impulsivity: obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Compulsivity and impulsivity: addiction
Practical activities (0,5 CFU, 8 hours of laboratory)
In the first experience, students will learn how to prepare frozen brain section slides at the cryostat. In the second experience they will learn how to prepare an enriched sample of synaptic particles (synaptosome)
The following reference textbooks are recommended:
Stephen M. Sthal, “Sthal’s Essential Psychopharmacology” 4th edition, Cambridge University Press,
Jerold Meyer, Linda Quenzer “Psychopharmacology” 2nd edition, Sinauer,
Nestler, Hyman, Holtzman, Malenka. Molecular Neuropharmacology. A foundation for clinical neuroscience. 3rd edition, McGraw Hill Education
Slide presentations used during lectures will be available on the e-learning website
The course consists of lectures and practical activities. Moreover, to help students develop presentation and critical analysis skills, journal club talks will be organized.
Contact information:
tiziana.rubino@uninsubria.it
Meeting by appointment requested by email or before/after class (while teaching module is ongoing)