At the end of this course, the students; 1) Learn basic principles of psychopharmacology. 2) Become acquainted with effects of various drugs on nervous system. 3) Compare the effects of various drugs on emotion, thinking, behavior and perception. 4) Define the interaction between different types of drugs and neurotransmitters. 5) Think critically on the interactions between pharmacological discoveries and diagnostic criteria.
MODE OF DELIVERY
Face to face
PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE
No
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL PROGRAMME COMPONENT
None
COURSE DEFINITION
This course surveys basic neuropharmacology, the effects of various psychotropic drugs, and the actions of drugs used to treat mental disorders. The emphasis of the first part of the course is on basic principles of neuropharmacology, distribution and elimination of drugs, drug-receptor interactions and dose-response relationships, structure of neurons, neurophysiological mechanisms involved in synaptic activity, and the distribution of specific neurotransmitter systems. The last two-thirds of the course examine the actions of specific drugs and their effects on behavior and their uses in biological psychiatry. This course is designed to provide a foundation for advanced study in behavioral neuroscience, neuropsychopharmacology, physiological psychology, and related areas and to provide an introduction to the pharmacological treatment of mental disorders for clinical students.
COURSE CONTENTS
WEEK
TOPICS
1st Week
Introduction
2nd Week
Principles of Psychopharmacology
3rd Week
Chemical Signalling in the Central Nervous System
4th Week
Basics of Pharmacology
5th Week
Neurotransmitters and Drugs I
6th Week
Neurotransmitters and Drugs II
7th Week
Animal Models in Psychopharmacology
8th Week
Mid-Term Exam
9th Week
Mood Disorders and; Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers
10th Week
Anxiety Disorders and Anxiolytics
11th Week
Psychotic Disorders and Antipsychotics
12th Week
Substance Abuse and Substances
13th Week
Sex Hormones and Brain Function
14th Week
General Evaluation
RECOMENDED OR REQUIRED READING
Meyer, J. S., & Quenzer, L. F. (2005). Psychopharmacolog: Drugs, the brain and behavior. MA: Sinauer Associates.
John D. Preston, John H. O'Neal , Mary C. Talaga , Bret A. Moore (9th ed), Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists, New Harbinger Publications
PLANNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Lecture,Discussion,Questions/Answers,Project
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA
Quantity
Percentage(%)
Mid-term
1
20
Quiz
4
40
Total(%)
60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%)
60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%)
40
Total(%)
100
ECTS WORKLOAD
Activities
Number
Hours
Workload
Midterm exam
1
1
1
Preparation for Quiz
4
10
40
Individual or group work
14
3
42
Preparation for Final exam
1
30
30
Course hours
14
3
42
Preparation for Midterm exam
1
20
20
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam
1
1
1
Homework
Total Workload
176
Total Workload / 30
5,86
ECTS Credits of the Course
6
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
English
WORK PLACEMENT(S)
No
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES (KLO) / MATRIX OF LEARNING OUTCOMES (LO)