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  3. Drugs Affecting the Nervous System

Drugs Affecting the Nervous System (PHRM30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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The working of the brain and nervous system is an important frontier of modern medicine and nerves are the target for many important drugs. This subject will address how drugs modulate the processes of neuronal communication and survival in the context of the management of mood and emotional disorders, addictive behaviours, neuro-degenerative diseases, pain and epilepsy. This subject will also discuss strategies for the development of future therapeutics. Students will gain an appreciation of how a detailed understanding of pathophysiological processes is important for the rational development of new therapeutics.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will have developed a solid understanding of the nature of and drug treatments for a range of central nervous system diseases. They will have a knowledge of the nature of research into central nervous system disorders and of the therapeutic and the undesirable actions of key therapeutics and recreational drugs. An understanding of how knowledge about pathophysiological processes is important for the rational drug development.

Generic skills

By the end of this unit students will:

  • Be adept at learning in a range of ways.
  • Be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge pertaining to drugs.
  • Have an understanding of the scientific basis of the action of drugs in the central nervous system.
  • Be able to integrate key pharmacological and other medical research principles as they relate to neuropharmacology.
  • Be adept at critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Participate in collaborative learning.

Last updated: 15 January 2025