Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - HSCI 474 D100

Seminar in Neuropharmacology (3)

Class Number: 4438

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 323 and either HSCI 321 or MBB 331, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Mechanisms of drug action in the brain, including several classes of drugs and neurotransmitter systems that are involved in mental health disorders, drug addiction and neurodegeneration.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce students to basic concepts of neuropharmacology - the study of drug actions on the central nervous system.  General topics will include receptor pharmacology and neural signaling systems.   This will provide the basis to examine several classes of drugs and neurotransmitter systems that are involved in mood disorders, schizophrenia, drug addiction and neurodegenerative disorders.  This course is designed to prepare undergraduates who have an interest in medicine and human health to pursue careers in these disciplines.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

OVERALL GOAL:  The objectives of this course are to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of neuropharmacology.  At the end of this course, the students should have a basic overview of the molecular, cellular and behavioural affects of drug action on the central nervous system and will be able to identify major neurotransmitter systems.  In addition, this course should prepare students with the appropriate understanding and background if they choose to pursue graduate studies in the life sciences.  

CORE COMPETENCIES: The core competency addressed by this course is to describe human physiology and basic mechanisms of cell and molecular biology relevant to health and disease.

Grading

  • Student presentations and report 40%
  • Final class paper 30%
  • Class participation & quizzes 15%
  • Test 15%

NOTES:

EXPECTATIONS / IMPORTANT NOTES:  The professor may make changes to the syllabus if necessary, within Faculty / University regulations.   This course is offered in seminar format.  Some assignments, readings and articles will be available from Canvas.

REQUIREMENTS:

PREREQUISITES:    HSCI 323 and either MBB 331 or HSC 321,

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

TEACHING FORMAT:  lectures/seminars

RECOMMENDED READING:

Nestler, Hyman and Malenka. Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience, 3rd or 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html