Brain, Treatments and Behaviour
MODULE CODE
CREDIT VALUE
Module Aims
Aim 1
The aim of this module is to provide an examination of the field of psychopharmacology with a particular emphasis on studying commonly "abused" drugs in addition, and chemical treatments used for psychiatric disorders. The module is multidisciplinary and approaches these topics from historical, physiological, neurochemical and psychological perspectives.
Module Content
The module examines how drugs work on the brain and influence behaviour. In terms of addiction, topics may include heroin dependence, alcoholism, cannabis, the stimulants: cocaine and amphetamine, the hallucinogens: LSD and mescaline and the benzodiazepines. With regard to the treatment of psychiatric disorders, the topics may include major depression, schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.
Both approaches emphasise the importance of how drugs work on neurotransmitters in the brain (for example dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, GABA). The module will approach topics from a variety of perspectives and emphasise the multidisciplinary nature (e.g. historical, social, psychological, biological, pharmacological) in understanding drug action and behaviour.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
Topic areas are covered by lectures, a revision session and directed reading. Students are assessed during the semester via coursework and also by an end of module examination. The examination paper will comprise of a compulsory seen question and also an unseen question from a selection of the topics covered on the module.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through an examination and a leaflet.
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Compulsory
Optional
