Psychology BSc (Hons)

Module PY0611 - Human Psychopharmacology

(10.00 Credits)

SYNOPSIS OF MODULE

Aims
The aim of this module is to explore current models of brain-behaviour relationships in the context of brain chemistry and the effects of pharmacological intervention thereon. The content of the module will emphasise links between dissociable neurotransmitter pathways and their links with psychological states and cognitive domains, while emphasising the integrative nature of human brain function. The lecture series will form the basis for an in-depth exploration of brain-behaviour relationships in the context of drugs and behaviour. It will select from the following topics: Overview and history of psychopharmacology; Alzheimer's disease, cholinergic degeneration and effects of cholinergic drugs; The serotonergic system and the hallucinogens (including neuropsychological effects of 'ecstasy'); The GABA-ergic system, barbiturates and benzodiazepines, psychopharmacology of alcohol intoxication, including effects on speed-accuracy trade-off ; Effects of herbal products on cognition (e.g. ginkgo biloba, ginseng, melissa); The mild stimulants: caffeine and nicotine; The 'hard' stimulants: amphetamine and cocaine; Cognitive enhancers (including the racetams, oxygen, glucose and herbal extracts); Drugs and psychopathologies.
Learning outcomes
On completing the module students will be able to: Demonstrate conceptual knowledge of the area by being able to evaluate theoretical and methodological approaches to the understanding of human psychopharmacology; Demonstrate an understanding of the brain-behaviour links of major brain neurotransmitter pathways; Distinguish between the acute and chronic behavioural effects of specific psychoactive substances including at the neuronal level; Show an ability to critically appraise research findings in the area of human psychopharmacology; Demonstrate an understanding of the utility and validity of various methodologies of human psychopharmacology; Show evidence-based reasoning; Consider ethical issues pertaining to the field of human psychopharmacology; Interpret empirical data; Critically evaluate studies on the topic of human psychopharmacology; Communicate ideas effectively in writing; Undertake self-directed learning; Independently retrieve, read and understand journal articles on the topic of human psychopharmacology; Use computers to word-process written documents.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment
The unit will involve a series of two-hour lectures. As well as traditional lecture delivery, large group learning will involve presentation of video clips, demonstration of assessment methods in human psychopharmacology and group exercises. Independent study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists. The learning strategies of lectures and independent study aim to furnish the student with a conceptual knowledge of the topic area. Skills in critical analysis of empirical data and their interpretation will be developed through independent study. Ethical issues will be discussed within a lecture context. Assessment will be in the form of one piece of written work.


INDICATIVE READING LIST OR OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES

Brick J and Erickson CK (1999) Drugs, the brain, and behavior New York: Harworth.

Carvey PM (1998) Drug action in the central nervous system Oxfrod University Press.

Feldman RS, Meyer JS and Quenzer LF (1997) Principles of Neuropsychopharmacology Mass: Sinauer.

Leonard BE (1997) Fundamentals of Psychopharmacology (2nd Ed) Oxford: Wiley.

Maisto SA, Galizio M and Connors GJ (1995) Drug use and abuse London: Harcourt.

Parrot A, Morinan A, Moss M and Scholey A (2004) Understanding Drugs and Behaviour. John Wiley and Son NJ

Timmons CR and Hamilton LW (2000) Drugs and Behavior http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lwh/drugs (and related sites).

Specific journal articles relevant to each topic


OUTLINE SYLLABUS

The module will sample from the following areas:
Overview and history of psychopharmacology; Alzheimer's disease, cholinergic degeneration and effects of cholinergic drugs; The serotonergic system and the hallucinogens; The GABA-ergic system, barbiturates and benzodiazepines, alcohol, including effects on speed-accuracy trade-off ; Effects of herbal products on cognition (e.g. ginkgo biloba, ginseng, melissa); The mild stimulants: caffeine and nicotine; The 'hard' stimulants: amphetamine and cocaine; Cognitive enhancers (including the racetams, oxygen and glucose); Drugs and psychopathologies.


AIMS OF MODULE

The aim of this unit is to explore current models of brain-behaviour relationships in the context of brain chemistry and the effects of pharmacological intervention thereon. The content of the unit will emphasise links between dissociable neurotransmitter pathways and their links with psychological states and cognitive domains, while emphasising the integrative nature of human brain function. The lecture series will form the basis for an in-depth exploration of brain-behaviour relationships in the context of drugs and behaviour. The module critically examines the current state of research in the field of human psychopharmacology.


LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate conceptual knowledge of the area by being able to evaluate theoretical and methodological approaches to the understanding of human psychopharmacology.
2. Distinguish between the acute and chronic behavioural effects of specific psychoactive substances including at the neuronal level.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the brain-behaviour links of major brain neurotransmitter pathways.
4. Show an ability to critically appraise research findings in the area of human psychopharmacology.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the utility and validity of various methodologies of human psychopharmacology.
6. Show evidence-based reasoning
7. Consider ethical issues pertaining to the field of human psychopharmacology
8. Interpret empirical data
9. Critically evaluate studies on the topic of human psychopharmacology
10. Communicate ideas effectively in writing
11. Undertake self-directed learning
12. Independently retrieve, read and understand journal articles on the topic of human psychopharmacology
13. Use computers to word-process written documents


PREREQUISITES

Introduction to Biological Psycholgy


COREQUISITE(S)

None


DISTANCE LEARNING DELIVERY

None


LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

The module will involve a series of two-hour lectures. As well as traditional lecture delivery, large group learning will involve presentation of video clips, demonstration of assessment methods in human psychopharmacology and group exercises. Independent study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists. The learning strategies of lectures and independent study aim to furnish the student with a conceptual knowledge of the topic area. Skills in critical analysis of empirical data and their interpretation will be developed through independent study. Ethical issues will be discussed within a lecture context. Assessment will be in the form of one piece of written work.

Students will be given one written assignment.

The assignment will give students the opportunity to:
a) Demonstrate conceptual knowledge of the topic by evaluating theoretical and methodological approaches to the understanding of human psychopharmacology (Learning Outcome 1);
b) Critically discuss and compare how the field of human psychopharmacology has contributed to our understanding of brain-behaviour relationships (Learning Outcome 2);
c) Distinguish between the acute and chronic effects of drug use at the behavioural and neuronal level (Learning Outcome 3);
d) Critically evaluate empirical studies on the topic of human psychopharmacology (Learning Outcome 4);
e) Critically evaluate methodologies in the area of human psychopharmacology (Learning Outcome 5);
f) Communicate their ideas effectively in writing (Learning Outcome 10);
g) Interpret empirical data in reading for the assignment (Learning Outcome 8);
h) Use computers for word-processing (Learning Outcome 13);
i) Demonstrate problem-solving skills through interpreting evidence and writing the assignment (Learning Outcome 6)
j) Undertake self-directed study (Learning Outcome 11);
k) Independently retrieve, read, understand, and evaluate published articles in the field of human psychopharmacology (Learning Outcomes 9, 12).

The following learning outcomes will be met through experiential learning (lectures and independent study) and may not be formally assessed:
a) Discussion of ethical issues in the field of human psychopharmacology (Learning Outcome 7)


IMPLICATIONS FOR CHOICE

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