Outline

Overview

Do you want to understand how drugs act on the brain? The human brain has been called the last great frontier in science and medicine. In this unit of study, you will learn about how the brain normally functions and what goes wrong to generate neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. As pharmacologists we study chemicals, modulators and their synaptic, cellular and neural pathway targets for potential drug therapies and to further understanding the disease processes. This unit includes a comprehensive lecture series that delves into the mechanism of action of drugs, cutting-edge pharmacology and neuroscience methods used in understanding of addiction, Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, schizophrenia, epilepsy, pain, anxiety and depression. You will develop skills through a series of tutorials and practicals to understand development of new therapies beginning at the molecular level stepping through to preclinical cellular and behavioural experiments and finally human testing of drug action. This unit of study is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine and allied health professions (e.g. nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry) and medical research pathways.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(PCOL2011 or PCOL2021 or MEDS2002) or (BMED2401 and BMED2402 and BMED2405) or (ANAT2010 or ANAT2910) or (PSYC2010 or PSYC2910 or PSYC2015 or PSYC2915)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	PCOL3922
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Bryony Winters, bryony.winters@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final examination Short answer and MCQ	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Tutorial presentation Oral presentation	8%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial participation Tutorial attendance and participation	2%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Cell culture competency assessment Skills based	5%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	PyMOL powerpoint presentation Oral presentation (7%) with peer assessment (3%)	10%	Week 04	3 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Analgesia simulation practical report Practical report	20%	Week 10 Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 23:59	1,000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Human analgesia quiz Quiz	10%	Week 12	30 min
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz MCQ	5%	Week 13	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

PyMOL oral presentation: This involves students making a PowerPoint presentation showing the molecule-protein interaction made in PyMOL in the first half (1a) of the practical. The mark you receive takes into account the quality of your work during the classes and your presentation. You will receive a mark from the class demonstrator (7%) and a peer assessment mark (3%).
Cell Signaling competency assessment: During the wet lab-based Cell Signaling practicals, you will learn a number of technical laboratory skills that are routinely used in pharmacological research. You will be assessed on your competency at learning and performing these skills in the laboratory setting.
Analgesia simulation practical report: This involves writing a lab report based on the Analgesia Simulation practical in which you perform a simulated in vivo experiment testing analgesic compounds in an animal model. The mark you receive takes into account the quality of your work during the class, as well as the quality of the content and expression of your written report.
Human analgesia quiz: You will be quizzed on your understanding of the experiment performed in the first part of your practical (4a), including data analysis and interpretation, your understanding of the drugs used and their mechanisms of action, and the physiological underpinnings of pain that are relevant to your experiment.
Tutorial presentation: This involves the presentation of a designated research paper to your class and your tutor. You will prepare a 5-7 slide PowerPoint presentation about your designated paper and then field questions and further discussion for 5 minutes. You must attend tutorial 1 in order to choose your research article and to determine the week you will be assigned to present.
Tutorial participation: Satisfactory participation in the tutorial classes is required to gain these marks. As a rule of thumb, you should aim to ask 1 meaningful question or contribute to ongoing discussion on 1 occasion in each class. If you have approved Special Consideration for absence(s), you must forward it to your tutor in order to receive a pro-rata mark adjustment.
Quiz: Examines all lecture material up to and including the final lecture. Available on Canvas from week 3 to week 13. Contains 20 questions in 30 minutes. Unlimited attempts are allowed and the mark from your last attempt will be counted.
Final exam: All material in the unit of study is examinable, but not all material can be examined within the constraints of the formal assessment process.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

In order to successfully complete this Unit of Study you must demonstrate a threshold (pass) standard of attainment of the Unit of Study learning outcomes as measured by performance on the Unit of Study summative assessments. Failure to participate in any one or more of the in-semester assessment tasks or the end of semester theory examination may result in a grade of Absent Fail (AF) for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

The University uses standards-based criteria for assessment, such that marking standards and grade descriptors are used to assess your demonstration of learning outcomes on set assessments. As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Grade	Descriptors	Explanation / Interpretation
High distinction (85-100)	Work of exceptional standard	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.
Distinction (75-84)	Work of superior standard	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.
Credit (65-74)	Competent work demonstrating potential for higher study	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.
Pass (50-64)	Work of acceptable standard	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.
Fail (<50)	Work not of acceptable standard	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

All assignments must be submitted by the due date and quizzes and exams attended when they are scheduled. Students are expected to manage their time and to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension using a special consideration or special arrangement form or request will incur penalties. Failure to meet assessment deadlines will incur mark deductions of 5% of the maximum awardable mark available for every day past the due date (for electronic submissions, days late includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days, until the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, submitted after the solutions for the assignment are released, or marked assignments are returned to other students, the final mark will be 0/100.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Orientation lecture; VGICs and targets of drug action	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	LGICs and targets of drug action; G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Transporters as targets of drug action; Modelling Receptor Structures (Intro to Prac 1)	Lecture (2 hr)
	1a. PyMOL protein visualization	Practical (4 hr)
	Introduction and paper assignment	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	1b. PyMOL protein visualisation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	G-protein coupled receptors as drug targets 2; Monoamines	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	2a. Cell signaling (Cell culture)	Practical (3 hr)
	Neuropeptides; Cellular techniques in neuropharmacology	Lecture (2 hr)
	Glutamate receptors and transporters	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	2b. Cell signaling (Signaling assay)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Molecular techniques in neuropharmacology; Genetic techniques in neuropharmacology;	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	2b. Cell signaling (Signaling assay)	Practical (3 hr)
	Behavioural neuropharmacology; Opioids and Analgesia	Lecture (2 hr)
	Monoamines	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	3a. Analgesia simulation	Practical (4 hr)
Week 08	Chronic pain therapies; Migraine and its treatment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	3b. Analgesia simulation (Analysis)	Practical (2 hr)
	Epilepsy (anticonvulsants); Mood Disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
	Depression and anxiety	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Neuroadaptive basis of addiction; Treatment of addiction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Anxiety (sedatives, hypnotics & anxiolytics); Schizophrenia (antipsychotics).	Lecture (2 hr)
	Epilepsy and pain	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	4a. Human analgesia	Practical (4 hr)
Week 12	Drugs to treat dementia & improve cognition; Parkinsons disease and movement disorders	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	4b. Human analgesia (Data analysis and presentation)	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Cannabinoid therapies for CNS disorders; Wrap up lecture	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The University of Sydney Coursework Policy 2014 states:
55 (2) A student enrolled in a unit of study must comply with the requirements set out in the faculty resolutions, award course resolutions or unit of study outline about undertaking the unit of study, including on matters such as: (a) attendance at and participation in lectures, seminars and tutorials; and (b) participation in practical work.

The Faculty of Science resolutions states:
9(1). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Nestler, E.J., Hyman, S.E., Holtzman, D.M. and Malenka, R.C. (2015) Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Medical
OR: Nestler, E.J., Hyman, S.E. and Malenka, R.C. (2009). Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical
Neuroscience, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill Medical.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe and explain centrally acting drugs and their targets at a molecular, protein, cellular, system- and organism-level, and how these drugs are used to modulate CNS-mediated function and behaviours including drugs used to treat insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, pain, epilepsy, migraine, stroke, movement disorders, and dementia.
LO2. Critically evaluate current research methods in neuropharmacology and explain their role in producing new knowledge about CNS pharmacology.
LO3. Investigate current topics in neuropharmacology using literature searches and critically analyse the research literature for reliability and relevance of information.
LO4. Integrate information from many sources into a coherent and critical appraisal of the currently available information on a specific research area, and communicate a concise, informative response presenting a recommendation or view in written and/or oral form.
LO5. Communicate ideas and interpretations of scientific information through both oral and written communication tools using appropriate language and style.
LO6. Determine the appropriate experimental design in attaining a specific scientific aim.
LO7. Collect, analyse and interpret data derived from experiments and describe and interpret experimental results.
LO8. Consider social, ethical and cultural issues that affect scientific enquiry and research methodology.
LO9. Take responsibility for your learning, including time management, and work independently as well as within a team.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Close the loop feedback on your Unit of Study Survey feedback will be provided via Canvas announcement following the release of marks.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PCOL3022: Neuropharmacology

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect