The brain uses electrical signals to process all information it receives and analyzes. Individual neurons encode complex information into simple electrical signals; the meaning behind these signals is derived from the specific interconnections of neurons. The purpose of neurophysiology is to describe how the neuron produces electrical and chemical signals and illustrate how these signals are involved in the functional organization of neural circuits.
The objective of this course is to provide graduate students of diverse backgrounds with an introduction and overview of neurobiology. Areas covered will include neuronal and glial cell biology, neurotransmitters, signaling mechanisms, neuroanatomy, and neuronal development. The course is designed to provide a brief overview of each of the areas and introduce students to current research questions. The course will consist of lectures and informal presentations in a 'Journal Club' format.
This course will provide in-depth coverage of the molecular pharmacology of growth factors, transcription factors, receptors, and ion channels. Emphasis will be placed on both the normal functions of these cell-signaling molecules and perturbations that result in several prevalent human diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, osteoporosis, and inherited human illnesses. Students will be introduced to experimental approaches to diagnosing and treating these illnesses in the light of our evolving knowledge of molecular pharmacology.
A study of the general theories of the mode of action of drugs upon nervous tissue and a review of the effects of analgesics, sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, tranquilizers, psychotomimetics, analeptics, antidepressants, anti-convulsants and drugs affecting motor dyskinesias upon neurones, synapses and functional components of the central nervous system.
Lectures and discussion of the chemical and biochemical reactions of chemical carcinogens and their metabolites.
The course is designed to enable the university graduate to be sufficiently sophisticated in his understanding of the physiological and behavioral effects of medicines, environmental toxicants, and psychoactive chemicals so that he may make informed decisions regarding their use in his life, home and community. This course provides such information in the context of drug development, standardization, distribution, control, use and misuse in a modern society. (Note: It is felt that this course might be of particular interest to freshmen.)
A study of the development of the profession of pharmacy, emphasizing the historical background and ethical principles upon which the profession rests. The nature and place of pharmaceutical services in society are considered. The moral standards and professional conduct required of a pharmacist are emphasized.
A continuation of PHR 336 involving the integrated physiology of the cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary systems with an introduction to the pathophysiology of each system and the pharmacodynamics of typical drugs. Lecture, three hours.
A course designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of the application of chemical principles to the study of medicinal agents. Basic heterocyclic chemistry as is needed to develop the chemistry of physiologically active molecules. Physiochemical properties of drugs and their relation to physiological activity, and fundamental consideration of the metabolic changes in drug molecules are major areas of development of the course presentation.
Selected problems of interest from the general field of pharmaceutical chemistry. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.
