Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Psychopharmacology
Module Code NS337
School School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Stella Vlachou
Semester 2: Stella Vlachou
Autumn: Stella Vlachou
Module TeacherStella Vlachou
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
To describe and explain the essentials of psychopharmacology, i.e., how psychoactive drugs interact with the body and the brain, and how psychoactive drugs are used to treat neuropsychological/psychiatric conditions and disorders

Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the basic principles of psychopharmacology
2. Describe and revise the structure and function of the nervous system
3. Describe and revise the main principles of synaptic transmission and signal transduction
4. Describe and explain the symptoms and pharmacology of psychological/psychiatric disorders, as well as the actions of drugs used for their treatment
5. Identify, describe and explain the actions of drugs of abuse and other psychoactive drugs



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Seminars6No Description
Independent learning93No Description
Examination2No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction and Principles of Psychopharmacology (e.g., pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics).
Structure and Function of the Nervous System.

Synaptic Transmission and Signal Transduction (i.e., chemical signalling by neurotransmitters and hormones).
Techniques in Neuropharmacology and Behavioural Pharmacology.

Psychosis, Schizophrenia and Antipsychotic drugs.
Affective/Mood Disorders and Antidepressants.

Anxiety Disorders and Anxiolytics.
Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment30% Examination Weight70%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Oral presentationsn/a10%n/a
Assignmentn/a20%n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Stephen M. Stahl: 2008, Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications, 3rd, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 978-0521673761
  • Robert M. Julien: 2010, A Primer of Drug Action, 12TH, Worth Publishers, New York, NY, 978-1429206792
  • R.H. Ettinger: 2010, Psychopharmacology, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 978-0136013068
  • Jerrold S. Meyer, Linda F. Quenzer: 2004, Psychopharmacology: drugs, the brain and behaviour, Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA, 978-0878935345
  • Stephen M. Stahl: 2011, Case Studies: Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 978-0521182089
  • Stephen M. Stahl: 2011, The Prescriber's Guide: Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 978-0521173643
  • Leonard Lichtblau: 2010, Psychopharmacology Demystified, Delmar Cengage Learning, Florence, KY, 978-1435427877
  • John D. Preston, James Johnson: 2011, Clinical Psychopharmacology Made Ridiculously Simple, 7th, MedMaster, Miami, FL, 978-1935660057
  • Jack R. Cooper, Floyd E. Bloom, Robert H. Roth: 2002, The biochemical basis of neuropharmacology, 8th, Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 978-0195140088
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
BPYBSc (Honours) in Psychology
Timetable this semester: Timetable for NS337
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