Neuroscience 0081: Section 12778

Drugs and Behavior – Fall 2009

Lecture: TuTh 4-5:15 CLAPP – L9

Recitation: W 10-10:50am LANG A221

Instructor: Dr. N.J. Larsen

Office Hours: Th 5:30-6:30pm, 208 Langley HallMailbox: A210 Langley Hall

Course Description: This course provides a general background in the fields of neuroscience and psychopharmacology. The course examines thebiological mechanisms of action and the behavioral effectsof the major groups of psychoactive drugs. Lectures will focus on a discussion of psychoactive drugs that are commonly abused such as amphetamines and alcohol. Theories of drug addiction will also be evaluated. Lectures will also focus on a discussion of drugs used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. Theories of the neurobiological basis of these illnesses will also be discussed. In general, the course will focus on such questions as:

How is our behavior affected by these psychoactive drugs?

Where and how in the nervous system do these drugs act to alter our behavior?

What insights does this information provide us about normal and abnormal brain function?

Texts:

  1. Required:
  2. Buzzed: The straight facts about the most used and abused drugs from alcohol to ecstasy. Kuhn, et al. (2008) 3rd edition.
  3. Recommended:
  4. Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the brain, and behavior. Meyer JS and Quenzer LF (2005)

Class Format:

The general class format is lecture-style. However, I encourage you to raise any questions and/or points of discussion during class. I will also often times ask questions of the class to reinforce concepts or stimulate discussion. Please feel free to participate as this will enhance the enjoyment of this class. Videos and demonstrations will also be utilized throughout the course to demonstrate or reinforce major concepts from the material. If at any time you have questions you prefer not to ask me or the teaching assistants, feel free to see me after class or email them to me.

Courseweb: Blackboard will be used in conjunction with this course ( Please check Blackboard daily for:

-Announcements

-Updated course materials

-Posted lecture outlines

-Posted lecture slides

-Exam grades

-Recitation materials

Exams:

  1. Exams
  2. There are a total of 5 exams given for this course
  3. The lowest exam grade will be dropped
  4. Make-up exams will not be allowed (no exceptions)
  5. A total of 4 exams will = 100% of the final grade
  6. Exams are a combination of multiple choice and short answer
  1. Final Exam
  2. The final exam will be given during the final examination period
  3. The final exam will cover material from Unit V (i.e. this is not a cumulative exam)
  4. The final exam may be dropped as the lowest exam grade

Grading: The grading scale will be as follows:

Grading Scale
Letter Grade / Percentage Range / Letter Grade / Percentage Range
A+ / 98-100 / C+ / 78-79
A / 93-97 / C / 72-77
A- / 90-92 / C- / 70-71
B+ / 88-89 / D / 60-69
B / 82-87 / F / Below 60
B- / 80-81

Academic integrity:

Please see the College of Arts and Sciences web page for details on academic integrity

Disabilities and Special Needs:

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Disability Resources and Services, 216 William Pitt Union, 412-648-7890 or 412-383-7355 (TTY) as early as possible in the term. Please go to the Student Affairs website at for more information.

Recitation:

  • Review/Summary of lecture material
  • Question/Answer with the Teaching Assistants
  • Useful for: studying, clarifying concepts, etc
  • Attendance is strongly recommended, not required

Date / Topic / Reading Assignments
Sept 1 / Outline/Syllabus / Kuhn p. 285-295
Sept 3
(Unit I) / Drug Pharmacology/Principles of drug action / Kuhn p. 263-273
Meyer Ch 1
Sept 8, 10 / Introduction to the Nervous System/Neuroanatomy / Kuhn p. 247-262
Meyer Ch 2
Sept 10 / Cells of the Nervous System / Kuhn p. 247-262
Meyer Ch 3
Sept 15, 17 / Neurotransmission / Kuhn p. 247-262
Meyer Ch 3
Sept 22 / Exam I
Sept 24
(Unit II) / Neurotransmitters / Kuhn p. 247-262
Meyer Ch 5-7
Sept 29, Oct 1 / Neurobiology of Tolerance/Dependence/Addiction / Kuhn p. 274-284
Meyer Ch 8
Oct 6 / Depressants - Alcohol / Kuhn p. 33-61
Meyer Ch 9
Oct 8 / Depressants – Benzodiazepine/Barbiturate/Anxiety / Kuhn p. 203-213
Meyer Ch 15, 16, 17
Oct 15 / Exam II
Oct 20
(Unit III) / General Anesthetics/Inhalants / Kuhn p. 130-141
Oct 22 / Narcotics/Opiates/Pain / Kuhn p. 185-202
Meyer Ch 10
Oct 27 / Stimulants – Cocaine and Amphetamines / Kuhn p. 222-243
Meyer Ch 11
Oct 29 / Stimulants: Caffeine / Kuhn p. 62-79
Meyer Ch 11
Nov 3 / Stimulants: Nicotine / Kuhn p. 172-184
Meyer Ch 12
Nov 5 / Exam III
Nov 10, 12 / Marijuana / Kuhn p. 142-171
Kuhn p. 118-129
Meyer Ch 13
Nov 17
(Unit IV) / Hallucinogens I - Serotinergic / Kuhn p. 90-117
Meyer Ch 14
Nov 17, 19 / Hallucinogens II - Ecstasy / Kuhn p. 80-89
Meyer Ch 14
Nov 19 / NMDA Receptor Antagonists / Kuhn p. 90-117
Meyer Ch 14
Nov 24 / Exam IV
Dec 1 / Affective Disorders: Schizophrenia / Meyer Ch 18
Dec 3 / Neurodegenerative Disorders: Parkinson’s Disease
Dec 8 / Neurodegenerative Disorders: Alzheimer’s Disease
Dec 10 / Affective Disorders: Depression / Meyer Ch 16
Dec 17 / Exam V – Final / 2-3:50pm