? Credit Points : 10  ? SCQF Level : 10  ? Acronym : BMS-4-PHntmx2

The Neurotransmitter Mechanisms B course will be organised and examined as a pair with Neurotransmitter Mechanisms A. By reference to important topical issues in cellular neuropharmacology the course aims to examine;
1. Ionotropic receptor mechanisms underlying 'fast' excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.
2. Signal transduction pathways used by different receptor types to modulate ion channel function.
3. Structure-function studies of ligand-gated ion channel function and the use of kinetic schemes to describe agonist action.
The course will be delivered through a co-ordinated programme of lectures, tutorials and student-led problem solving sessions. Laboratory work forms an integral component of the course. Computer simulations of equivalent circuitry and cell model practicals coupled with 'real-life' electrophysiological recordings will be used to illustrate the principles of receptor activation and neuronal excitability. The material covered in the lecture and practical components will emphasize how the use of electrophysiological recording techniques continues to further our understanding of synaptic transmission.

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer. Pharmacology 3. Physiology is recommended

? Co-requisites : Neurotransmitter Mechanisms A. Nature of Receptors Core Course OR General Neuroscience Core Course.

? Prohibited combinations : Ion Channels in Health and Disease.

Home subject area

Pharmacology (Biomedical Sciences), (School of Biomedical Sciences, Schedule T)

Other subject areas

Pharmacology (Biological Sciences), (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 45 minutes per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type Day Start End Area Lecture Friday 09:00 17:00 Med+Vet

Increased undertanding of biological processes.
Detailed learningoutcomes will be provided later.

100% Written Examination.

Exam times

Diet Diet Month Paper Code Paper Name Length 1ST December 1 - 1 hour(s) 30 minutes

The Course Secretary should be the first point of contact for all enquiries.

Course Secretary

Ms Caroline Morris
Tel : (0131 6)51 3255
Email : c.d.morris@ed.ac.uk

Course Organiser

Dr HJ Olverman
Tel : (0131 6)50 3523
Email : H.Olverman@ed.ac.uk

School Website : http://www.dbcls.med.ed.ac.uk/

College Website : http://www.mvm.ed.ac.uk/