Syllabus

Neuropsychopharmacology 830:412:01

Instructor: Alexander Kusnecov, Ph.D.

Campus Location: Room 233a, Psychology Bldg, Busch Campus

Office Hours: Tuesday 10:30 - 12

Office Phone: (732) 445 3473
Lab Phone:    (732) 445 0971
Fax:                (732) 445 2263
Email: kusnecov@rci.rutgers.edu

Textbook:

Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications, 2^nd Edition, by Stephen M. Stahl; Cambridge University Press, 2000

Course Description: Our understanding of the biological basis of behavior ultimately culminates with a focus on the neurochemistry of the brain, and how this serves as the basis for communication between neurons. Neuropsychopharmacology investigates various aspects of neurochemistry, focusing on how drugs are used to affect chemical transmission in the brain, producing changes in motor behavior, cognition and emotion. Consequently, the application of neuropsychopharmacology is highly visible in the medical fields of Psychiatry and Neurology, where psychopharmacological treatments serve as the main form of treatment for a variety of disorders. The course will, therefore, focus on the psychopharmacological basis of treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and substance abuse.

Exams: There will be three written exams: two midterms, and one Final. The Final Exam will not be cumulative, dealing only with the material covered after Exam 2. The Final Exam will be worth 35% of the total grade, while Exams 1 and 2 will be worth 30% and 35% of the total grade, respectively.

Makeup Exams: After providing acceptable evidence for missing a scheduled exam, a student must take the makeup within one week of missing the exam. Otherwise, the makeup will have to be taken between the final class and the Final Exam. There will be no makeup exams after the Final.

Missing Classes: The course will be a mix of material from the textbook, as well as instructor-supplied material. Students who skip class, do so at their own risk.

Grading System: Students will need to achieve predetermined cut-off points for grades of A, B+, and so on. An F will be given for a final total score that is below 50%.

Lecture Topics and Dates

Date Chapter Topic

9/6/2007 n/a Overview

9/10/2007 1 Neurons and Neurotransmitters (NTs)

9/13/2007 1 Neurons and Neurotransmitters (NTs)

9/17/2007 n/a Neuroanatomical Distribution of NTs

9/20/2007 n/a Neuroanatomical Distribution of NTs

9/24/2007 2 & 3 Neurotransmitter receptors

9/27/2007 2 & 3 Neurotransmitter receptors

10/1/2007 2 & 3 Neurotransmitter receptors

10/4/2007 Exam 1 30 % of total grade

10/8/2007 4 Neurochemical Principles of Psychiatric Disease

10/11/2007 No Class (Instructor at NIH)

10/15/2007 4 Neurochemical Principles of Psychiatric Disease

10/18/2007 5, 6, 7 Mood Disorders

10/22/2007 5, 6, 7 Mood Disorders

10/25/2007 8 & 9 Anxiety, Fear and Stress

10/29/2007 8 & 9 Anxiety, Fear and Stress

11/1/2007 8 & 9 Anxiety, Fear and Stress

11/5/2007 10 & 11 Psychotic Disorders

11/8/2007 10 & 11 Psychotic Disorders

11/12/2007 Exam 2 35 % of total grade

11/15/2007 n/a Neuroinflammation

11/19/2007 (Mon) n/a Neuroinflammation

11/20/2007 (Tue) 12 Neurodegenerative Disorders

(Note: break for Thanksgiving 11/23)

11/26/2007 12 Neurodegenerative Disorders

11/29/2007 13 Psychopharmacology of Reward & Drugs of Abuse

12/3/2007 13 Psychopharmacology of Reward & Drugs of Abuse

12/6/2007 13 Psychopharmacology of Reward & Drugs of Abuse

12/10/2007 13 Psychopharmacology of Reward & Drugs of Abuse

Date to be announced Final Exam 35% of total Grade