? Credit Points : 10  ? SCQF Level : 10  ? Acronym : MED-4-PHntmx1

'Neurotransmitter Mechanisms A' will be organised and examined as a pair with 'Neurotransmitter Mechanisms B'. By reference to important topical issues in cellular neuropharmacology the course aims to evaluate the properties of ion channels involved in regulating neuronal excitability. Emphasis will be placed on linking the molecular structure of ion channels to their function. Modulation of the activity of ion channels by metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors represents important mechanisms of neurotransmitter action. This course will explore how combinations of electrophysiological, molecular and pharmacological techniques have been used to investigate the pathways by which this modulation occurs. The functional consequences of this modulation for neuronal excitability and in particular the mechanisms by which neurotransmitters modulate either their own release or that of other neurotransmitters will be evaluated. The course will be delivered through a co-ordinated programme of lectures, tutorials and student-led problem solving sessions. Laboratory work designed to illustrate the principles of neuronal excitability and to help demystify the electrophysiological methods used by researchers in this field forms an integral component of the course.

? This course is not available to visting students.

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

? Co-requisites : Nature of Receptors Core Course. Neurotransmitter Mechanisms B.

? Prohibited combinations : Ion Channels in Health and Disease.

Home subject area

BSc Honours (Medicine), (Medicine, Schedule R)

Other subject areas

Pharmacology, (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

First Class Information

Date Start End Room Area Additional Information 22/09/2005 09:00 : Room G.8, 1 George Square (Neuroscience) Med+Vet

All of the following classes

Type Day Start End Area Lecture Thursday 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

Mrs Patricia Anne Law
Tel : (0131 6)50 3161
Email : Anne.Law@ed.ac.uk

Course Organiser

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

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

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