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
nil1@pitt.edu
Office Hours: Th 5:30-6:30pm, 208 Langley Hall
Mailbox: A210 Langley Hall
Course Description: This course provides a general background in the fields of neuroscience
and psychopharmacology. The course examines the biological mechanisms of action and the
behavioral effects of 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:
a. Buzzed: The straight facts about the most used and abused drugs from alcohol to
ecstasy. Kuhn, et al. (2008) 3rd edition.
2. Recommended:
a. 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 (http://courseweb.pitt.edu).
Please check Blackboard daily for:
- Announcements
- Updated course materials
- Posted lecture outlines
- Posted lecture slides
- Exam grades
- Recitation materials
Exams:
1. Exams
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
There are a total of 5 exams given for this course
The lowest exam grade will be dropped
Make-up exams will not be allowed (no exceptions)
A total of 4 exams will = 100% of the final grade
Exams are a combination of multiple choice and short answer
2. Final Exam
a. The final exam will be given during the final examination period
b. The final exam will cover material from Unit V (i.e. this is not a cumulative
exam)
c. The final exam may be dropped as the lowest exam grade
Grading: The grading scale will be as follows:
Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
Grading Scale
Percentage Range
Letter Grade
98-100
C+
93-97
C
90-92
C88-89
D
82-87
F
80-81
Percentage Range
78-79
72-77
70-71
60-69
Below 60
Academic integrity:
Please see the College of Arts and Sciences web page for details on academic integrity
www.pitt.edu
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 http://www.drs.pitt.edu/ 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
Drug Pharmacology/Principles of drug action
Kuhn p. 263-273
(Unit I)
Sept 8, 10
Meyer Ch 1
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
Neurotransmitters
(Unit II)
Sept 29, Oct
Meyer Ch 5-7
Neurobiology of Tolerance/Dependence/Addiction
1
Oct 6
Kuhn p. 247-262
Kuhn p. 274-284
Meyer Ch 8
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
General Anesthetics/Inhalants
Kuhn p. 130-141
Narcotics/Opiates/Pain
Kuhn p. 185-202
(Unit III)
Oct 22
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
Hallucinogens I - Serotinergic
(Unit IV)
Nov 17, 19
Kuhn p. 90-117
Meyer Ch 14
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