Programme Information
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and
Therapeutics
Academic Year
2015-16
Programme Directors: Dr J Jovanovic & Dr T Sihra
First Term
Monday 28 September 2015 - Friday 18 December 2015
Second Term Monday 11 January 2016 – Thursday 24 March 2016
Third Term
Monday 25 April 2016 - Friday 10 June 2016
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
3.4
Core Modules
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description
Module aims
Module objectives
Module assessment
(percentage)
Written examination
(percentage)
Schedule
PHAYG053
Core Module – Investigative Pharmacology
30
Dr Jasmina Jovanovic
&
Dr Talvinder Sihra
e-mail: j.jovanovic@ucl.ac.uk
t.sihra@ucl.ac.uk
This module will focus on teaching theoretical basis and
traditional and advanced experimental approaches in
pharmacology. It will introduce quantitative principles that
underlie the study of the action of drugs through receptors.
The molecular nature of receptors will be considered in
detail and a critical and quantitative approach to the
analysis and interpretation of pharmacological data will be
developed. Further, application of modern cell biological
and fluorescent techniques in receptor pharmacology will
be
considered.
Finally,
neurotransmitter
release
mechanisms, calcium homeostasis and secondary
messenger cascades will be examined experimentally.
This module aims to provide extensive training in
theoretical basis and traditional and advanced
experimental approaches in pharmacology. The goal is to
allow students to learn about topical areas of
pharmacology and therapeutics from scientists who are
leaders in their field and to critically appraise current
literature. Specific aims are to develop a critical and
quantitative approach to the analysis and interpretation of
pharmacological data, written and verbal communication of
science, reference retrieval and management and
graphical processing.
Intellectual (thinking) skills: ability to disseminate complex
data and concepts, critical thinking, problem solving,
creativity.
Practical skills:(i) in-depth understanding and application of
classical and contemporary pharmacological and
therapeutic techniques; (ii) literature search-based data
acquisition and analysis; (iii) manage and design a project,
manage time efficiently, learn techniques and
methodologies in current pharmacology/therapeutics
research; (iv) presentation of ideas, concepts and original
research in a clear and concise manner.
Coursework (40%)
 Poster presentation on a selected technique (10%)
 Journal Club Research Paper presentation (10%)
 Meta-analysis project (20%)
Unseen three hour written examination - 60%
Terms 1 & 2
Wednesday 11 am-13 pm & 14 pm -18 pm
Thursday 11 am – 13 pm
2|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
ANATGS10
Core Module - Practice of Science
Credit Value
30
Module leader
Dr Andrew Batchelor
e-mail: a.batchelor@ucl.ac.uk
Short description
Module assessment
(percentage)
Written examination
(percentage)
Schedule
The aim of this course is to provide you with the
transferable skills necessary for planning research and for
the effective verbal and written communication of science.
The course will consist of seminars, workshops and
discussion sessions.
Poster 20%
Paper review (1,500 words) 20%
Figure Design 10%
Abstract presentation 40%
Project protocol 10%
None
Terms 1 & 2
Block H: Thursday 15 pm - 18 pm
Additional sessions for presentations
3|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
PHARG003
Core Module - Molecular Pharmacology
Credit Value
15
Module leader
Prof Alasdair J Gibb
e-mail: a.gibb@ucl.ac.uk
Short description
Module aims
Module objectives
The course deals with the quantitative principles that
underlie the study of the action of drugs at receptors
beginning with the physical chemical principles which
underlie drug-receptor interactions. The molecular nature
of receptors is considered in detail and a critical and
quantitative approach to the analysis and interpretation of
pharmacological data is developed.
The course aims to teach students about the structure and
function of neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and
about quantitative aspects of the action of drugs at
receptors.
On completion of the course, students should have a
detailed knowledge of the following topics 1) Use of the
Law of Mass Action to quantify the interaction of drugs and
receptors 2) The action of agonists and antagonists and
the concept of efficacy 3) Ion channel receptors and their
regulation and block 4) Receptor structure 5) Radio ligand
binding.
Key skills provided by
module
Analytical and quantitative data analysis and interpretation.
Module assessment
(percentage)
Unseen three-hour written examination 75.00%.
Two practical tests 25.00%.
Notes
Course material, Lecture Notes and Problem Sheets can
be downloaded from Moodle.
Schedule
Term 1
Blocks C & F: Monday 11 am-13 pm & 14 pm -18 pm
4|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
PHAYGX93
Core Module – Research Project
Credit Value
90
Module leader
Dr Jasmina Jovanovic
&
e-mail: j.jovanovic@ucl.ac.uk
Short description
Module aims
Module objectives
Summary of the method
of delivery
Dr Talvinder Sihra
t.sihra@ucl.ac.uk
A research project conducted in a laboratory within the
UCL School of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacology or
UCL Biosciences Department of Neuroscience, Physiology
and Pharmacology (NPP) of the students’ choice. Both
departments are historically and currently internationally
leading in this field of Pharmacology. The students are
expected to work for two days per week in the laboratory
until the end of March and then full time in the laboratory
for the remainder of the course. A written dissertation in
the form of a research article that could be submitted to
the British Journal of Pharmacology or equivalent
pharmacological and therapeutics journal with an
additional 1000 word critique of the methods employed in
the project and a viva voce examination form the
assessment of the module.
For students to carry out novel, cutting edge research
using a variety of different methodologies to attempt to
answer a clearly defined question in fundamental or
clinical Pharmacology
Knowledge of various research methods in pharmacology,
understanding of controlled experiments, understanding of
the challenges of working within a team, preparation and
presentation of research data to peers, preparation of a
research article that could be submitted to an international
pharmacology research journal.
A research project is selected by students from a wide
range of labs carrying out research in pharmacology at the
UCL School of Pharmacy and UCL Biosciences
department of Neuroscience, Physiology and
Pharmacology. The student carries out experiments under
the supervision of one (or two) members of their chosen
lab.
Report/dissertation/viva (10,000 words).
Module assessment
(percentage)
Written examination
(percentage)
None
Terms 1, 2 and 3
Schedule
5|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
3.5
UCL Biosciences Optional Modules
Module Title
PHARG002
Neuropharmacology
Credit Value
15
Module leader
Prof Anthony H Dickenson
e-mail: anthony.dickenson@ucl.ac.uk
Short description
Module aims
Module objectives
In recent years many developments have brought basic
neuropharmacology and the successful treatment of
disorders of the CNS much closer together. It is likely that
future prospects for drug therapy in neurology and
psychiatry will depend very much on a better
understanding of neurotransmitter function and
manipulation. This neuropharmacology course tries to
provide a basis for such an understanding. The evidence
for different transmitters (from morphological,
electrophysiological, pharmacological and biochemical
studies) is evaluated so as to build up a picture of their
pre- and post-synaptic actions and their interactions in
specific pathways and brain areas. This knowledge is then
applied to a consideration of various disease states and
drug action. Special emphasis is given to neurotransmitter
function and malfunction in epilepsy, Parkinsonism,
memory, cell death and pain states and to the mode of
action of drugs in these conditions. This course consists of
lectures and discussions offered in the full unit course. No
practical work is involved.
To understand the chemical and neural events that
underlie function of the CNS in health and disease.
Cutting edge approaches to understanding CNS function,
exposure to advanced practical skills, to analyse and
report on experimental evidence.
Module assessment
(percentage)
Essay - 20.00%
Written examination
(percentage)
3 hour unseen written examination - 80 %
Schedule
Term 1: Blocks A & D
Monday 9-11 am & Tuesday 11-13 am
6|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
PHARG004
Receptor Mechanisms
Credit Value
15
Module leader
Prof Alasdair J Gibb
e-mail: a.gibb@ucl.ac.uk
This course is about the mechanisms involved in the
generation of a response following receptor activation,
either by a natural hormone or neurotransmitter or by drug
action, and how drugs may interfere with receptormediated responses. Mechanisms involving ligand-gated
ion channels, voltage-dependent calcium channels and
potassium channels, G-proteins, second messengers (e.g.
inositol phosphates, diacylglycerol) and cellular kinases
and phosphatases are then considered in detail, together
with the role of calcium. A final section draws these
themes together by examining integrated cell responses
such as the control of the release of insulin from the
pancreas. The course material is supplemented by group
presentations and discussion of selected research papers
related to the core lectures and by the preparation of an
essay by each student.
The course aims to teach students about the mechanisms
involved in the responses that result from activation of
neurotransmitter and hormone receptors.
Short description
Module aims
Module objectives
On completion of the course, students should have a
detailed knowledge of the following topics: 1) Mechanism
of action of G-protein coupled receptors; 2) Secondary
messengers: Ca2+, IP3, protein kinases and phosphatases;
3) Ligand-gated ion channel receptor mechanisms; 4)
Voltage-gated ion channel mechanisms.
Key skills provided by
module
Presentation skills; Analysis and interpretation of research
papers
Module assessment
(percentage)
Course Essay – 15 %.
Written examination
(percentage)
Unseen three-hour written examination - 85 %.
Schedule
Term 1
Blocks B & E & I
Tuesday 9-11 am, Friday 9-11 am & Friday 14-17 pm
7|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description
Module aims
PHARG031
Pharmacology of Inflammation
15
Dr Dean Willis
e-mail: dean.willis@ucl.ac.uk
As our knowledge of human disease increases it is
becoming evident that inflammation plays a significant part
in many pathologies. The diseases in which inflammation
has a major role, not only includes the classical
inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, allergies
and the auto-immune pathologies, but also
atherosclerosis, ischemic-reperfusion injury,
sepsis/multiply organ failure and COPD. Inflammation is
also an important component of metabolic diseases, with
evidence suggesting a link between diabetes obesity and
inflammation, is an important of tumor genesis and is the
underlying mechanism by which transplants are rejected.
This course provides in-depth coverage of the core
mechanism by which inflammation is initiated and
maintained and discusses the state of the current and
future research trends in its treatment.
• To know which cells and mediators are key in the
development of an inflammatory response. • To
understand the criteria used to assess whether or not
endogenous substances may be described as mediator of
inflammation. • To be able to explain the mechanism of
action of drugs which are used to control the inflammatory
process. • To appreciate current trends in inflammatory
mediator and anti-inflammatory drug research • To
understand in particular the pathology of asthma and
rheumatoid arthritis and the therapeutic approaches
towards these diseases • To develop your skills in
literature searches, literature/research evaluation, study
design and presentation of a research proposal.
An overview of immunopharmacology
Module objectives
Key skills provided by
module
The course aims to provide the skills which are required
when formulating, justifying and presenting a project.
These skills not only have relevance to the preparation of
research proposals/grants but also to general project
management proposals and in formulating and preparation
of business plans.
Module assessment
(percentage)
One essay (3,000 words) – 25 %.
Written examination
(percentage)
Unseen two-hour written examination – 75 %.
Term 2
Schedule
Friday 13-15 pm
8|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description
Module aims
Module objectives
Key skills provided by
module
PHARG008
Psychopharmacology
15
Dr S. Claire Stanford
e-mail: c.stanford@ucl.ac.uk
This course outlines what is known about the actions of
drugs that affect mood and behaviour. Key themes include
the neurobiological basis of specific psychiatric disorders
and their drug treatment and drugs of abuse. The lectures
concentrate on the effects on behaviour of specific classes
of drugs. All these topics will build on knowledge acquired
in the second year (PHAR2001) and the third year
(PHAR3001/3002) courses. There will also be small-group
tutorials and a film demonstration of how drugs can affect
behaviour of rodents and humans. All these sessions will
aim to develop students’ ability to appraise scientific
literature and to provide the background material for the
written assessment.
• To understand current ideas on how neuronal systems in
the brain influence mood and behaviour • Validation of
animal models for psychiatric disorders • To understand
current strategies for the discovery and development of
novel drug treatments for psychiatric disorders • To
consider ethical questions arising from preclinical
experiments in psychopharmacology.
• To appraise evidence for the neurobiological basis of
common psychiatric disorders • To describe what is known
about the mechanisms of action of drugs that affect mood
and behaviour • To appraise evidence for promising
targets for novel psychotropic drugs • To discuss ethical
problems arising specifically from experiments using drugs
that modify mood and behaviour • To be aware of potential
problems and pitfalls in experimental
psychopharmacology.
Accessing and appraisal of scientific literature (primary
sources); Note-taking Evaluation of behaviour Data
interpretation.
Module assessment
(percentage)
Exercise on data interpretation – 15 %.
Written examination
(percentage)
Unseen three-hour written examination – 85 %.
Term 2
Schedule
9|Page
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description
Module aims
Module objectives
PHARG011
Synaptic Pharmacology: The Synapse - a major site
for disease and drug action
15
Dr Talvinder Sihra & Prof Stuart Cull-Candy
e-mail: t.sihra@ucl.ac.uk
The way in which synapses, and the receptors and ion
channels present therein, function is central to our
understanding of a major component of modern
Pharmacology and is an extremely active area of basic
and applied research.
(1) To provide an understanding of the signaling within and
communication between nerve cells at the synapse
(synaptic transmission). (2) To provide an appreciation of
the identified and potential pharmacological targets at the
synapse that may be exploited for fundamental research
and clinical goals.
To gain: (1) Knowledge of the components of the neuron
pertinent to synaptic transmission. (2) An understanding of
single synapses and ion channels with an appreciation of
the methodologies employed at the molecular and
functional level to address how neurons communicate with
one another in the brain. (3) Knowledge of drugs targeting
the synapse and an appreciation of potential molecular
targets for future drug development. (4) Training on how to
critically appraise the literature in the field with respect to
experimental design and subsequent analysis and
interpretation of the data.
Module assessment
(percentage)
Two essays – 10 %.
Written examination
(percentage)
Unseen three-hour written examination – 90 %.
Schedule
Term 2
Block A
Monday 9-11 am
10 | P a g e
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
3.6
UCL School of Pharmacy Optional Modules
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description and
aims
Teaching style
Module objectives
Module assessment
(percentage)
Written examination
(percentage)
Schedule
PHAYG010
CNS Pharmacology & Disorders
15
Dr Afia Ali and Dr Arnaud Ruiz
e-mail: afia.b.ali@ucl.ac.uk
This course will first emphasise the relationship between
the structure and function of the brain and various
associated neurological disorders such as anxiety,
depression and panic. Focus on the modern and
alternative therapeutic aspects of these disorders will be
dealt with. Discussions on the concept of mind-body
problems will be raised. The second part of the course will
focus on other common conditions such as seen in brain
and spinal cord tumours in children and adults, or sleep
anomalies. The aim is to provide a basic knowledge of the
aetiology of these conditions and to look at the different
therapeutic strategies, including the monitoring of brain
activity, drug therapy, functional imaging, and
neurosurgery.
Lectures supplemented with small group presentations, a
poster design/presentation session and an MCQ test, all
assessed as part of the coursework requirement.
The objectives of the module are to provide understanding
of physiological mechanisms associated with various
neurological disorders.
Coursework (33%): group project report and presentation
(33%), poster presentation (33%) and MCQ (33%).
Unseen one and a half hour written examination
Term 2
Monday 10 am – 12 pm
11 | P a g e
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description and
aims
Teaching style
Module objectives
Module assessment
(percentage)
Written examination
(percentage)
Schedule
PHAYG012
CNS Drugs of Abuse
15
Prof. Rob Harvey & Dr Andy Constanti
e-mail: r.j.harvey@ucl.ac.uk
The aim of this module is to provide students with the
opportunity to study in more detail the main
pharmacological/toxic and dependent side effects
associated with taking legal and illegal drugs of abuse.
The following drugs are likely to be reviewed in the
course: opiates, cocaine, volatile substances
(inhalants), LSD, PCP, amphetamines, designer drugs
(ecstasy), nicotine (inhaled tobacco), ethanol, GHB
(liquid ecstasy), ‘legal highs’ (e.g. mephedrone) and
cannabis.
Lectures supplemented with small group drug topic
presentations, a poster design/presentation session and
an MCQ test, all assessed as part of the coursework
requirement.
The objectives of the module are to provide understanding
of physiological mechanisms associated with taking legal
and illegal drugs of abuse.
Coursework (33%): group project report and presentation
(33%), poster presentation (33%) and MCQ (33%).
Unseen one and a half hour written examination
Term 1
Block E
Wednesday 11 am – 13 pm
12 | P a g e
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description
Teaching style
Module objectives
Module assessment
(percentage)
Written examination
(percentage)
Schedule
PHAYG013
Epileptic Disorders: research insights and drug
therapy
15
Dr Jasmina Jovanovic & Prof Mala Shah
e-mail: j.jovanovic@ucl.ac.uk
This course is designed to introduce the complex
nature of epileptic disorders and available treatments
through a series of lectures on the current
understanding of physiological mechanisms underlying
epileptic seizures, animal models of epilepsy, genetics
of human epilepsy and therapeutic strategies for
epilepsy management. Students will have opportunity
to discuss the nature and diagnostics of epileptic
disorders with both clinicians and patients, and
examine in detail the mechanisms of action of
established antiepileptic drugs.
Lectures
The objectives of the module are to provide understanding
of physiological mechanisms underlying epileptic
disorders, appreciation of identified and potential
pharmacological targets, knowledge of current drug
therapies and their mechanisms of action, and
understanding of social aspects of epilepsy management
Coursework (33%): group project report and presentation
(33%), poster presentation (33%) and MCQ (33%).
Unseen one and a half hour written examination
Term 1
Block A
Monday 9 - 11 am
13 | P a g e
MSc Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Module Title
Credit Value
Module leader
Short description
Teaching style
Module objectives
Module assessment
(percentage)
Written examination
(percentage)
Schedule
PHAYG059
Advanced Cardiovascular Pharmacology
15
Dr Rebecca Lever
e-mail: r.lever@ucl.ac.uk
This module aims to build upon previously attained
knowledge of the cardiovascular system and diseases
affecting it, as well as to introduce further aspects of
cardiovascular medicine, pharmacology and physiology.
The emphasis will be upon bringing together an
understanding of basic physiological and pharmacological
principles of relevance to cardiovascular disease with
current and emerging treatment approaches, research and
hypotheses in the field
Lectures
At the end of the module students should be able to:
 Develop a critical appreciation of the research base
that underpins the evidence-based management of
cardiovascular disorders.
 Understand and describe the pathophysiology and
relevant risk factors involved in the development of
cardiovascular disease.
 Provide a critical approach to consideration of current
issues and topics of contention relevant to
cardiovascular health and disease.
 Convey and apply a deep knowledge of the
physiological and pharmacological principles relevant
to the management of cardiovascular diseases and
the basis of cardiovascular health.
 Discuss the rationale for both current and
novel/emerging approaches to cardiovascular disease
management.
Coursework (33%): two group project reports and
presentations (15% each), coursework essay (40%) and
MCQ (30%).
Unseen one and a half hour written examination
Term 1
Block B
Tuesday 9 - 11 am
14 | P a g e