Biochemistry

This course provides an introduction to the pathologic basis of disease and drug treatment, and draws together knowledge gained from prerequisite subjects into the study of the aetiology and pathogenesis of disease. It focuses on the interaction between the immune and the nervous systems at molecular, cellular and systems levels, and provides an overview of current and developing concepts in Neuroimmunology from both Neuroscience and Immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarize students with the molecular and cellular elements of interconnectivity between the immune and nervous systems and the effect of neuro-immune interaction on physiological responses and disease processes. Moreover, it provides the basis of crosstalk between cells of immune and nervous systems in the stress response and in the onset and development of neurological disorders. Students will be introduced to concepts of cellular injury, inflammation and necrosis. The fundamentals of pharmacology including targets of drug action, absorption and metabolism of drugs and drug development will also be detailed. This provides a platform for commencing the integrated study of pathophysiology, pathology and drug treatment of various disorders, beginning with pain, inflammation and neoplasia. Specific skills. a) knowledge and understanding - Knowledge and understanding of the relationship between structure and function of the main cell types of the nervous system; - understanding of neuronal and glial development; - knowledge of the main signaling pathways of neurotransmission and drug targets; - understanding of the principles and phenomena underlying the main neuropharmacological tools; b) applying knowledge and understanding - ability to interpret and explain the neuronal functions from a physiological and pharmacological point of view; - ability to apply appropriate techniques to specific experimental problems; c) making judgments - be able to understand physiological relationships between cells; - be able to identify physiological phenomena that can be explained using a pharmacological approach; - be able to select and evaluate the most appropriate techniques to solve a specific experimental problem; d) communication skills - be able to illustrate and explain physiological phenomena with appropriate terms and with logical rigor; - be able to explain pharmacological drug action in general; - be able to describe how the main physiological and pharmacological techniques work; e) learning skills - acquisition of the fundamentals and cognitive tools to continue independently in the study of physiology and pharmacology; - acquisition of the basic knowledge necessary to progress autonomously in other biological disciplines; - ability to learn quickly and apply physiological and pharmacological techniques in laboratory working environments;