- Docente: Santi Mario Spampinato
- Credits: 3
- SSD: BIO/14
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Biotechnology (cod. 8005)
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, the student knows the most relevant drugs employed for the therapy of affective diseases, psychosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, he/she knows the basis of drug addiction and the most used substances of abuse.
Course contents
Methods of research in neuropharmacology. Tools for imaging the structure and fuction of the brain. Genetic engineering to ask new questions.
Brain neurotransmitters.
Drug abuse, dependence and addiction.
Alcohol. Psychostimulants. Opioids. Nicotine and caffeine.Marijuana and cannabinoids. Hallucinogens.Inhalants, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, anabolic androgenic steroids.
Therapies for affective disorders.
Therapies for anxiety disorders.
Therapies for psychoses.
Therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Readings/Bibliography
Psicofarmacologia. Farmaci, cervello e comportamento. Jerrold S. Meyer e Linda F. Quenzer. Edi-Ermes, Milano, 2009.
Teaching methods
Lessons and presentations by groups of volunteers.
Assessment methods
Two written tests will be done before the end of the lessons. Oral exam.
Teaching tools
PC and projector.
Office hours
See the website of Santi Mario Spampinato