Drugs, Brain, and Mind

The course will begin with a review of basic concepts in pharmacology including: routes of drug administration, drug metabolism, the dose response curve,  tolerance and sensitization.  Following a brief overview of cellular foundations of neuropharmacology (cell biology, synaptic and receptor function), the course will focus on various classes of drugs used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders including, among others, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety.  We will additionally consider mechanisms mediating the mind-altering, addictive, and neurotoxic effects of abused drugs.