year-2-study-guide-2.. - School of Medicine - Trinity College Dublin

Neurochemistry
• A description of the cell types in the brain and common techniques that enable
chemicals with neurotransmitter-like properties to be identified
• The criteria that need to be satisifed in order for a chemical to be classified as
a neurotransmitter
• A knowledge of the biogenic amines (acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline,
adrenaline, serotonin) and the properties that allow them to be classified as
neurotransmitters
• A knowledge of glutamate and GABA and the properties that allow them to be
classified as neurotransmitters
• A knowledge of atypical neurotransmitters (NO, CO, D-serine, neuropeptides,
purines) and the properties that allow them to be classified as
neurotransmitters
• The role that apoptotic and necrotic cell death play in neurodevelopment and
neurodegeneration.
Neuropharmacology
• Describe and evaluate the scientific basis of current and novel
pharmacological approaches to the treatment of neurological and psychiatric
illnesses, including drug efficacy and major side effects
• Assess the pharmacological evidence for the involvement of different
mechanisms in normal and abnormal functioning of the nervous system.
• Define efficacy goals and differences between different classes and subclasses
of centrally acting drugs including:
• Hypnotics, sedatives and anxiolytics
• General and local anaesthetics, anticonvulsants
• Narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics
• Antipsychotic and antidepressants
• Relate the different effects of classes of CNS drugs to their sites and
mechanisms of action.
• Distinguish acute and chronic effecst of CNS active drugs and the basis of
physical and psychological dependence.
Methods of Assessment
The methods of assessment are under review. Last year they consisted of the
following:
Written Papers
Paper 1 (2.5 hours):
Physiology, Pharmacology, Psychiatry (EMQs, MCQs )
Paper 2 (2 hours):
Biochemistry( Answer one essay question from a choice of two),
Neuroanatomy (Four SAQs)
Neuroanatomy Practical Examination
This is a viva voce examination (one-to-one interview) with a member of Staff of the
Department
Distribution of Marks
Paper 1: Physiology (20%), Pharmacology (20%), Psychiatry (20%)
Paper 2: Biochemistry (20%), Neuroanatomy (10% paper, 10% practical)
Overall Total: 100%
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