Biological Psychology & Pharmacotherapy

This subject is not offered in 2013.

54 hours

PSYC00029 Graduate Research Methods

PSYC00030 Introduction Psychological Assessment

PSYC00031 Introduction to Psychopathology

None

Completion of APAC approved psychology studies to fourth-year (Honours) level.

None

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements, Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject will provide students with an introduction to medications used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The subject allows students to understand the biological basis of psychiatric disorders as derived from studies on the mechanism of action of the major classes of psychotropic medications.

Upon completion of this subject the student should be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the classes of psychotropic medications;
• Develop an appreciation of the indiciations for the use of psychotropic medications;
• Have some understanding of the pharmacological basis of the mechanism of action of psychotropic medications and their common side effects;
• Develop an understanding of drugs of abuse their effects and putative mode of action;
• Develop critical skills in the evaluation of published material relating to the evaluation and use of psychotropic medications;

A mid-semester essay of up to 1500 words on a set topic (60% of assessment)

An end-of-semester written examination of 2 hours duration comprising short answer and multiple choice questions (40% of assessment).

No prescribed texts.

The following volumes are useful for consultation during the course:

Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology, 3rd Edition Cambridge University Press; SM Stahl

Introduction to Neuropsychopharmacology, Oxford University Press; Iversen, Iversen, Bloom, Roth

Therapeutic Guidelines: Psychotropic; Therapeutic Guidelines Limited.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Time management skills by planning and submitting work by the required deadlines.