Course Descriptions
[ Neurosciences ]
[ Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry ]
[ Pathophysiology ]
[ Clinical and Research Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology ]
[Physical Assessment, Laboratory Exams, and Differential Diagnosis ]
[Special Issues in Pharmacotherapeutics ]
[Practicum ]
Neurosciences
PSY 9500 Neuroanatomy/Neuropathology (1.5 credits)
This course covers basic human neuroanatomy and neuropathology. An emphasis is on categorization of tracts by neurotransmitter systems. Categorizations by neurotransmitter function will allow an early introduction to pharmacological agents and how they interact with the various anatomical pathways. The anatomy of the brain, spinal cord, and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems will be important to the study of psychopharmacology. Brain regions studied will include the cerebral cortex, frontal cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, thalamus and hypothalamus, and brain stem (with particular attention to locus coeruleus and dorsal raphae nuclei). Involvement of particular anatomical regions in certain mental illnesses and relevant neurological illnesses will be introduced. Neuropathology content will include nervous system pathology. Basic neurodiagnostic markers of pathology and mechanisms of extrapyramidal dysfunction will be included, as well as a discussion of the hypothesized neuropathological basis of psychological disorders.
PSY 9505 Neurophysiology (1.5 credits)
This course covers physiological concepts underlying central and peripheral nervous system function. Cellular neurophysiology concepts such as the resting potential, action potential, and basic ion channel kinetics will be introduced. An integrated view of the electrical functioning of the brain, with an introduction to electroencephalographic concepts, will be introduced. Neurotransmitter receptor function, second messengers, and neural plasticity with an introduction to cellular theories underlying learning will also be included.
PSY 9510 Neurochemistry (1.5 credits)
This course will emphasize the various neurotransmitter systems relevant to modern psychopharmacological practice. These include, but are not limited to, serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, opioids, and Substance P. The interaction of these neurotransmitters and their receptors will be emphasized, as will the mechanism of action of the various receptor systems. The biochemical mechanisms of action of prototypical drugs used in modern psychopharmacological practice will be introduced in this course. Prerequisite: PSY 9507
PSY 9512 Human Anatomy and Physiology (1.5 credits)
This course is designed to offer advanced pre-doctoral and postdoctoral master’s students in psychopharmacology an introductory understanding of the anatomy and physiology of normal cellular, tissue, organ and systemic levels of organization of the human body. Readings, lecture and class discussion will be used to gain knowledge about the cellular function and physiology of organs and tissues, as well as the systemic functioning and anatomy of the immune and lymphatic organs, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, hepatic and renal organs and systems.
Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
PSY 9507 Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (1.0 credit)
This course will provide students with a brief review of those aspects of chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry that are needed for the study of pharmacology. For instance, in the field of general chemistry the general concepts of chemical compounds and bonds and atomic theory will be reviewed. In the field of organic chemistry, the concepts of organic compounds, bonds, and valances will be reviewed. In the field of biochemistry, the instructor will review biomolecules of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids, as well as chromosomal theory and the genetic code, enzymes and metabolism.
Pathophysiology
PSY 9535 Pathophysiology I (2.0 credits)
This core course covers the following topics fundamental to modern pharmacological practice: a review of normal anatomy & physiology and pathophysiology (disease states) of the following organ systems of the human body: cellular function, cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological and hematological function. Psychological manifestations of general medical conditions will be emphasized. Interactions of drugs used to treat general medical conditions with those commonly used in psychopharmacological practice will be disused. Effects of general medical conditions on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as effects of age, sex and ethnicity will also be discussed.
PSY 9536 Pathophysiology II (2.0 credits)
This second course of a series of two courses in pathophysiology will focus on content that is fundamental to modern pharmacological practice. It will begin with a review of the normal anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology or disease states that occur in the following organ systems of the human body: renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urological, sex organs, organs of special senses, musculoskeletal, and integumentary systems. There will be a discussion of the way in which medical conditions impact an individual’s psychological status, and the ways in which psychological conditions impact an individual’s medical status. Interactions of drugs used to treat pathophysiological conditions with those commonly used psychopharmacological practice will be discussed. Effects of general medical conditions on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as effects of age, sex and ethnicity will also be included.
Clinical and Research Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology
PSY 9515 General Pharmacology I (2.0 credits)
This core course will cover basic scientific and clinical concepts fundamental to the subject of general pharmacology. General principles, such as pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, will be introduced and expanded upon in all of the pharmacology and psychopharmacology courses, and will provide students with knowledge of the common pharmacological agents used in general medical practice. Also introduced is the important concept of drug interactions, which will be reemphasized throughout later coursework. General pharmacodynamic principles, including mechanisms of drug action, drug-receptor and drug-enzyme models will be presented. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and drug actions on these systems will be emphasized. The pharmacokinetic principles of routes of administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism, half-life, protein-binding, lipid solubility, elimination and the blood-brain barrier, will be included.
PSY 9516 General Pharmacology II (2.0 credits)
Utilizing the principles and foundation established in PSY-9515, this course will expand upon and continue the discussions regarding the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of certain medications that will include: agents affecting the central nervous system, antibiotics, cardiovascular agents, analgesics, and drugs affecting the renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and urological systems. Common adverse effects and potential drug-drug and drug-food interactions will be emphasized in each section. When appropriate, developmental pharmacological issues will be covered with emphasis on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences in the very young and very old patients.
Pre-requisite: PSY 9515
PSY 9520 General Psychopharmacology I (2.0 credits)
This core course will cover the general and advanced principles underlying the use of psychopharmacological agents utilized in modern practice to treat the major classes of mental illness. This course will include lectures and case discussions regarding antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and other medications utilized to treat the affective disorders. Discussions of special topics will also be included. Mechanism of action, drug interactions, dosing, adverse reactions and pertinent aspects of differential diagnosis will be discussed. Psychiatric aspects of general medical conditions, with particular attention to the detection and treatment of drug-related psychiatric and cognitive impairments will be presented.
Pre-requisites: PSY 9515 and PSY 9516 or prior approval of course coordinator.
PSY 9521 General Psychopharmacology II (2.0 credits)
This core course will continue to cover the principles regarding the use of psychopharmacological agents in modern practice to treat the major classes of mental illness. This course will include discussions regarding antipsychotics (first and second generation agents), anxiolytics, and special topics related to treating the psychotic disorders and anxiety disorders. Mechanism of action, drug interactions, dosing, adverse effects, and the pertinent aspects of differential diagnosis will be covered. Possible psychiatric presentations of general medical conditions, with particular attention to the detection and treatment of drug-induced psychiatric, neurologic, and cognitive impairments will be presented.
Pre-requisites: PSY 9515, PSY 9516, PSY 9520 or prior approval of course coordinator.
PSY 9525 Developmental Psychopharmacology (1.5 credits)
This course will supplement the general psychopharmacology course by emphasizing the treatment of disorders of childhood and old age. Disorders in children will include ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and others. Differences between the treatment of these disorders in children and adults will be emphasized. Treatment of co-morbid conditions in children with conduct disorder, mental retardation, and learning disabilities will be discussed. In the geriatric population, treatment of dementia and delirium will be emphasized. Common medical conditions presenting with psychiatric manifestations, and the treatment of depression, psychosis, anxiety, and insomnia in the elderly will be topics of discussion. Drug interactions will also be emphasized.
PSY 9530 Chemical Dependency and Pain Management (1.5 credits)
This course will cover substance abuse and its treatment. Major classes of substance of abuse, including alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, hallucinogens, stimulants, caffeine, and nicotine will be discussed. Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of intoxication and withdrawal states will be emphasized. Abuse of commonly prescribed psychotropics and drugs used to treat pain will be topics for discussion. The treatment of chronic pain and opiates, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and other adjunctive treatments will be discussed.
Physical Assessment, Laboratory Exams, and Differential Diagnosis
PSY 9540 Introduction to Physical Assessment and Laboratory Exams (3.0 credits)
This course will introduce the topics of basic history and physical examination as they are pertinent to prescribing of medication. The goal of this course will be to allow the practitioner to gain the knowledge necessary to interpret reports of medical histories, physical examinations, and laboratory studies. Laboratory studies will include basic blood chemistry panels, complete blood counts, thyroid and other endocrinological tests, urinalysis, basis radiological studies, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain, electrocardiogram reports, and electroencephalogram reports. The monitoring of psychotropic medications with blood levels where appropriate and required concomitant general laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests with Depakote, thyroid function tests with lithium, etc.) will be emphasized. The ability to distinguish between side effects of medication versus signs and symptoms of general medical conditions, as they are manifested in the history, physical exam, and laboratory studies, will also be emphasized.
Special Issues in Pharmacotherapeutics
PSY 9545 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues (0.5 credit)
This course emphasizes the knowledge of ethics, standards of care, laws, and regulations relevant to the practice of psychology involving psychopharmacology. Ethical codes and standards, knowledge of practice guidelines, standards of care, knowledge of federal and state laws for prescribing psychotropic medication, and issues regarding relationships with pharmaceutical companies will be discussed.
PSY 9550 Psychotherapy/Pharmacotherapy Interactions (1.0 credit)
This course will examine the single practitioner model, in which one practitioner provides therapy and medication prescription services versus a split-treatment model in which these functions are divided between two practitioners. Literature studies of synergistic interactions between psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy will be introduced.
PSY 9555 Computer-Based Practice Aids (0.5 credit)
This course will cover the use of computer databases for literature searches such as Medline. Online resources such as the National Library of Medicine database and drug interaction databases will be introduced. Computer networks used to receive laboratory and radiology reports, and to communicate with pharmacies will be covered.
PSY 9560 Pharmacoepidemiology (1.0 credit)
This course will examine the literature relating to treatment of various disorders with psychotropic medication. For example, the literature on maintenance and discontinuation of antidepressant medication and abuse of prescribed and illicit drugs will be included.
Practicum
PSY 9570 Practicum I: Psychopharmacology (2.5 credits)
The student is required to complete 100 hours of practicum training and to see a minimum of 50 patients under supervision of a qualified physician.
Prerequisites: PSY 9500, PSY 9505, PSY 9507, PSY 9510, PSY 9512, PSY 9515, PSY9516, PSY 9520, PSY9521.
PSY 9575 Practicum II: Psychopharmacology (2.5 credits)
This is a continuation of Practicum I: Psychopharmacology. The student is required to complete 100 hours of practicum training and to see a minimum of 50 patients under supervision of a qualified physician. Prerequisites: PSY 9570, PSY 9535, PSY9536, PSY 9540, PSY 9550
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