Information for current students Printable version

UCL Department of Pharmacology Information for B.Sc. Honours Pharmacology Students (B210/B21A) 2005/2006 Tutor: Dr Alasdair Gibb Room G51, Pharmacology Email: a.gibb@ucl.ac.uk Telephone: 020 7679 1398 2 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................3 THE DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY AT UCL......................................................................................3 DEPARTMENTAL NOTICE BOARDS AND S TUDENT MAIL..........................................................................................3 STUDENT LOCKERS IN PHARMACOLOGY................................................................................................................3 ADVICE AND HELP .................................................................................................................................................4 THE FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES (BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL).........................................................4 GENERAL COLLEGE INFORMATION................................................................................................................4 REGISTRATION .........................................................................................................................................................4 TUITION FEES ............................................................................................................................................................4 TUITION FEES AND STUDENT SUPPORT FOR UK AND EU STUDENTS...................................................5 COMPUTERS, MOBILE TELEPHONES AND TAPE RECORDERS......................................................................................7 LIBRARY................................................................................................................................................................8 FEEDBACK MECHANISMS ................................................................................................................................8 ACCESS FUNDS....................................................................................................................................................9 THE ACADEMIC YEAR ...........................................................................................................................................9 CAREERS INFORMATION.....................................................................................................................................9 DEPARTMENTAL GUIDELINES RELATING TO COURSE WORK............................................................10 PLAGIARISM...........................................................................................................................................................10 MARKING SCHEME FOR SCIENCE AND INTERCALATING B.SC. STUDENTS ..................................11 REGULATIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF PHARMACOLOGY FINAL YEAR PROJECTS ......................11 COURSE UNIT ASSESSMENT ...........................................................................................................................12 PROGRESSION FROM YEAR TO YEAR OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME...........................................12 EXAMINATIONS .....................................................................................................................................................13 MORE ON EXAMINATIONS ......................................................................................................................................14 CALCULATORS .......................................................................................................................................................15 RECEIPT OF MARKS .................................................................................................................................................15 TERM DATES:.........................................................................................................................................................16 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PHARMACOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMME..................................17 FIRST YEAR TEACHING TIMETABLE: B.SC. PHARMACOLOGY............................................................18 COURSES FOR 1ST YEAR PHARMACOLOGY STUDENTS (2005/2006) ...............................................19 SECOND YEAR TEACHING TIMETABLE ........................................................................................................21 COURSES FOR 2ND YEAR PHARMACOLOGY STUDENTS (2005/2006) ..............................................22 THIRD YEAR BLOCK TIMETABLE (2005-2006).............................................................................................25 COURSES AVAILABLE TO 3RD YEAR STUDENTS (2005/2006) ............................................................26 UCL LOCAL AREA MAP......................................................................................................................................34 3 INTRODUCTION The B.Sc. degree in Pharmacology at UCL has been available to students for around 30 years and prior to that an Intercalating B.Sc degree for medical students had been taught for a number of years. The degree is internationally recognised as an excellent education in the science of Pharmacology and has been developed over the past quarter of a century to maintain that excellence. These notes are intended to inform Pharmacology and Intercalating Pharmacology students about the organisation of the degree and to help students have an enjoyable and productive College life. The aim is also to try to answer some of the questions students commonly ask (or sometimes feel unsure about, but are too shy to ask!). You will find that most of your dealings are with the tutor who organises your degree programme and the course organisers who run the course units you take. Your Programme Tutor ("Pharm tutor", ie Alasdair Gibb) may be your first contact. In some cases he may refer you to the Faculty Tutor (Hilary Richards), who deals with admissions, advice on the choice of and change of degree programme, fees matters, examinations, attendance, poor academic progress, reports to outside bodies, and LEA and other awards. To get in touch with Dr Gibb (that's me) you can try the "just dropped in" method (Rm. G51, in the main pharmacology corridor) and I will always be glad to see you at any time, but you can miss me repeatedly this way (often by milliseconds!). The guaranteed route is by e-mail (a.gibb@ucl.ac.uk). I can then reply to your e-mail with dates/times when you will find me (usually 10 mins later). Next best is telephone (I have voice mail on my direct line, 020 7679 1398) but you will have to leave your number for a quick reply, mobile for guaranteed contact. You can also arrange a time to see me via the departmental Teaching Manager, Tracy Boot, or Marie Rutherford in our Departmental Office, room G45. The following pages should be read in conjunction with the information about your course units provided at the start of each course and with the booklet "Student Handbook 2005-06" which you received when you enrolled. The Regulations governing your degree are enshrined in the University College London book "Regulations for Students" (the "Blue Book"). Examination Regulations are in another booklet known as the "Pink Book". Much of these are also available on the College intranet. The more important of these regulations are covered in the Student Handbook and in these notes. THE DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY AT UCL The Pharmacology Department belongs to the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences. Our Head of Department (Professor Trevor Smart) takes overall responsibility for the running of the Department and for the excellent quality of the teaching and research in Pharmacology here at UCL. The Departmental Tutor (Dr Alasdair Gibb) deals with all academic matters relevant to undergraduate B.Sc. students in the Department while the Postgraduate Tutor (Professor A. H. Dickenson) deals with postgraduate student matters. The Students: There are around 25 students in each year of the B.Sc. degree. These students are joined by students studying for a B.Sc. or M.Sci. in Medicinal Chemistry for the B15:General & Systematic Pharmacology course in 2nd year and the C21:Molecular Pharmacology and C22:Receptor Mechanisms courses in 3rd year. Students registered for the joint honours B.Sc. degree in Physiology & Pharmacology undertake a number of Pharmacology course units. In addition, Medical Students taking an Intercalated B.Sc. in Pharmacology or Physiology & Pharmacology join 3rd year students in their final year. The Staff: There are 19 members of academic staff, a number of technical and administrative staff, around 30 Ph.D. students and a large number of Postdoctoral research staff in the department. B.Sc. students have most contact with academic staff and some contact with technical staff, Ph.D. students and Postdoctoral Fellows who all contribute to teaching in the Department. The Department: Information about your courses and the Department (and the College) can be found in the Departmental Prospectus or on the Departmental web page (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Pharmacology/). Departmental Notice Boards and Student Mail Notice boards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students are placed in the G-floor corridor near the Departmental Tutors office (Rm G51). It is the responsibility of students to regularly check these notice boards for information about their courses. In addition students should regularly check the relevant student mail boxes in the student common room/ computer cluster room to ensure that information from the College or elsewhere is quickly received. Please ensure that the department and your tutor has a note of your current address (Tracy Boot and Marie Rutherford keep track of these). Student Lockers in Pharmacology There are student lockers available for all new and returning Pharmacology Students. If you wish to use one of the lockers during your time in Pharmacology, please go to G45 (Departmental Teaching Office) and see either Miss Tracy Boot or 4 Mrs Marie Rutherford who will issue you with a key. This key stays with you throughout your B.Sc in Pharmacology. If you lose your key please inform the office, who hold a master key to all lockers. A replacement key will be ordered for you and you will be charged £5 for the new key. You must ensure that you empty your locker within 2 weeks of the end of your 3rd year. Any items that are found in lockers after this date will be destroyed. Use of the lockers is at your own risk - neither the Department nor the College can accept any liability for loss or damage to contents of the lockers. ADVICE AND HELP All new students are assigned a Personal Tutor at the start of term and continuing students will normally continue with their previous Personal Tutor, unless they request a change (organised by the Departmental Tutor). On the first day of term all students meet briefly with their Personal Tutor to say 'Hello', arrange future meetings, and to allow new students to meet others in their Tutor Group. This 'big brother/sister' system is a useful way for students to get to know each other and find out about the course. Should any student need information or advice, their Personal Tutor should be their first contact. The Departmental Tutor can also be consulted on any matter at any time. For help with personal problems such as financial questions the Students Union Rights and Advice Centre (1 st floor Bloomsbury Theatre building; Tel: 020 7679-2507/2533, email: uclic-rights.advice@ucl.ac.uk) or the Dean of Students (currently Professor Foreman, 4 Taviton Street, Tel: 020 7679 4545) may also be consulted. The College Counselling Service (3 Taviton Street Tel: 020 7679 1487, E-Mail: j.etienne@ucl.ac.uk) will advise students who may have study or personal problems. The Counselling Service is entirely independent of the academic support in the College and student contact with the Counselling Service is strictly confidential. THE FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES (BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL) The Faculty has BSc students reading for 20 different BSc degrees as well as medical students doing an "intercalated BSc". These notes are aimed only at BSc students and intercalating BSc and so do not include all of the Faculty Officers dealing with the Medical course. The Faculty Office is located in Drayton House, 30 Gordon Street. The Faculty notes and guidelines for B.Sc. students are available on-line at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty/current/bsc/. • • • • • Dean: Professor Peter Mobbs (p.mobbs@ucl.ac.uk) Faculty Tutor (BSc Students): Dr. Hilary Richards (h.richards@ucl.ac.uk), Biology, Room 520 Darwin Building (no set hours for appointments but you may book through Faculty Office (020 7679 5466)) Assistant Faculty Tutor (BSc Students): Dr. Alastair McClelland, (a.mclelland@ucl.ac.uk), Psychology Department (26 Bedford Way). Please telephone the Faculty Office to make an appointment. Faculty Tutor (Medical Students): Dr. Brenda Cross (b.cross@ucl.ac.uk) Faculty Office Staff: Miss Dee Downing (d.downing@ucl.ac.uk), Miss Beth Peacock (b.peacock@ucl.ac.uk), Mrs Alena McCutchion, (a.mccutchion@ucl.ac.uk), Miss Jessica Elmore (j.elmore@ucl.ac.uk) Miss CarolineAspinwall (caroline.aspinwall@ucl.ac.uk) Drayton House, Gordon Street, Tel: 020 7679 5457 or internal 5457 and 5466 Fax: 020 7679 5494. Pharmacology Tutor: Dr. Alasdair Gibb (a.gibb@ucl.ac.uk) , Room G51, Tel: 020 7679 1398 Pharmacology Teaching Office: Mrs Marie Rutherford, Room G45, Pharmacology Dept main floor Tel: 0207679-3757, or you can contact the Pharmacology Teaching Manager, Miss Tracy Boot, Room G45, Tel: 0207-6793751, Fax: 0207-679-7298. • • GENERAL COLLEGE INFORMATION Registration Only 1st year students and students new to UCL are required to register in person at room G1, College Registry, South Wing. All other students should have been registered by mail. At registration students should bring details of their financial support (fees assessment letter etc. and be prepared to pay any fees they are liable for where appropriate). You will receive a student identification card which allows access to Students Union, Libraries and other college facilities. Tuition fees All students must pay tuition fees. These cover all elements of College and University registration, tuition and supervision. (They do not cover field trips and students may be asked to contribute towards the cost of such trips.) Tuition fees are charged for each academic year, or part of an academic year that a student is enrolled. The tuition fee for a UK or EU 5 student is set by the UK Government and covers only a part of the real cost of teaching a student. The remainder is provided for in the grant to the College from the Funding Council. Tuition fees for overseas students cover the whole cost and are set by the College. Tuition fees increase each year to compensate for inflation. It is very important that ALL students who are having problems with their tuition fee payment should discuss these matters with Student Finance (Registrar's Division, room G19 in the South Wing of the main building). If the problem is ignored it will not go away and you may find yourself de-registered if you miss the payment deadline and have not been in touch. Tuition fee refunds are not normally given but applications for partial refund of fees will be considered on an individual basis. TUITION FEES AND STUDENT SUPPORT FOR UK AND EU STUDENTS Most UK and EU students fall under the Government's Student Support arrangements. Both UK and EU students are eligible to apply for means tested assistance with the tuition fee (£1,150 for 2005-2006). UK students apply through their Local Education Authority and EU students apply directly to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). It is important that you apply immediately if you have not done so already. UK students (but not EU students) may take out a student loan (25% of which is means tested). This is done through your LEA. The Department for Education and Skills have produced various booklets describing student support. Copies are available from Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and from the DfES. (The public enquiries telephone number is 0870 000 2288 and their website is http://www.dfes.gov.uk). These notes do not attempt to cover everything: only a few matters which may affect you. The rules are complex - always check with your LEA. The Faculty is responsible for communications about students with outside bodies such as Local Education Authorities. Dealings with LEAs are mainly routine but you should know the following: (1) The College is required to report to Education Authorities any student whose attendance or academic progress is unsatisfactory for any reason. Your Departmental/Programme Tutor reports your progress to the Faculty Tutor each term. LEAs require at least 70 to 80% attendance as a minimum. Each summer the College reports to LEAs on student progress (or lack of it) as well as notifying them of changes of degree programme. Much of this is done during late July by computer. It is unfortunately common for LEAs to lose the forms sent. This can cause difficulties with student support arrangements including student loans. If this happens you should contact the Faculty Office and your LEA will be sent a copy of the form or an appropriate letter. It helps if you provide your Student Support Number (SSN) and/or the name of the person you have been dealing with. (2) If you are allowed only the "living at home" rate for the student loan and wish to live away from home, your LEA may require you to provide support for this from the College. We cannot make a request for you: it is your LEA and your loan but we can support your request to them. You should discuss this with the Faculty Tutor. (3) If you withdraw from a degree programme or change to a new degree programme your Students Support may be affected. If you were on a course for one academic year or less your LEA will consider you for full support for a future degree programme. (They can refuse support if your leaving was due to failure of the exams but they will seek advice from UCL.) If you leave after more than one academic year (and it was a course of more than 2 years) you may not be eligible for any support. If you change to a new degree programme after one year you will be entitled to support for the normal length of either your original course or the course to which you transfer (whichever is the longer). This means that if your change entails an extra year of study then you are likely to have to fund this yourself (if for example a student does one year of Law {normal length 3 years} and transfers into year 1 of Biology {3 years} an extra year of study is required.) Always check with your LEA early if you are considering change of degree programme/Institution particularly if the change involves a further period of study. Because of the complexity of the Regulations it is most important that you seek advice before transferring. Your Student Support is a matter between you and your LEA. (4) In all cases when a student has withdrawn, interrupted or transferred we must give your funding body your last date of attendance. This can be important when your LEA does its calculations. It is very important that you discuss this with your Departmental/ Programme Tutor and that all parties give the same date. If you decide to apply through UCAS for a different degree programme elsewhere you must let your tutor know. Often institutions you have applied to will get in touch for a quick reference - if your tutor does not know about your application it looks bad and does not help your chances of being offered a place. 6 See below for change of degree programme within UCL. (5) Fee Liability if you withdraw or interrupt If you leave during the academic year you are liable for a proportion of the tuition fee (either UK/EU or Overseas). If your LEA is paying part or all of the fee for you then it is worth noting that if you withdraw or interrupt before 1st December 2005 you are liable for a proportion of the full £1,150 UK/EU fee or the £13,160 overseas fee. If you are a UK/EU student and go after 1/12/05 you are liable only for a proportion of the share of the tuition fee to be paid by you (which is zero if your LEA is paying the whole fee). ATTENDANCE Your being allowed to enter for an examination depends upon your having satisfactorily attended the course-unit. Your Departmental/Programme Tutor and the Organisers of your course-units will make clear what is expected of you. Attendance at practicals, tutorials and seminars is normally compulsory. Attendance at lectures may be compulsory and in all cases is strongly advised. If you do not attend sufficient you may not be allowed to sit the examination and will thus fail. If you have not attended the only way to gain the course-unit is to attend it properly the following year: this is usually very difficult to arrange. If you are absent from College for more than two consecutive days you must explain your absence to your Departmental/Programme Tutor. If you are absent for a week or more you must provide a letter or certificate from your doctor where the reason is medical. If illness or other very good reason (such as a death in the family) prevents your attending an examination you must contact your Departmental/Programme Tutor as soon as possible and must provide a letter or certificate from your doctor (within two weeks of the date of the missed examination). This must cover the date of the missed examination. Visiting a doctor a week after the missed exam is usually not satisfactory. THE PHARMACOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMME The Pharmacology degree programme is made up of course-units and an academic year is made up of 4 course-units. A course-unit normally has about 50 hours of lectures and a total work load (including private reading, preparation of course work and revision) of 200 to 300 hours. You may not take more than 4 course-units in a year. Each has its own assessment components which usually include an examination and course work. A degree programme is defined by its core course-units: those you must take. In many cases there is the possibility of taking some optional course-units. Your Departmental/Programme Tutor will provide details of optional course-units. In all cases your Departmental/Programme Tutor must approve your choice of optional course-unit. In addition the department teaching the course must approve your enrolment as there may be constraints imposed by prerequisites, the timetable or numbers. You must have a total of 9.5 course-units passed (and completed two course-units in the final year) to be awarded a degree. Most students will have passed 12 units. For students who enter the College from September 2005 onwards, graduation will require passes in 11.0 course units and the pass mark is 40%. You should note that for the current 3rd year, when the total reaches 9.5 a degree must be awarded. Those students taking an extramural year (see below) require 10.5 course-units rather than 9.5 for the award of a degree. CHANGE OF DEGREE PROGRAMME In some cases it is possible to change degree programme. Such a change requires the approval of the Departmental/Programme for both degree Programmes as well the Faculty Tutor(s). You must have the appropriate entry qualifications. Often student numbers make changes impossible. Transfer to Medicine is NOT allowed under any circumstances. A change of degree programme is sometimes possible at the very start of the programme. The final deadline for a change at the start of a degree programme is 31st October 2005. This is really very late and students changing late will have great difficulties in catching up. Change is not guaranteed and you must discuss the matter with your Departmental/Programme Tutor as soon as possible. It may be possible to change degree programme at the end of the first year. This should be discussed with the tutors involved well before the end of the third term. In some cases transfer into the second year is possible: in other cases only transfer into the first year is possible. The tutor or admissions tutor for the proposed new degree programme may say "no", may say "yes", or may say "yes subject to your achieving a certain standard of performance in your first year course units". Change of degree programme at the end of year 1 must be done by 31st July 2005. If a change of degree programme is allowed it is done by completion of a “Change of Degree Programme Form” which is signed by you and by the tutors involved (a copy of this can be downloaded from the Registry website under the section “printable forms”, http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Registry/Forms/ ). If the change requires you to start the new programme in 7 year one you must sign twice to state that you understand that you must complete the full requirements of the new degree programme. Once it has been approved your LEA is informed. CHANGE OF COURSE UNITS You may change optional course-units (with the approval of the course-unit organisers and your Departmental/Programme Tutor) up to 27th January 2006. Changes after that date require the approval of the Faculty Tutor. This will only be given if there are extenuating circumstances. STUDY ABROAD It is unusual but not unknown for students to study abroad for a year as part of their degree programme. If this is being considered it is vital that you discuss it with your tutors early in the first term of your second year as there are many academic and practical problems to be sorted out. You should note that students going abroad as part of their course MUST attend a course run by the Study Abroad Office (Registrar's Division; study-abroad@ucl.ac.uk; x37712). INTERRUPTION OF STUDY Sometimes illness or other problems force a student to interrupt study. Such cases are always dealt with individually. Permission to interrupt is given for a maximum of one year and cannot be backdated. Return to the course requires the student to confirm that the problem has been rectified and that he/she is in a position and is fit to return to study. Interruption is rare and you must discuss it with your Departmental/Programme Tutor. THE DATA PROTECTION ACT Departments often print sheets of photographs of their students. These are given to staff and are sometimes posted publicly. If you do NOT wish to have your photograph published you should write to your Departmental / Programme Tutor requesting this. Marked coursework is returned to students in various ways depending upon the course. It may be returned to you at a tutorial or a practical, placed in your letter box, or put out in heaps for collection. If you wish your coursework returned to you "privately" you must write to the course organiser making your request and supplying a self-addressed internal envelope . (Internal Envelopes are available from departmental offices.) Computers, mobile telephones and tape recorders Computers. UCL provides around 800 workstations in public PC rooms ("cluster rooms") for individual student use and for class teaching. These are supplemented by about 600 departmental machines in departmental cluster rooms. The cluster machines have high-speed connections to the Internet and provide access to a variety of software packages. Users' files are automatically stored and backed up centrally and laser printing facilities are available. You automatically receive an account on the College computing facilities at registration or you can obtain this via the Helpdesk of the Information Systems Division (ISD) in the basement of the Lewis Building (language centre). You will then acquire an email address and you should inform Dr Gibb and Tracy Boot of this by e-mail (a.gibb@ucl.ac.uk & t.boot@ucl.ac.uk) so that we can keep in touch with you. Pharmacology has a small cluster of twelve machines in the student common room which are dedicated solely for Pharmacology student use. UCL does not require students to have their own computer. However over 80% of students have access to a computer in their term-time place of residence and 45% of these machines are laptops. To help students who wish to obtain laptops, UCL has concluded an agreement with "Learning on the Move", a partnership between UCL, HP, CPU, Microsoft® and Prolinx Computer Systems. The scheme enables you to acquire the use of the latest laptop or tablet computer for a low monthly or termly payment. Giving you the flexibility to work from home or take work in to college without tying you to the college computer rooms. Machines are delivered with a configuration specified by UCL including core packages such as Microsoft Office XP and virus protection software which are also available in cluster rooms. It is anticipated that wired and wireless 8 connection points will be progressively installed in common areas around UCL where such laptops could be attached to the network. You will get the best finance rates available to large businesses as your university has entered into a leasing agreement with CPU and you in turn will sub-lease from your university. Full insurance against damage and theft are included. Pharmacology will be installing a wireless network system at the start of the Autumn Term and for those of you with laptops who wish to use wireless networking we have set up a deal with a supplier to provide you with Wireless-G notebook adapters at a very competitive rate. These are currently the fastest wireless cards available with up-to-date security (WPA enabled). Mobile Telephones must NOT be used during lectures, practicals and tutorials. Please ensure they are switched off. Tape Recorders. Students sometimes wish to record lectures. Opinions vary as to whether this is of use or not and some members of the Academic Staff object to their use. If you wish to use a tape recorder you should always check with the lecturer first. If one is used it should not require attention during the lecture. LIBRARY At enrolment with your tutor new students will be given a time and date to attend for a tour of the DMS Watson Library with our subject librarian, Lisa Monk. The DMS Watson Library covers all the Medical and Biological Sciences and is the Library that you will use throughout your B.Sc. degree. FEEDBACK MECHANISMS • Staff-Student Consultative Committee (SSCC) The SSCC meets two or three times per year to provide a forum for discussion between staff and students. All students are invited to contribute to SSCC meetings by providing items for the agenda to the Departmental Tutor who chairs the SSCC meetings, or via the student representatives on the SSCC. All the main groups of undergraduate students and the postgraduate students present in the Department are represented on the SSCC. Two student representatives from the SSCC attend meetings of the Departmental Teaching Committee for agenda items relevant to matters raised at the SSCC. Nominations for SSCC representatives from each year can be made early in the autumn term. The Head of Department normally attends SSCC meetings and one or two other members of staff according to the needs of the agenda. Once a year we have an ‘open’ SSCC meeting at which all students are invited to attend and voice their views on the course. The dates of the Departmental Staff Student Consultative Committee (SSCC) meetings and minutes are posted on student notice boards in the Department. If you would like to become a representative, for your year, please give your name to the Pharmacology Tutor. • Student Representatives on Faculty Committees There are undergraduate student members of the Faculty Board (which meets five times per year) as well as two student members on the Faculty BSc Teaching Committee (which meets four times a year). The student representatives are put forward by UCL Union. They have not yet been elected for 2004-2005, UCL Union will organise this early in the session. If you would like something considered by one of these committees you can ask your representative to table it for discussion or you could ask the Pharmacology Tutor to put it on the Agenda. Student Questionnaires You are asked to fill in questionnaires at the end of each course. You should also complete the Degree programme questionnaires given to all students towards the end of each academic year. These allow us to improve the teaching in the courses year by year. Complaints and grievances It is important that any student who feels they have been treated unfairly, or feels that there is a deficiency of any sort in their treatment at UCL, should mention this as soon as they feel able to a suitable member of the College staff. Most often, the Departmental Tutor will be the most appropriate person to discuss, in private, anything that is a cause for concern. The Students Union and the College Dean of Students (currently Professor Foreman) are also available to students to discuss grievances. This is important and for the benefit of all students. • • • 9 ACCESS FUNDS The Government provides universities with Access Funds which are used to assist students who are suffering financial hardship. The fund is available to UK students only (both full-time and part-time). You should receive a notice about the Access fund at the start of the session. Application forms are available from the Students' Union (downloadable from their web pages) or from the Dean of Students Office (4 Taviton Street). You must discuss your application with your Departmental/Course Tutor. Applications are dealt with continuously. It is very important that you complete the application form carefully (for example rent must be given as monthly and not weekly rent). You must have applied for a student loan and for the "hardship loan" to be eligible for the Access Fund assistance. If your loan cheque is delayed at the start of term please speak to your Departmental/Programme Tutor. REFERENCES You are almost certain to require references from your tutors either for accommodation, summer jobs, permanent jobs, or for further study. Your Personal Tutor will advise you about references and you may also consult your Departmental Tutor. It is always courteous to discuss the matter with your potential referee before giving his or her name (an e-mail to your personal tutor should usually be sufficient). Please allow plenty of time - references take time to write and time to be printed. CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION The Registrar's Division (Registration Section – email: studentrecords@ucl.ac.uk) provide certificates that you are registered at UCL. See page 6 of the Student Handbook. INTERCALATED STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE As an intercalated student you fall under course-unit regulations. All of you will be new to course-unit degree programmes and a few of you will be new to UCL. You should read these notes, the UCL Student Handbook and ask your Departmental/Programme Tutor for advice if matters are unclear. The regulations covering an intercalated degree (which formally always has "with basic medical sciences" as part of the field of study) are similar in many respects to other course-unit degrees. The most important difference is that a minimum of 3 course-units must be passed to be awarded an intercalated BSc. The final mark used for intercalated degree classification is a weighted average of the 1st two medical student years, and the intercalated BSc year (weighting 1:1:4). USEFUL WEB ADDRESSES A useful web page for both returning and new students has been set up by UCL Registry at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Registry/Students/ The Faculty web pages include a very useful list of course-units, (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciencesfaculty/courses/search.php ) as well as other information such as degree programme structures (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty/programmes/ ) and timetables (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciencesfaculty/timetables/ ). THE ACADEMIC YEAR The academic year begins in the autumn term at the end of September and comprises of two teaching terms (September to December followed by January to March) followed by the examinations term (end April to the beginning of June). The structure of the academic year is of 12:11:7 weeks allowing one week of revision at the beginning of the exams term. Regular work throughout the year and careful revision are advised to ensure students are well prepared for the end-of-year exams and to allow them to benefit as much as possible from their time at UCL. Please remember however that there is more to University Life than academic work, so don’t spend all your time in the library, but please make sure you do spend some time in the Library! CAREERS INFORMATION Careers lectures are arranged for you and given by members of the College Careers Service (50 Gordon Square). Our careers service contact is Dr Andrew McLaren. It is never too soon to think about a career and these lectures given in the 10 first year are meant to encourage you to use the Careers Office. In these lectures you will be told how you should produce a Curriculum Vitae. This is used to help your Personal Tutor produce references for you when necessary. The Careers Office staff will be happy to help you obtain vacation work. Prof Tony Dickinson is the Departmental Careers Liaison Officer. DEPARTMENTAL GUIDELINES RELATING TO COURSE WORK Students will be given details of the deadlines for submission of course work at the beginning of each course unit. The departmental guidelines on this are that students who fail to meet these deadlines will lose a percentage of the marks awarded for that piece of work unless an extension to the deadline is arranged in advance. If the extension is needed because of illness, a medical certificate is required. Penalties for late submission of course work have the support of the Student Union and the Staff-Student Consultative Committee. The percentages lost for late submission of work are for up to one week late: 10%, up to two weeks late: 20%. Work submitted more than two weeks late will not be marked. In the pharmacology department we try to arrange courses so that deadlines are reasonably spaced throughout the academic year. The department aims, wherever possible to return coursework within 4 weeks of submission so that students may benefit from the feedback this provides. All course work may be discussed with the course organiser and will be given a grade according to the Faculty Marking Scheme (see page 9). Please keep copies of all course work i.e. photocopies of written work or computer files. 3.5" diskette copies outlive home computer failure and can be accessed anywhere in the College. The reasons for keeping copies? Portfolio for job applications In case work goes missing for marking In case External Examiners would wish to consult your course work at viva! All course work must be legible, accurate and clear if you are to obtain good marks. All course work must be kept because it is possible that the external examiner may ask to see assessed work at the end of a year or at the end of your final year. It is essential to keep a copy of major items of course work (such as project reports). You may wish to use the report for revision and the original may not be available for collection until after the examinations. With the increase in use of computers, new excuses for late submissions have arisen. “A virus ate my original version, the printer exploded or the computer was stolen” are not acceptable explanations of missing course work. Please ensure that you always have backup copies of all your course work. PLAGIARISM Guidelines on plagiarism are provided by both the Faculty notes and the College Student Handbook (pages 18). The Pharmacology Department views plagiarism or the copying of another students work in the same light as theft. The penalty for plagiarism is severe with a Departmental Panel (DP) being automatically convened to consider every reported instance. Recommendations of DPs have in the past ranged from a deduction of marks, according to the extent of plagiarism, to a complete nullification of the module mark. College regulations recommend: It is expected that any penalty imposed on a student found guilty of plagiarism and/or collusion under this procedure will have a greater effect in regard to the Scheme of Honours/Scheme of Award than if the student had simply failed the course(s)/module(s) in question. (Examination regulations 3.16.5) Students should be aware that all verified cases of plagiarism are noted in the students records and may be mentioned subsequently in references written for the student by members of the department. A few years ago a phys/pharm student was not awarded a degree as a result of plagiarism in an in-course essay. Plagiarism is always checked for and always punished severely. Good scholarship requires that you state your sources. Different subjects have different requirements about this. As a minimum direct quotations must be in quotation marks and a detailed reference given. Similarly diagrams taken directly from a textbook or the internet (www) must be given a detailed reference. A list of the textbooks and sources you have used in preparing an essay should be given. Essays and other work must be in your own words. It is not sufficient to copy out paragraphs or sentences from textbooks making the occasional word change. Another aspect of plagiarism is copying another student's work. Interaction and discussion are part of scholarship and collaboration is very important in scientific research. We expect you to discuss your work with one another and often to work together doing practical work. However the work you present for marking must be your own. 11 You should not plagiarise yourself either! Work submitted for marking should not be recycled as another assignment. Plagiarism always attracts a penalty. Sometimes marks are subtracted or a zero mark given. In more serious cases the matter is referred to the Registrar who may refer it to the Examination Irregularities Panel. It is not unusual for the panel to decide that all of the examination marks for the whole session should be cancelled and the student required to re-enter for all exams the following year. Marking Scheme For Science And Intercalating B.Sc. Students RANGE [median] + GRADE* 1st 70-100 [80] Notes to Guide Examiners - marking individual questions Clear first class answer; almost everything included that you can think of (containing critical discussion of facts or evidence). Well argued, to the point. Evidence of additional reading. No significant errors. Normally use ~75-80 (some 10% of the answers should achieve this). For truly exceptional work, give 85-90. A well organised and well expressed answer which shows clear understanding; a good number of correct facts, with no significant errors, but lacking the quality of a 1st class answer. Keeps to course material. Use ~68 for a good 2:1 (might have been considered as a 1st at some stage), ~62 for a weak 2:1. Undoubtedly sufficient to pass but not enough detail, and/or not sufficiently well constructed or well argued to be considered for a 2:1. May have had potential for a higher grade but contains one or two significant errors. Use ~58 for a good 2:2 (might have been considered as a possible 2:1 at some stage). Use ~52 if only just adequate for a 2:2. Barely adequate number of relevant facts or a muddled presentation, important errors or very poor expression of material. Poor judgement about what is important. Only just missed a pass. Inadequate information, small amount of good material with several errors. No judgement about balance of what is important or what is trivial. Might have been considered as a bare pass at some point during evaluation. Never seriously considered as a possible pass. Insufficient correct material, many errors, or very poor expression of material. If no answer or a few irrelevant lines - give 0-20, give 20-35 if there are a few correct facts. 2:1 60-69 [65] 50-59 [55] 2:2 3rd Close fail 40-49 35-39 Fail 0-35 *Anticipated degree class based on consistent performance at the level indicated by an individual answer. + Roughly half the marks given (over the long term) in this category should fall above and half below the median. Regulations for submission of Pharmacology final year Projects For both C38 (library project, 1.0 unit) and C39 (laboratory project, 1.5 unit) the project report comprises the major component of the final assessment. For practical projects, students’ laboratory performance will be taken into account in the final assessment. Projects may research any topic of relevance to Pharmacology. It is the students’ responsibility to decide their field of interest. They may wish to discuss this with the C38 and C39 course organiser (Dr Talvinder Sihra), before approaching an appropriate member of staff to arrange supervision. Once arranged, projects have to be registered with the Projects Tutor, Dr Talvinder Sihra (Pharmacology Department, Rm G47) by completion of a Proforma available from the Teaching Office (G). • The exact time-tabling of the project is decided between you and your supervisor. While frequent interaction with the supervisor is essential with C39 laboratory projects, you are reminded that C38 library/reading projects should also involve regular "steering meetings" with your supervisor, which you should arrange. • While technically nine weeks are allocated for the C39 1.5-unit module, you are reminded that this allocation includes the time reading around the subject before beginning experiments and for writing-up. Allowing laboratory work or writing-up to impinge on the time allocated for other modules is usually extra effort for diminishing returns and is accordingly to be discouraged. Project Assessment: • C38 Library Projects will be assessed by a poster presentation and a written dissertation. C39 Laboratory Projects will be assessed by a supervisor’s report on the student’s laboratory performance and by a written dissertation. Poster presentations for C38 will be held one week before the submission of the dissertation. • 12 • • • • Project dissertations for C38 and C39 should be type-written. Dissertations are expected to be around of 5000 words in length (approximately 12 pages of text) with a maximum of 7500. All sources of information in the project must be properly referenced, both in the text and in the bibliography. All reports should include a brief Abstract (less than 300 words) and an index of contents. Extensive unacknowledged use of published text is considered as plagiarism (please refer to the Departmental Notice on Plagiarism on page 10). The penalty for plagiarism is severe with a Department Panel (DP) being automatically convened to consider every reported instance. Recommendations of DPs have in the past ranged from a deduction of marks, according to the extent of plagiarism, to a complete nullification of the module mark. Two copies of the written project reports together with a disk-copy of the project text must be submitted to Dr Sihra not later than the last day of teaching block 4 unless prior arrangements for late submission have been agreed with the supervisor and Dr Sihra. The submission of the disk-copy of the text of the project is compulsory and will be scanned for journal/text-book or web-based plagiarism, using software designed for the task. All projects will be double marked by the supervisor and one other field expert. The mark for laboratory projects will include an assessment of practical skills and diligence in the lab as well as academic skills. The Department is obliged to keep one copy of every project. The remaining copy will be returned to students as soon as possible after the Pharmacology Exam Board meeting. For more details on project preparation and assessment, please refer to the project guidelines provided by Dr. Sihra on enrolment. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacology/pharc039/c038_c039_regulations.html COURSE UNIT ASSESSMENT Your performance is assessed by course work (e.g. essays and practical write-ups) which are usually marked by tutors, and by final examinations at the end of each year. The final B.Sc. degree classification is based on the average mark (weighted for half and whole units) obtained in the final year (normally 4 units are taken). If it helps, the second year average will be used to contribute 25% of the final degree score, with 75% from the final year units. Intercalating students must complete a minimum of 3 course units (normally 4 units) with a minimum of 2.5 units in Pharmacology. Information about in-course assessment within a course unit is given by individual course organisers in the course documentation. Criteria for the assessment of course units are as follows:i) ii) Your depth of knowledge and understanding of the course contents. Knowledge of set texts and original articles relevant to the course. iii) Accuracy and clarity of the work produced by the student. iv) Skill in essay writing and presentation, including the correct use of English, v) Relevance to the set question and appropriate use of references. vi) Credit is given for original ideas, as long as they are relevant. Strength in these areas will normally result in high marks. Vivas (with the external examiner) will be held after the final year exams for those students who are borderline between classes of degree and for a range of students who represent a typical 3, 2.2, 2.1 or 1st class degree. A list of students to be given a viva will be posted on the 3rd year notice board in the Pharmacology Department early on the day of the vivas. Students must check this list in person. PROGRESSION FROM YEAR TO YEAR OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME You are normally expected to take 4 course units with a minimum of passes in 3 units to progress from the 1 st to the 2 nd year. At the end of the 2nd year we expect you to have completed a total of 8 course units (minimum of passes in 7.0 units) to enter the 3 rd year. You must pass the General and Systematic Pharmacology (PHARB015) and Molecular Pharmacology (PHARC021) courses in order to graduate with a B.Sc. in Pharmacology. You should re-register for failed examinations and take them again at the end of the following year. Students who have not passed the required minimum number of units will not be allowed to proceed to the next year. Instead you will be suspended from College for a year ("a year away") and must re-enter for the failed examinations (you must pay a fee for this). Only if you pass sufficient units will you be readmitted to the College to continue the degree programme. 13 A minimum of 9.5 course units (11.0 for students entering College from Sept 2005) have to be passed for consideration of an Honours degree. Aside from the need to pass a minimum number of course units for progression, students should be aware that if they wish to be considered for an extramural year (Industrial Placement) they will require good marks in 1st year. Students on Industrial Placement write a report on their work which is similar to a one course unit final year research project report. The mark for this report is not normally taken into account by the Pharmacology Exam Board in determining a student’s degree classification. 2nd year marks will be taken into account when staff consider students applying to them to undertake research projects in the final year. 2nd year marks may also be taken into account if demand for particular 3rd year courses exceeds the maximum number of students who can be accommodated on the course. Departmental Prizes Each year the department awards prizes for academic achievement in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. These are: 1st Year: D. H. Jenkinson Prize 2nd Year: H. O. Schild Prize 3rd Year: A. J. Clark Prize, J. H. Gaddum /Astra Zeneca Prize, British Pharmacological Society prize for the best Pharmacology laboratory project. EXTRAMURAL YEAR Regulations allow students to follow a BSc degree programme over four years rather than three. Your Departmental/Programme Tutor must approve your doing this and you should discuss the matter in good time. The extramural year is spent on an attachment to an organisation or institution approved by the College as having a function relevant and suitable for the student's field of study. Each year a few students in Pharmacology obtain industrial placements to work in the Pharmaceutical industry. These placements are very competitive and selection is based on academic record and a visit to industry for interview. Normally an extramural year is taken at the end of year 2 and students doing this must be in a position to progress to year 3. The College, through your Tutors, must approve both the institution or organisation and the work to be undertaken. The work done during the extramural year must be written up as a project report and submitted before the beginning of your final year. This counts as an extra courseunit. When an extramural year is taken a student must pass a minimum of 10 course-units for the award of a degree (rather than 9). EXAMINATIONS Examination timetables are sent to all students by the Examinations Section of Registry. The setting and marking of examination papers is the responsibility of the course organisers. You are informed by the course organisers of the format and duration of individual examinations. Copies of past exam papers are available via the library web page (http://exam-papers.ucl.ac.uk/LifeSci/Pharm/ ) • All examination answers have to be legible, accurate and clear. • Past examination papers can be obtained from the library and the Departmental Office; in case of difficulty you should contact the course organiser for help. • Exam papers are set and marked by members of the Pharmacology Exam Board (Pharmacology staff plus the external examiners and occasionally other specialist examiners). • When major changes to examinations are made appropriate guidance regarding new examination papers is given to you by the course organiser. • Any course work done by you must be your own work. Plagiarism is cheating and will be dealt with as such, any quotation from another's work must be identified as such. Cheating in examinations may result in you being excluded from all further examinations of the University and/or the College. • Any cases for grievance concerning the examination process should first be taken up with your degree Programme Tutor. • Results of examinations will be sent from the Department soon after the end of the summer term. These results are sent as grades only, marks are sent by the Registrar around the end of August. • Final year marks may be withheld if you have any outstanding debts. 14 More on Examinations Under Course Unit Regulations the "examination" for a course unit is all of the elements which are assessed. This formally includes project reports, practicals, etc.: anything which contributes towards the final mark, as well as a traditional unseen examination. You must have "completed" all of the elements of the examination for a course-unit. (1) Entry to Examinations: You formally enter for examinations when you complete the cream "CREEF" form at the start of term which your Departmental Tutor must sign to approve your choice of course units before your Department records your course-unit registrations on the computer system. In January your department will be sent a printout of your examination entries and will arrange for you to confirm them. It is very important that you check your entries carefully. Errors DO occur. Changes cannot normally be made after this point. (2) Re-entry to Examinations: Referred Assessment (‘summer resits’) will be available for students narrowly failing courses (35 – 39%). If you have failed a course-unit you should re-enter for the examination the following academic year. (Regulations allow only a single re-entry unless there are special circumstances and formal permission is given for a second re-entry.) Re-entry is effected by writing it in on the CREEF form (it is often already printed on the form) when you register for course-units at the start of the academic year and you must initial this to confirm your intention to resit the exam. This can also be done again when you check your examinations entries in January (see above). (Note that you must have taken and passed 9.5 units (11.0 for students entering College from Sept 2005) for a three year degree. The number of units passed at the end of years 1 and 2 determine whether you are allowed to progress to the next year. We require 3 CU (out of 4) passed to progress from year 1 to 2 and 7.0 out of 8 to move from year 2 to 3. The content of course-units alters slightly from year-to-year as do organizational matters and things like the style and format of the examination paper. If you have re-entered for an examination it is your responsibility to find out about these changes. When you re-enter for an examination you are entitled to re-enter for ALL of the elements of the examination (i.e. everything which contributes to the final mark for the course-unit). You should discuss this with the course organiser as it is sometimes possible to bring forward course work marks from the preceding year. If you intend to submit new course work you are expected to comply with the deadlines set for 2005-2006 and normally to do the work assigned for 2005-2006. It is usually not possible to repeat practical attendance or tutorial attendance. It is very important that you discuss these matters with the course organiser at the start of the session or at the latest before the course-unit for which you are re-entering starts. Note that you cannot re-enter for a course-unit which you have passed. (3) Absence from Examinations: If you are absent from an examination this effectively counts the same as a fail. If you miss an examination through illness you must provide a certificate or letter from your doctor which covers the date(s) of the examination. {A letter which says "X tells me he was poorly two weeks ago." has little value.} If other circumstances cause you to miss an examination you must explain these to your Departmental/Programme Tutor as soon as possible and provide some form of documentation. THIS MUST BE DONE (AND MEDICAL OR OTHER EVIDENCE PROVIDED) WITHIN ONE WEEK OF THE END OF THE EXAMINATION PERIOD IN QUESTION. ABSENCE WITHOUT MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES MAY RESULT IN MARKS BEING CAPPED AT 40% ON RE-ENTRY. When the missed examination is not a final year one your Departmental/Programme Tutor may apply for Deferred Assessment in that course-unit for you. This gives you a chance to pass the missed course-unit examinations(s). This is allowed only in documented cases of illness or such things as death or very serious illness of a close relative. Deferred assessment is not allowed for such things as failure of alarm clock, mistaking the day of the examination or going to the wrong examination hall. The maximum deferred assessment allowed for a three year degree is 2.5 units. Deferred assessment must take place within six months of the date of the missed examination. In some cases the deferred assessment is required to gain a course-unit necessary for progression in which case it must be before the start of session. Most deferred assessment examinations are held over the summer (many in mid-August). If you are allowed Deferred Assessment you should be notified of the arrangements in good time. If you haven't heard within one month of the date of the missed examination you must speak to your Departmental/Programme Tutor. (4) Illness or Other Factors Affecting Your Examination Performance: It is important that you always inform your Departmental/Programme Tutors of illness or other factors which may affect your academic performance. Medical evidence or other documentary evidence should be provided where appropriate. When determining the classification of your degree the Board of Examiners will try to take into account documented illness and other 15 extenuating circumstances. Examiners cannot work in the dark and need some evidence of your performance in the unperturbed state (such as coursework marks and other examination marks) in final year course-units. You must provide the Board of Examiners with documentation if you wish extenuating circumstances to be taken into account. This must be provided to your Departmental/Programme Tutor no later than one week after the end of the examination period in question. A form will be available for use in 2005-06. These matters are always dealt with in strict confidence by the Board of Examiners. (5) Withdrawal from Examinations: If you formally withdraw from an examination it is as if you had not made an entry at all that year (although "withdrawn" will appear on your transcript). You may withdraw from a course-unit examination with the approval of your Departmental/Programme Tutor and of the Faculty Tutor. Withdrawal will be approved only if there are good academic reasons. This must be done by the Friday of the first week of the third term. If you withdraw from an exam you may re-enter for it the following year (unless you have been awarded your degree). A withdrawal from a third year course-unit may have consequences for the way Honours are determined. You must always discuss withdrawal with your Departmental/Course Tutor and make sure that you understand the consequences. If you are ill or suffer from some other serious problem during the examination period you may be allowed to withdraw. Appropriate documentation is needed. IMPORTANT: if you are absent from an examination without a good reason and re-enter for the examination the following year and pass your case will be discussed by the Examination Board and External Examiners and you may be credited with only the minimum pass mark of 40% for that course when assessed for honours classification. It is important that you either are allowed deferred assessment for a missed examination or withdraw from it. Deferred assessment permits any mark and if you have withdrawn and enter the following year you again can achieve any mark. (6) Dyslexia and Other Problems: Students who are dyslexic may, in some cases, be allowed extra time for examinations. Applications must be made through your Departmental/Programme Tutor. You must speak to your tutor about this during the first term. A recent report from a qualified educational psychologist is required. In some cases Education Authorities may be asked to assist with the purchase of word-processing equipment for students with dyslexia. The deadline for applications for extra time is 1st March 2006. You must see your tutor well before the deadline to ensure that the forms can be completed in time. Advice is available from the UCL Disabilities Co-ordinator Ms Marion Hingston Lamb m.lamb@ucl.ac.uk The Disabilities Co-ordinator can also advise on other matters such as access and help for students with impaired hearing or vision. Arrangements can be made for students to sit examinations in a special facility with medical help on call. You should speak to your Departmental/Programme Tutor as early as possible about this. This should be done as soon as possible and certainly at least 6 weeks before the start of the examination period. Emergency arrangements can be made close to the examinations but planning is easier if Examinations have advance warning. Calculators Calculators. They are permitted for some examinations but there are limitations on the type of calculator allowed. Tutors and course organisers will advise. You are responsible for ensuring its operation during an examination - batteries are not supplied and solar power cannot be relied on in the examination halls! Receipt of marks Note that for all undergraduate students, examination results will be available via the web from using the new online Student Information Service, Portico, at the website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/portico. This online facility replaces the paper notification sent out by College in previous years. Referred Assessment (‘summer resits’) will be available for students narrowly failing courses (35 – 39%). The Pharmacology tutor will write to you in mid July to let you know how you have done and whether you can proceed to the next year of the degree. Should you have done badly you will receive an official letter from the Faculty Tutor towards the end of July. Official Transcripts are issued by the Examinations Section of the Registrar's Division (Room G6 of the South Wing). They need several days notice and levy a charge for this. 16 FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES 2005 - 2006 TERM DATES: FIRST TERM Monday 26 September 2005 - Friday 16 December 2005 SECOND TERM Monday 9 January 2006 - Wednesday 24 March 2006 THIRD TERM Monday 24 April 2006 - Friday 9 June 2006 Induction Week (First Years): 26 th September 2005 –5 th October 2005 Reading Weeks (if used): Mon. 7 th November 2005 – 11th November 2005 Mon.13th February 2006 – 17th February 2006 Main Examination Period: 24 th April 2006– 10th June 2006 TEACHING BLOCK DATES Block 1: Mon 26th September 2005 – Fri 4 th November 2005 Block 2: Mon 14th November 2005 - Fri 16 th December 2005 Block 3: Mon 9 th January 2006 - Fri 10 th February 2006 Block 4: Mon 20th February 2006 - Wed 24th March 2006 17 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PHARMACOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMME Aims • To provide education in pharmacology of the highest quality and so produce graduates with sufficient indepth understanding and appreciation of pharmacology to be successfully applied in employment, further study, or research in pharmacology, or in a related subject, while with sufficient breadth for those who will study pharmacology no further than first degree level to successfully use the knowledge and skills developed during the degree in a wide range of careers. To offer a variety of learning experiences under the supervision of teachers actively engaged in research in pharmacology and related subjects in order to stimulate and encourage an attitude of enquiry and interest centred on the acquisition of knowledge and a desire for understanding. To continue to develop student knowledge, interest and appreciation of science via teaching in pharmacology. To stimulate and sustain enthusiasm for pharmacology and to enable students to engage in the subsequent phases of their careers with initiative and confidence in their abilities. To encourage the development of the personal transferable skills that will be essential for students’ subsequent careers. To encourage an appreciation of social and commercial aspects of the application and exploitation of pharmacological knowledge and techniques. • • • • • Objectives Graduates from the Department will have acquired: • an up to date knowledge of pharmacology and its continuity with chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and with pathology and physiology; an awareness of some of the present day boundaries of knowledge in pharmacology; and detailed knowledge of chosen areas of pharmacology research. an appreciation of the importance of experimental work in pharmacology and of the use of experimental approaches drawn from other disciplines; experience in conducting laboratory experiments and projects in pharmacology as individual and as group exercises. the technical and organisational skills needed to acquire sound pharmacological data; experience in the critical evaluation of pharmacological data, the methods by which the data were obtained, the statistical analyses used and the inferences and conclusions drawn. the skills of locating and retrieving information, from a variety of sources, and compiling it to a deadline, into clear, original and critical reports; other computer-based transferable skills such as the use of word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and statistical packages as well as familiarity with computer-based simulations, tutorials and assessments. the ability to communicate, both verbally and in written work, and to participate constructively in group activities and discussion through the production and presentation of essays, reports, dissertations, seminars, talks and posters, and the participation in group projects and discussions. • • • • 18 DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY First year teaching timetable: B.Sc. Pharmacology 9 – 10 Monday 10 – 11 11 -12 B24 Pharmacology Practical 12 – 1 B24 Pharmacology Practical (Cruciform B303) 1-2 B104 Chemistry Chemistry Auditorium 2-3 B24 Pharmacology Practical (Cruciform B303) 3-4 B24 Pharmacology Practical (Cruciform B303) 4-5 B24 Pharmacology Practical (Cruciform B303) 5-6 B104 Chemistry Chemistry Auditorium Tuesday B100 Biology Chemistry Auditorium B104 Chemistry Practical B104 Chemistry Practical B104 Chemistry Practical Wednesday B24 Pharmacology (Term1) A. V. Hill Lecture Theatre B24 Pharmacology A.V. Hill Lecture Theatre B100 Biology Chemistry Auditorium B3 Physiology A.V. Hill Theatre B100 Biology Practical (or Friday) B100 Biology Practical (or Friday) B100 Biology Practical (or Friday) B100 Biology Practical (or Friday) Thursday B3 Physiology A.V. Hill B3 Physiology Practical Cruciform Labs B3 Physiology Practical Cruciform Labs B104 Chemistry Practical B3 Physiology Practical Cruciform Labs B104 Chemistry Practical B100 Biology Practical (or Wednesday) B3 Physiology Practical Cruciform Labs Friday B100/B200 Statistics Practical B100/B200 Statistics Practical B104 Chemistry Chemistry Auditorium B100 Biology Practical (or Wednesday) B100 Biology Practical (or Wednesday) B100 Biology Practical (or Wednesday) a) Term 1: 26.9.05 - 16.12.05 Term 2: 9.1.2006 - 24.3.2006 Term 3: 24.4.2006 - 9.6.2006 19 COURSES FOR 1st YEAR PHARMACOLOGY STUDENTS (2005/2006) The following courses are taken by all students: students take either Statistics B100 if they do not have A-level Maths, or Statistics B200 if they have passed A-level Maths. PHYSIOLOGY B3 MAMMALIAN PHYSIOLOGY 1 unit Course Organiser: Professor Chris Richards Lectures: Wednesday 12.00 - 1.00 (A.V. Hill) Thursday 12.00 - 1.00 (A.V. Hill) 1st lecture: Wednesday 5th October at 12.00 noon Practical: Thursday 2.00 - 5.00 (Cruciform Labs) The subject is covered broadly in a set of 46 lectures. The introductory lectures on "Cell Physiology" deal with the movement of solute across cell membranes, membrane and action potentials and the special properties of excitable tissues. The principle organ systems are then covered conventionally, in the order circulation, respiration, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, endocrines and the kidney. A set of practicals and self-instructional sessions with some practical elements run on most Thursday afternoons. Students are expected to attend and contribute to all the tutorials sessions (12). PHARMACOLOGY B24 AN INTRODUCTION to MECHANISMS of DRUG ACTION ½ unit Course Organiser: Dr Guy Moss Lectures: Wednesday and Thursday 9.00-10.00am (A. V. Hill Lecture Theatre) 1st lecture: Wednesday 5 th October at 9.00am Practicals: Mondays 11.00-13.00 or 15.00 - 17.00 (these are on only a few Mondays) This course is designed for those who are new to the subject of Pharmacology. During the course you will examine the actions of drugs at both the cellular/molecular level and at the level of interactions with the whole ‘animal’ (ourselves). BIOLOGY B100 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1 unit Course Organiser: Dr Chris Taylorson, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Lectures: Monday 11.00 – 12.00 (Chemistry Auditorium) Tuesday 12.00 - 1.00 (Chemistry Auditorium) Wednesday 10.00 – 11.00 (Chemistry Auditorium) 1st lecture: Tuesday 4 th October at 12.00 noon in Chemistry Auditorium Biology B100 provides a general introduction to cell biology, molecular genetics of bacteria, nucleic acids, protein structure, biochemistry, cell physiology and cell signalling in development and differentiation. Its structure allows it to be taken by students without A-level biology, as well as those who have studied Biology at A-level. It is a pre-requisite for several second year courses. The first part of the course is examined in January to give students some idea of what progress they are making. There is a further exam covering the latter part of the course in the summer. STATISTICS B100 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL METHODS AND COMPUTING ½ unit Course Organiser: Dr M Brooks (Department of Statistics, 1-19 Torrington Place, Rm. 137) Course Introduction: First Workshop Friday 1 st October at 10.00am Workshop/Practicals: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 This course is intended for students without A-level Maths for whom a basic knowledge of statistics is necessary to aid the analysis of the results of their experiments. The emphasis of the course is on the ways of collecting, tabulating and analysing experimental data in situations involving uncertainty. The ideas are illustrated by examples drawn from the main fields of study of the students. Syllabus: Descriptive statistics and graphical methods; use of normal, binomial, Poisson distributions; confidence intervals and significance tests applied to one and two sample problems by parametric and non-paramentric methods; goodness-of-fit and contingency tables; correlation and regression. MINITAB is used to help with some statistical evaluations. 20 STATISTICS B200 STATISTICAL METHODS AND COMPUTING ½ unit Course Organiser: Dr. Liz Allen (Department of Statistics, 1-19 Torrington Place) Course Introduction: Friday 1st October at 10.00am. Workshop/Practicals: Friday 10.00 - 12.00 B200 is an introduction to statistical methods and associated computing for students studying Life or Physical Sciences who have GCE A-level mathematics or equivalent. The ideas are illustrated by examples drawn from the main fields of study of the students. Weekly practical exercises are set: these are done in supervised workshops. The syllabus includes: descriptive statistics and graphical methods; elementary probability theory; standard distributions; confidence intervals and significance tests applied to one and two sample problems by parametric and non-parametric methods; goodness-of-fit and contingency tables; correlation and regression; use of the MINITAB statistical computing package. CHEMISTRY B104 CHEMISTRY FOR BIOLOGY STUDENTS 1 unit Course Organiser: Dr Andrea Sella Lectures: Mondays 1.00 & 17.00 (weeks 2-12) (Chemistry Auditorium) Tuesday 3-5 (weeks 2 & 3 (B104 only) (Chemistry Auditorium) Thursday 3-5 (weeks 2 & 3 (B104 only) (Chemistry Auditorium) Friday 1.00 (weks 1-12 ) (Chemistry Auditorium) 1st lecture: Friday 30th September 1.00 – 2.00. Practicals: Tuesday afternoons from 13.00-17.00 1st practical Tuesday 4th October at 2.00pm: all students must attend introduction and safety talk at 2.00pm in the Chemistry Auditorium. A one unit course of Chemistry for first year students studying the Biological Sciences. As far as possible the material has been chosen to be immediately relevant to biological problems. The course consists of lectures, laboratory work and associated tutorials. Requirement: A-level Chemistry. 21 SECOND YEAR TEACHING TIMETABLE Monday 9 - 10 B215 Chemistry 10 – 11 B3 Immunology (Term 2) 11 -12 B15 Pharmacology A..V. Hill 12 - 1 B11/B13 Biochemistry Lankaster Lecture Theatre 1-2 2–3 3-4 4-5 5-6 Tuesday B21 Biology (Term 1) B3 Immunology (Term 2) B16 Pharmacology Practical Followup B16 Pharmacology Practical Cruciform B303 B16 Pharmacology Practical Cruciform B303 B16 Pharmacology Practical Cruciform B303 B16 Pharmacology Practical Cruciform B303 Wednesday B15 Pharmacology A.V. Hill B215 Chemistry Immn B222 Thursday B21 Biology (Term 1) B3 Immunology (Term 2) B11/B13 Biochemistry Lankaster Lecture Theatre B215 Chemistry Immn B222 Friday B15 Pharmacology A.V. Hill B11/B13 Biochemistry Lankaster Lecture Theatre Immn B222 B21 Biology Practical (Term 1) B21 Biology Practical (Term 1) B21 Biology Practical (Term 1) B21 Biology Practical (Term 1) Term 1: 26.9.2005 - 16.12.2005 Term 2: 9.1.2006 – 24 .3.2006 Term 3: 24.4.2006 - 9.6.2006 22 COURSES FOR 2nd YEAR PHARMACOLOGY STUDENTS (2005/2006) Pharmacology students must take 4 course units in total. Pharmacology B15 (1 unit), Pharmacology B16 (1 unit), Biochemistry B13 (0.5 unit) or optionally Biochemistry B11 (1 unit), Immunology B3 (0.5 unit) and Biology B21 (0.5 unit) are obligatory. Depending on the above choice, students may take one half unit option in other Departments (see below): BIOCHEMISTRY B11 GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY 1 unit (Dr John Ward) terms 1 & 2 Lectures: Monday 12.00; Thursday 11.00; Friday 12.00. Lankaster Lecture Theatre. 1st lecture Monday 4 th October at 12.00 am. This whole course unit is designed for students whose principal discipline is not Biochemistry, but whose interests lie in the broad area of biological sciences. It is primarily a lecture course with tutorials. The first half of the course is taught with, and has the same content as, Biochemistry B13 and then proceeds in the second term to cover topics in signal transduction processes, nerve cells and receptors and transmitters, receptors and ion channels, transport of ions and metabolites, haemoglobin sturcture and function. collagen and the extracellular matrix, endocrinology, fat and lipid metabolism and transport. lipids and cardiovascular disease, detoxication and carcinogenesis. oncogenes and cell growth and a brief overview of cancer. BIOCHEMISTRY B13 FURTHER TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY ½ unit (Dr John Ward) term 1 Lectures: Monday 12.00; Thursday 11.00; Friday 12.00. Biochemistry Lecture Theatre. 1st lecture Monday 4 th October at 12.00 am. This 1/2 unit course, intended for students not specialising in Biochemistry, is a lecture course with tutorials. It covers topics in protein chemistry, enzyme kinetics, membrane structure, control of exocytosis and endocytosis, molecular biology and control of gene expression, an introduction to the immune response and cellular immunology and strategies for cell regulation. BIOLOGY B21 STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM ½ unit (Dr J Fry & Prof. K. Jessen) term 1 Lectures: Tuesday 9.00; Thursday 9.00 (A.V H ill LT) - First Lecture Tuesday 5th October Practicals: Friday 2.00 - 5.00 This course is an introduction to neurobiology, available to students from all departments including biological sciences, psychology, physical sciences, etc. It covers neural structure and function, organisation of the vertebrate nervous system, sensory pathways and perception, neurochemistry and pharmacology and the neural basis of behaviour. The course is available in the first or second year. It assumes a basic knowledge of biological principles (eg A-level) and includes optional classes for those who have not already taken courses (eg Biology B100, B102 or Physiology B3) that deal with resting potentials and action potentials. The course is taught jointly by staff from several departments and is intended to complement courses with more specialised neurobiology content run in individual departments (Anatomy, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biology). PHARMACOLOGY B15 GENERAL AND SYSTEMATIC PHARMACOLOGY 1 unit (Dr. D. Haylett) terms 1 & 2 Lectures/tutorials: Monday & Fridays 11.00 - 12.00 (A.V. Hill Theatre) Wednesday 10.00 - 11.00 First lecture: Friday 1 st October. A comprehensive lecture course compulsory for students of Pharmacology, Physiology/Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry. The course covers the mechanisms of action and uses of the major groups of drugs and important aspects of the pharmacokinetics and drug toxicity. Students must have a sound knowledge of physiology and biochemistry. PHARMACOLOGY B16 EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY 1 unit (Dr D. Haylett) terms 1 & 2 Practicals/discussion sessions/seminars: Tuesdays 2.00 - 6.00; Follow-ups: Tuesdays 11.00 - 12.00 – Pharmacology lecture theatre. The introduction to this course will be on Tuesday 30th September, 11.00 - 12.00 (Venue TBC) This unit is assessed by course work In addition to a wide range of in vitro experiments and studies of drug action in humans, the course includes student presentations, sessions to develop computer skills and also visits to research laboratories. Only available to students doing B15. 23 PHYSIOLOGY B11 CELLULAR NEUROPHYSIOLOGY ½ unit (Dr. Paola Perdarzani) term 2 Lectures: Tuesday and Friday, 9.00 - 10.00 (Embryology Theatre). (The first lecture will be 9.00-11.00 in the Cruciform LT2 on Tuesday 11th January ) Practicals: Fridays, 2.00 - 5.00 (alternates with Anatomy B8) Tutorials by arrangement The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the production transmission and integration of signals within the nervous system. The biophysics of neural membranes is considered along with the physiology and pharmacology of synaptic transmission. This cellular introduction to the nervous system is followed by consideration of sensory systems, motor control and higher nervous activity in man. Problems in developmental neurobiology and neurogenetics will also be discussed. ANATOMY B8 DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY ½ unit (Dr J Scholes), term 2. Lectures: Tuesday 11.00 - 12.00; Friday 10.00 - 11.00 Practicals: Friday 2.00 - 5.00 (in alternation with Physiology B11). Aims to provide a basic knowledge of developmental neuroscience from neurogenesis to emergence of organised behaviour. The emphasis will be cellular & systems neurobiology rather than on genetics and molecular biology, although the importance of multidisciplinary approaches will be emphasised. The course is designed to provide a broad overview at 'textbook' level from which students can tackle specialised third year courses. IMMN B222 MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY ½ unit (Dr Peter Delves), term 1. Wednesday 12.00; Thursday 12.00; Friday 10.00 To provide a basic foundation in medical microbiology. At the end of this course you will have a working knowledge of: Common viral and bacterial diseases. The factors that influence pathogenicity. How the immune system provides protection against infection. How vaccines and antimicrobial chemotherapy can be used in the fight against infection. You will also learn how to interpret scientific information related to medical microbiology, and the ability to critically review the development of concepts in this subject based upon the accumulation of data. CHEM B215 BIOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT MOLECULES ½ unit (Dr A.B.Tabor) term 1 First Term: Mondays 9.00, Wednesdays and Thursdays 12.00 There is no associated laboratory work The course deals with the chemistry of biologically important molecules. It covers carbohydrates e.g. stereochemistry, reactions of monosaccharides, glycoside formation, disaccharides, polysaccharides, cellulose, starch and glycogen. Peptides and proteins. COMP B402 INTERNET AND NEW MEDIA ½ unit (Prof. Philip Treleaven) term 2 This course focuses on content creation for the web and multimedia. The content creation covers HTML, Java Script, 2D and 3D image manipulation, audio and video, and tools such as Photoshop. The course contains a major practical element, and students will build a demonstration Web site as a project. The target audience is students from across UCL who have a good level of computer literacy and should be particularly attractive to undergraduate students from the Arts and Humanities. Prequisites: a good standard of computer literacy. Registration: Wednesday 24th September, 10.00 – 1.00 Pearson Building room G23. HMED B12 (ANATOMY) MAN'S PLACE IN NATURE: THE DEBATE IN BRITAIN ½ unit (Dr J Brown) Throughout year, Monday & Friday, 1pm (term 2 only) The history of the idea of evolution. Pivoting on Darwin's Origin of Species (1859), the course traces the development of the biological sciences, in their social, intellectual and religious contexts, and their implications for thought concerning human beings' place in nature. IMMUNOLOGY B3 IMMUNITY TO INFECTION ½ UNIT (Dr Peter Delves) term 2. Mondays 10.00, Tuesday, 10.00, Thursday, 10.00. 1st lecture Monday10th January. 27 lectures, 3 tutorials, 1 course essay. The aim of the course is to provide a basic understanding of the immune system in health and disease, and how it provides protection against pathogens. At the end of this course you will have a working knowledge of the cells and molecules which constitute the immune system, the functional organisation of the immune system, how the immune system recognises and then destroys pathogens and how these pathogens sometimes evade immune responses. The concept of immunological memory and how vaccination works and how the immune system can itself sometimes cause disease are discussed along with how antibodies and other components of the immune system can be utilised for diagnosis and research. 24 INST G1 INFORMATION SOURCES AND HOW TO USE THEM, School of Library, Archive & Information Studies, ½ unit (Prof. Susan Hockey and Mrs Vanda Broughton), term 2 · To promote students' awareness of information sources, especially those that are in electronic form and Internetbased. · To enable students to use the information effectively in support of their main degree programme · to develop an understanding of electronic delivery of information resources . Student contact hours: 30 (one hour lecture followed by practical session) on Wednesday mornings Assessment: a literature review (annotated bibliography of approximately 40 items) on a subject of the student's own choice, with a report discussing the effectiveness of the information sources. The bibliography and report must be presented in traditional print form and in electronic form via a Web site mounted on the UCL server. LANGUAGE CENTRE, European languages at all levels, Japanese (level 1). Also SOAS for other languages (eg Vietnamese). MANAGEMENT MAST7001 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND CONTROL ½ unit (A. Scott), term 1, Tues. pm. The aim of this course is to focus on the information available to management from within the organisation; to describe the systems used to store, organise and retrieve this information; and to explain how this information can be used to control and direct the organisation. There will be an opportunity to discuss the purpose and types of management information. The course will explain the delivery mechanisms of management information and consider their design, implementation and management. Finally it will provide an introduction to the use of financial and operational management information for control, measurement, planning and decision-making. (May be taken by students in any year). 25 THIRD YEAR BLOCK TIMETABLE (2005-2006) BLOCK 1 Sep. 26 - Nov.4 PHARMACOLOGY C21 Molecular Pharmacology C22 Receptor Mechanisms C33 Drug Development PHYSIOLOGY (0.5) (0.5) (0.5) C700 Space Medicine and the Extreme Environment (1) C54 Central nervous control of the heart and circulation (0.5) C55 Cell Signalling (1) HMEDC116 Col. & Emp. Medicine 0.5 HMEDC020 Med. & Dis. in Soc. HMEDCO21 Madness & Society ANATOMY 0.5 0.5 HMED116 Col. & Emp. Medicine 0.5 HMEDC020 Med. & Dis. in Soc. 0.5 HMEDC021 Madness & Society 0.5 C18 Neural basis of Learning & Motivation (0.5) BLOCK 2 Nov. 14 – Dec. 16 C3/C13 Neuropharmacology (1) (0.5) BLOCK 3 Jan. 9 - Feb. 10 C32 Immunopharmacology C40 Pharmacology of Synapses C37 Psychopharmacology C 51 Foetal & Neonatal (1) (0.5) (0.5) (0.5) (1) (0.5) C45 Respiration in health (0.5) BLOCK 4 Feb. 20 - Mar 24 C 300 Hearing Medicine (0.5) C200 Key topics in Sports Physiology & HMEDC116 Col. & Emp. Medicine 0.5 HMEDC020 Med. & Dis. in Soc. HMEDC021 Madness & Society 0.5 0.5 HMEDC116 Col. & Emp. Med. HMEDC021 Madness & Soc. 0.5 0.5 HISTORY OF MEDICINE HMEDC020 Med. & Dis. in Soc. 0.5 C31 Control of Movement (0.5) C44 Neurobiology of Vision (0.5) C42 Pain (0.5) C41 Neuronal Computation (0.5) C29 Neurobiology of Neurodegenerative disease (0.5) C41 Biochemistry of Human Health and Disease (1) C43 Molecular Genetics of Disease and Carcinogenesis (0.5) C313 Topics in Immunology (1) (0.5) C304 Immunochemistry & Applied Immunology (0.5) C339 Sex, Genes & Evolution (0.5) Term 2: 9/1/06 – 24/3/06 BIOCHEMISTRY C24 Advanced Molecular Biology (1.0) OTHERS C306 Immunobiology C567 Topics in Neurobiology (0.5) (0.5) C38 Library Project (1 unit) C39 Laboratory Project (1.5 units) Term 1: 26/9/05 – 16/12/05 Term 3: 24/4/06 – 9/6/06 26 COURSES AVAILABLE TO 3rd YEAR STUDENTS (2005/2006) Pharmacology students must start the year with C21: Molecular Pharmacology. Over the whole year they should take a total of 4.0 units with a minimum of 2.5 units in Pharmacology which can include either a 1.5 unit laboratory project (C39) or a 1.0 unit library project (C38) and may also include Physiology C42: Pain. PHARMACOLOGY C3 NEUROPHARMACOLOGY 1 unit, Block 2 (Prof. A. Dickenson) Evidence for different transmitters (from morphological, electrophysiological, pharmacological and biochemical studies) is evaluated so as to build up a picture of their pre- and postsynaptic actions and their interactions in specific pathways and brain areas. This knowledge is then applied to a consideration of various disease states and drug action. Special emphasis is given to neurotransmitter function and malfunction in epilepsy, Parkinsonism, schizophrenia, depression, pain and anxiety states and to the mode of action of drugs in these conditions. Students attend a comprehensive series of lectures and undertake individual or group projects in research laboratories. Also available as a ½ unit (C13) without the practical work. PHARMACOLOGY C21, MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY ½ unit, Block 1 (Dr. A. Gibb) The aim is to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation of the response of cells to drugs or hormones. The course begins with drug receptor interaction and considers how receptors can be classified and their properties quantified. Here the lectures are complemented by practical classes to show how the equilibrium constant for drug receptor interactions can be determined by both classical organ bath methods and by radioligand binding. PHARMACOLOGY C22, RECEPTOR MECHANISMS ½ unit, Block 1, following C21 (Dr A. Gibb) This course considers the molecular basis of receptor activation and draws on the new evidence of receptor structure provided by molecular biology and by advanced electrophysiological methods, including single channel recording. Mechanisms involving second messengers are then considered in detail, together with the role of calcium. A final section draws these themes together by examining an integrated cell response: the control of the release of insulin from the pancreas. PHARMACOLOGY C32, IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY 1 unit, Block 3 (Dr D. Willis and Prof. J. Foreman) This course provides up-to-date information and ideas about the cells and mediators of acute and chronic inflammation. Basic mechanisms involved in the formation and/or release and subsequent actions of pharmacologically active agents such as histamine, prostanoids, thromboxanes, leukotrienes and kinins are studied. These ideas underpin the use and development of drugs for treating diseases involving inflammation, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, and how new treatments could be developed for conditions for which there is at present no adequate therapy. Course work includes a group project, an essay and practical work PHARMACOLOGY C33, DRUG DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT ½ unit, Block 1 (Dr D. Willis, Prof. J. Foreman and Prof P. Vallance) This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology and is about the discovery of new drugs. Students will consider the ways of identifying novel compounds for development and the processes which take place before such compounds are released onto the market following their introduction into clinical practice. The course includes an opportunity for project work on the development of a specific drug, a practical on the effects of drugs on gastric secretion in human volunteers, seminars on ethics committee operation and on drug licensing and a one-day visit to a pharmaceutical company. PHARMACOLOGY C40, SYNAPTIC PHARMACOLOGY: The Synapse, A Major Site of Disease & Drug Action (½ unit), Block 3 (Dr. Talvinder Sihra, Prof. Stuart Cull-Candy, Dr. Mark Farrant) This course aims to consider signalling within nerve cells, and communication between cells (synaptic transmission) by considering the workings of individual cells at the level of single receptor channels and ion channels. Synapses form the functional connections between nerve cells. How synapses, receptors and ion channels work are central to our understanding of much of modern Pharmacology. It represents one of the major research areas of interest in Neuroscience today. The course will describe the exciting new concepts that derive from molecular and cellular approaches to the pharmacology of synapses and ion channels. PHARMACOLOGY C37, PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (½ unit) Block 3 (Dr. Clare Stanford) This course is designed to give an up-to-date understanding of the actions of drugs which affect mood and behaviour. It has two major themes: the neurobiological abnormalities which are thought to underlie psychiatric disorders; and the most likely neurochemical targets for drugs used to treat them. Lectures will concentrate on the effects of specific groups of drugs on behaviour as well as interesting new developments in psychotropic drugs derived from plants. All these topics will build on and complement the knowledge acquired in the Neuropharmacology course units. In addition to the lectures, which will discuss key topics (such as schizophrenia, anxiety and depression), there will be small-group tutorials and a demonstration of how drugs can affect behaviour. All these sessions will aim to develop students' ability to appraise scientific literature and to provide the background material for a written assessment. 27 PHARMACOLOGY C38, LIBRARY PROJECT 1.0 unit (Dr. Talvinder Sihra ) (topic of choice that relates to the research/teaching within the Pharmacology Department), no specific time tabling. The current status of the subject area is presented as a critical dissertation and as an assessed poster presentation. PHARMACOLOGY C39 LABORATORY PROJECT 1.5 units (Dr. Talvinder Sihra ) (Lab of choice within the Pharmacology Department), no specific timetabling. Results of the laboratory work are presented as a dissertation PHYSIOLOGY PHOL C45 RESPIRATION IN HEALTH AND DISEASE ½ unit, Block 4 (Prof. D Jordon) This course examines the control of breathing particularly in humans, in a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological conditions including exercise, altitude, sleep and asthma. The relationship between respiratory function, structural anatomy and pathological states are explored. PHYSIOLOGY PHOL C51 FOETAL AND NEONATAL PHYSIOLOGY 1 unit, Block 3 (Dr R Noble) This is an increasingly important area of physiology, both in terms of basic science and because of its clinical applications. This course addresses fundamental questions in this area with particular emphasis on an integrative or systems approach. A range of scientists and clinicians teach on it, and there are practical sessions in which current techniques for fetal and neonatal monitoring and research are demonstrated. With guided reading, students are encouraged to develop a special interest in one or two specific aspects of this area. PHYSIOLOGY C54 CENTRAL NERVOUS CONTROL OF THE HEART & CIRCULATION 1 unit, Block 2 (Dr M Gilbey) The course will provide an intergrated view of the physiology, pharmacology & anatomy of central neural pathways controlling anatonomic activity. In particular, emphasis will be placed on neural control of the heart, circulation & respiration. PHYSIOLOGY C55 CELL SIGNALLING IN HEALTH & DISEASE 1 unit Block 2 (Prof. S. Bolsover) Physiology B222 is a prerequisite for this course. The topics include: membrane transport, ion channel basics, regulation of cell functions by calcium, pH, kinases and phosphatases. PHYSIOLOGY C200 KEY TOPICS in SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY and SPORTS MEDICINE ½ unit Block 3 (Dr B Lynn) Main emphasis will be on the importance of exercise for health, how physical fitness can be measured and how the body adapts to exercise and sporting activities. In addition lectures will deal with drugs and sport, ageing and exercise, the female athlete triad, and the risks of exercise and how to avoid them. Lectures and tutorials will stress basic principles, but we will also be using the new Human Performance Laboratory on the Archway Campus to provide students with practical experience of making measurements of muscle properties and energy expenditure (VO2max). PHYSIOLOGY PHOL C3008 HEARING, ½ unit, Block 3, (Dr D McAlpine & Dr J Gale) To examine the molecular, cellular and neural bases of hearing, and to introduce techniques used in modern biomedical research, using examples from current research into the structure and function of auditory systems, to do this. PHYSIOLOGY PHOL C700 SPACE MEDICINE & THE EXTREME ENVIRONMENT 1 unit Block 2 (Dr Linda Harrison) To provide an understanding of the physiological effects of the space environment upon the human body. To provide an understanding of the biomedical problems associated with long and short duration manned space flight. To provide an overview of medical and health care systems required for long duration space flight. To provide an understanding of the physiological effects of short and long duration exposure to terrestrial high altitude environments. ANATOMY C018 NEURAL BASIS OF LEARNING AND MOTIVATION ½ unit Block 2 (Dr K Jeffery) The course is centred around the neural structures traditionally described as the limbic system: hypothalamus, amygdala, septum and hippocampus and their role in normal and pathological function. The first half of the course consists of a set of lectures on the anatomy, physiology and role in behaviour of these structures, and the second half is devoted to student-led debates on topics surrounding a group of psychiatric disorders and their relation to the limbic system. ANATC029 THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE, ½ unit Block 3 (Friday 10.00 – 12.00 & 1.00 – 3.00) Dr S W Davies This course will focus on the cellular and molecular biology of Alzheimer's, Huntingdon's, Parkinson's and Motor Neurone disease, with the main emphasis on the mechanisms leading to cell death. A combination of lectures, clinical presentations and student-led discussion seminars will cover topics including: endogenous and exogenous excitotoxins, environmental and experimental lesions of monoaminergic neurones, developmentally regulated cell death, growth factors in the development and maintenance of CNS neurones, cell biology of the neuronal response to injury, transplantation strategies for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 28 ANATC031 CONTROL OF MOVEMENT ½ unit Block 2 (Dr C Yeo) The course begins by considering the anatomy and physiology of essential components of the motor system; muscles and the motor unit; propioception; spinal integration; ascending and descending pathways in the spinal cord; motor cortex; basal ganglia and cerebellum. The integrated action of these systems in locomotion, voluntary movements and eye movements is considered. The course concludes with analyses of motor learning, and modelling of motor control. ANAT C042 PAIN ½ unit, Block 4 (Dr Steve Hunt) This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Anatomy, Pharmacology, Physiology and Psychology, and aims to present an integrated approach to pain. Through a series of 18 lectures, students will be presented with information about the basic mechanisms of pain and its clinical manifestations. Students will also be introduced to current ideas about therapy and management and to the problems inherent in measurements of pain. A series of seminars based on reading topics will be held at the end of the course. ANAT C044 NEUROBIOLOGY OF VISION ½ unit, Block 4 (Prof. Andrew Stockman) This course is run in collaboration with the departments of Anatomy and Psychology. The course will treat the neurobiology of vision as an integrated subject. It will cover the physiology of cells in the retina and central visual pathways, and show how the cells' properties underlay the spatio-temporal processing carried out by the visual system as revealed by psychophysical experiments. BIOCC024 ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1 unit Block 2 (Dr I Tsaneva) Recombinant DNA techniques; systems for analyzing gene expression; control of transcription in both microbial and mammalian systems; postranscriptional controls over expression; systems for DNA recombinantion; Contributions of molecular biology to knowledge of control of the cell cycle, control of development and tissuespecific gene expression. BIOCC041 BIOCHEMISTRY OF HEALTH AND DISEASE 1 unit Block 3 (Prof. Buckdorfer) The aim of this course is to introduce the special problems involved in investigating human biochemistry, and the importance of biochemical investigations in understanding health and disease. The course is jointly organised between the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and the Division of Molecular Pathology. Four main themes are considered: (1) Nutritional biochemistry: nutritional and metabolic aspects of health and disease, with special emphasis on heart disease and cancer; (2) Carcinogenesis: metabolic activation of carcinogens, oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and tumour markers; (3) Molecular genetics of disease: genetic probes, nutrient effects on gene expression, retinoids, molecular biology of diabetes mellitus; (4) Endocrine disorders: measurement of hormones, adrenal function and dysfunction, disorders of steroid metabolism. BIOCC043 MOLECULAR GENETICS OF DISEASE AND CARCINOGENESIS ½ unit (Prof. Buckdorfer) Selected topics from Biochemistry BIOCC041. Carcinogenesis: metabolic activation of carcinogens, oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and tumour markers, molecular genetics of disease: genetic probes, nutrient effects on gene expression, retinoids, molecular biology of diabetes mellitus. BIOLC339 SEX, GENES AND EVOLUTION ½ unit Block 3 (Dr A Pomiankowski) A lecture and seminar course on modern aspects of evolutionary genetics and sociobiology. The course concentrate on (a) the evolution of sex and its consequences (b) evolutionary conflicts. A wide range of topics will be covered including: the evolutionary origins of sexual reproduction; the maintenance of sexual genetic elements (meiotic drive genes, cytoplasmic genes, transposable elements; B chromosomes); the evolution of sex chromosomes; adaptive sex ratio variation; the origin and evolution of social insects; sexual selection; female mate choice; sex roles; the evolution of mating systems; parasites and speciation; hybrid zones; genomic conflicts underlying speciation, genomic imprinting, the inheritance of acquired characters. IMMNC306 IMMUNOBIOLOGY ½ unit Block 2 (Dr Delves) This course is suitable for third year students without previous experience of immunology, but is more appropriate as a follow-on to Immunology B001(Immunity to Infection). The course covers the whole subject, starting at the molecular level (the molecular basis of antibody diversity), outlining what is known about cellular interactions within the immune system (cytokines and immunoregulation), and ending with a consideration of the role of the immune system in host defence, its role in disease, and finally its possible role in determining ecology and evolution of the species. There is a strong practical element (3 afternoons per week), in which students have an opportunity to try many of the major methodologies currently in use. PSYCHOLOGY C567 Topics in Neurobiology ½ unit Block 2 (Dr K Jeffery) The course is centred around the neural structures traditionally described as the limbic system: hypothalamus, amygdala, septum and hippocampus and their role in normal and pathological function. HMEDC116 COLONIAL AND EMPIRE MEDICINE ½ unit Dr A Wear This course will examine Western medicine in non-European countries and the effect of colonisation on the health of native societies. Topics include how early settlers adapted to alien environments, the impact of Western 29 illnesses on indigenous populations, the role of medicine in Imperial expansion, the development of public health and tropical medicine in the colonies in the 19th and 20th centuries, missionary medicine, the interaction between Western and non-Western medical systems, the place of Western medicine in the Third World today. HMEDC118 DISEASE IN HISTORY (½ unit) 22 sessions. This course takes specific diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, myocardial infarction, anorexia nervosa, AIDS and epilepsy, and examines their social and medical impact during the past couple of centuries. It examines the interplay of scientific, clinical, social and moral judgements invested in 'framing' a disease. HMEDC020 MEDICINE AND DISEASE IN SOCIETY FROM ANTIQUITY ½ unit Prof V Nutton Consideration of such topics as the development of Greek medical ideas; the status of the doctor in Greek and Roman society; role of experiment and observation in earlier medicine; doctor-patient relationships; impact of diseases such as plague (Black Death) in medieval and early Renaissance society; art and anatomy; Vesalius; Harvey. HMEDC021 MADNESS AND SOCIETY ½ unit Prof. Bynum Examination of the ways in which deviant behaviour has been identified and controlled during the past 400 years or more. Topics include the witch-craze in Western Europe, the rise of the asylum, growth of the psychiatric profession, philosophical implications of the idea of "mental disease" and the tensions between organic, analytical and sociological explanations of insanity. 30 RESEARCH INTERESTS OF MEMBERS OF THE PHARMACOLOGY DEPARTMENT Trevor G. Smart, Schild Professor of Pharmacology and Head of Department Controlling nerve cell excitability is vital for a healthy nervous system and there are catestrophic consequences when this level of control is compromised as, for example, in epilepsy. The control of excitability rests largely with the action of neurotransmitters acting on inhibitory amino acid receptors. We study the structure-function relationships of GABA-A, GABA-B and glycine receptors and how these receptors are regulated, at synaptic and extrasynaptic sites, by endogenous agents in the CNS. We have concentrated on understanding how ions, e.g., zinc and protons as well as redox agents, and the process of phosphorylation by protein kinases, can affect the physiological function of, principally, GABA-A receptors. The methods we employ are mostly electrophysiological coupled with molecular biology and fluorophore imaging in fixed tissue and in live tissues in real time. Our electrophysiological techniques operate at both whole-cell and single ion channel recording levels, utilising recombinant receptors expressed in cell lines or native neuronal receptors in dissociated cultures. We also include , brain slice cultures or acutely prepared brain slices for the analyses of inhibitory synaptic currents. One of our goals is to use mutant GABA-A receptors, deposited at synaptic sites, to better understand the function of inhibitory synaptic receptors and their associated intracellular and extracellular regulatory domains. Mutant cDNAs are incorporated into live neurones using gene-gun technology, direct microinjection and lipofection techniques. Our studies are investigating how GABA-A receptors control neuronal excitability in addition to searching for novel drug targets. Professor David A. Brown FRS Many neurotransmitters regulate the excitability of nerve cells by modifying the activity of endogenous membrane ion channels. These effects are mediated through G-protein-linked receptors and are characteristically slow and often indirect. Our aim is to characterize the changes in ion channel function produced by transmitters and to understand the intracellular regulatory pathways involved. This we do by using electrophysiological patch-clamp recording of whole-cell and single-channel ionic currents in combination with various methods of recording or perturbing intracellular signalling pathways. These include: receptor transfections; calcium signal recording; inactivating or deleting individual G-proteins with antibodies or antisense nucleotides; and application of prospective transducers to the inside face of isolated membrane patches. As an example: we have determined that one ion channel species which regulates neuronal excitability - the M-type potassium channel - is inhibited by receptors which couple to phospholipase C; that this involved the G-protein Gq; that it requires one or more diffusible intracellular messengers; and that one of the messengers may be calcium ions. Other work includes the regulation of calcium channels - for example, the inhibition of calcium currents in cholinergic forebrain neurones by acetylcholine and the consequences of this 'auto-inhibition' on transmitter release from their processes. Professor David Colquhoun FRS Fast synaptic transmission is mediated by neurotransmitter activation of ligand-gated ion channels such as those in the nicotinic superfamily (e.g. the nicotinic, GABAA and glycine receptors), the glutamate family (NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors) and some purinoceptors (e.g. P2X receptors). These receptors are formed by one or more types of protein subunit assembling in a macromolecular complex around the ion pore. One of the major questions that concern us is the exact molecular nature and subunit composition of ligand gated ion channels, in particular NMDA and neuronal nicotinic receptors. We are pursuing this by comparing the pharmacological and biophysical properties of native channels with those of recombinant ones, obtained by expression of appropriate subunits in Xenopus oocytes. We have recently determined that each NMDA receptor contains two copies of the NR1 subunit by analyzing the single channel conductances of receptors expressed from mixtures of wild type NR1 with a low conductance NR1 mutant. Secondly, we are interested in the kinetic behaviour of receptor activation (and deactivation), because this is important in determining the time course of synaptic currents. We investigate this question with patch-clamp techniques, in particular by recording single channel currents under stationary conditions or following fast changes in agonist concentration. Finally, we have been closely involved in developing new methods for the analysis of single channel recordings and, in collaboration with Professor A.G.Hawkes of Swansea University, have developed much of the underlying stochastic theory. We have several established collaborations with molecular biologists in the Wellcome Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology and in the Departments of Anatomy and Paediatrics at UCL. Professor Stuart G. Cull-Candy FRS Understanding the fundamental properties of synaptic glutamate receptor channels would appear to hold the key to understanding diversity in signalling that occurs during fast transmission in the CNS. The overall aim of our work is to elucidate basic properties of single glutamate receptor channels in identified mammalian central neurons. We currently have four main goals: (1) to determine the single-channel properties and molecular identity of glutamate receptors underlying synaptic transmission in cerebellar granule cells; (2) to integrate our knowledge of channel properties into a broader understanding of the processes that govern transmission at the mossy fibre granule cell synapse; (3) to correlate developmental changes in glutamate receptor subunit expression with change sin synaptic transmission and single-channel properties in granule cells; and (4) to compare single glutamate channels in Purkinje cells with those in granule cells. To this end, we are extending our investigation of NMDA and non-NMDA channels present in the somatic and synaptic membrane of cerebellar granule cells and Purkinje cells, comparing the properties of these receptor channels with recombinant receptors in heterologous expression systems, and determining the essential features of transmission at these synapses. Professor Anthony H. Dickenson 31 We study the pharmacology of excitatory and inhibitory transmitter systems involved in the transmission of pain and in the production of analgesia. We use electrophysiological and receptor autoradiographical techniques to gauge the relative roles of receptors and transmitters in animal models of different pain states. Current interests include excitatory and inhibitory amino-acids, adenosine, calcium channels and sodium channels and the developmental aspects of opioid actions. Emphasis is on interactions between these systems, plasticity within both pain transmission and analgesic controls and how and why they differ in various pain states. We have many links with clinical groups with regard to the better control of both acute and chronic pain and several collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. Professor Annette C. Dolphin The main research interests of my group involve voltage-dependent calcium channels, their expression, subunit assembly, pharmacology and modulation by G proteins. We are using molecular biological methods to express cloned calcium channels, and to produce chimeras of different subtypes of calcium channel. We are trying to determine where the binding sites are on calcium channel for the G proteins that modulate their function. We are also using biochemical and immunocytochemical techniques to study the interactions between calcium channel subunits and calcium channels and G proteins. Professor John C. Foreman There are four research projects in progress in my laboratory. (1). Characterization of the kinin receptor in the human nasal airway and its role in allergic rhinitis. We measure the effects of agonists and antagonists at kinin receptors in the human nasal airway in vivo by posterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. In addition, we monitor vascular permeability changes in the nasal airway by assaying albumin release into nasal lavage fluid. We have shown that bradykinin mimics some of the features of allergic rhinitis and that, in patients with allergic rhinitis, the B2 receptor antagonist, icatibant, inhibits nasal blockage following antigen challenge. (2). The role of oxygen free radicals in lymphocyte signalling. We measure, using a fluorescent probe, oxygen free radical production in human T lymphocytes. Interleukin-2 release and thymidine incorporation are measured as lymphocyte responses. We have shown that activation of the cells stimulates free radical production and that lymphocyte proliferation and free radical production are inhibited by free radical scavengers. (3). The role of nitric oxide in the control of microcirculation in normal and diseased human skin. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase are injected intradermally and blood flow changes recorded by laser Doppler flowmetry. Inhibition of NO production reduces the increase in blood flow seen when skin is locally warmed and the erythema of psoriasis, UVB irradiation and eczema.. (4).The role of chloride in histamine release from mast cells. Removal of extracellular chloride inhibits antigen-stimulated histamine release and causes an uptake of chloride. We have demonstrated the presence in the cells of a chloride-bicarbonate exchanger which influences the secretory response of the cells. Dr. Alasdair Gibb Dr Gibb’s research interests are in the properties of glutamate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). These are by far the most common receptors involved in fast, excitatory, synaptic transmission between central neurones. Of the two most common types of glutamate receptor, Dr Gibb’s main interest is in the NMDA receptor. The NMDA receptor generates a relatively slow synaptic current which is partly carried by calcium ions. This calcium influx into a neurone is critically involved in integration of synaptic activity by postsynaptic density proteins such as calmodulin, calcineurin and calcium and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Calcium influx through NMDA receptor-channels is also involved in neuronal cell death as a result of stroke or epileptic seizures. The properties of NMDA receptors and how they are affected by drugs are investigated by electrophysiological methods, particularly by single ion channel recording of NMDA receptors in the hippocampus and basal ganglia neurones involved in Parkinson’s disease. The aim of the experiments is to provide a quantitative description of the NMDA receptor properties. The overall intention is to improve understanding of central synaptic transmission. Dr. Dennis G. Haylett Main interest is in the interaction of drugs with ion channels, in particular K + channels. Although most work has been on channel blockers some investigation has been made of channel openers (cromakalim, pinacidil). The small conductance Ca2+-activated channel (SKCa ), blocked by apamin, has, however, been the main focus of attention. Electrophysiological studies and the binding of radiolabelled apamin have both been employed. The work supported by the Wellcome Trust has generated many novel compounds which throw light on the structural requirements for SKCa channel block. Work is also underway on the acetylcholine/adenosine-activated K + channel found in cardiac muscle and many neurones. Some of the compounds under investigation interact also with Ca2+ and nicotinic channels; the selectivity of the drugs is accordingly also of interest. 32 Dr. Steve J. Marsh. My work concerns the regulation of ionic currents involved in controlling nerve excitability, particularly through changes in intracellular mediators such as calcium and protein kinase C produced by acetylcholine. To study this I employ whole-cell patch-clamp recording of membrane currents in combination with fast time-resolution on-line measurement of intracellular calcium using the fluorescent indicator Indo-1. Using this approach, we have measured the calcium influx through nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels and the influence of this influx on other membrane currents in the cell. For example, the calcium influx through these channels, or through voltagegated calcium channels, can prime protein kinase C to induce a membrane chloride current. In consequence, acetylcholine alone activates this current through a dual effect: it opens nicotinic channels, to provide the priming calcium influx, and it stimulates muscarinic receptors, to activate protein kinase C. Dr. Neil S. Millar The principle research interest of my group is the assembly of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels (such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) into multisubunit complexes. A variety of neurotransmitter receptors are currently being studied, including those which have been cloned from both vertebrates (rat and human) and invertebrates (Drosophila and C. elegans). Cloned neurotransmitter receptor subunit cDNAs are being expressed in a range of cultured cell lines and their properties compared with those of native receptors in cultured neuronal cells. The ability of different receptor subunits to co-assemble is being investigated by a variety of molecular biological, cell biological and pharmacological techniques. The functional properties of subunit complexes are being examined by electrophysiological techniques and by agonist induced changes in intracellular cAMP or calcium. Dr Julie Pitcher The G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases that phosphorylate agonist-occupied G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GRK phosphororylated GPCRs bind a soluble protein, a member of the arrestin family. Arristin binding sterically inhibits GPCR/G protein coupling and targets the phosphorylated receptor for endocytosis via clathrin coated pits. Recent lines of evidence suggest, however, that GPCR desensitisation may not be the only function of the GRKs. GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation, arrestin binding and receptor endocytosis have recently been shown to be required for b-adrenergic receptormediated activation. Additionally, the GRKs have been shown to bind and ARF-GAP and to phosphorylate a non-GPCR substrate (tubulin). In light of these and other observations we are currently attempting to identify novel GRK binding partners and substrates. Identification of the regulatory mechanisms controlling the activity of these enzymes may aid in the development of GRK specific inhibitors, reagents that could be used to regulate GPCR function in the cellular systems and potentially in vivo. Dr. A.G. Ramage Investigation of the central neuropharmacology of monoamine pathways involved in autonomic regulation with special reference to the heart, the vasculature, the airways and the bladder. The main focus of this research is on the role of central 5-hydroxytryptaminergic (5-HT) and noradrenergic pathways and their receptors in the control of sympathetic and vagal efferent activity. At present two major project are being carried out: The first is the investigation of the role of different 5-HT autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe in the control of regional blood flow. The second is the role of central 5-HT1A receptors and 5-HT pathways in the reflex activation of cardiac and bronchial vagal motoneurones. Recently interest has focused on the role of the rostral ventrolateral medulla in the control of force of heart contraction. Dr. Ralf Schoepfer We are interested in neuronal genes involved in memory and learning and focus on molecular mechanisms of fast neuronal signal transmission and signal procession at synapses. Ligand gated glutamate receptors are the predominant excitatory receptors in vertebrate CNS. The NMDA subtype has all the necessary properties to act as a coincidence detector of two independent signals. This feature is most likely a necessary requirement for signal processing and therefore crucial for memory and learning. Furthermore, the NMDA receptor can act as the controlling gate of hypoxia-induced neuronal cell death, a severe pathophysiological condition occurring after major head trauma and of major socio-economical relevance. We approach these questions through recombinant DNA technology. Structure-function studies are based on in-vitro expression systems in combination with electrophysiological analysis. Transgenic approached based on homologous recombination in ES cells and pronuclear injections will give us further inside on the role of these receptor system in-vivo. Dr. Talvinder S. Sihra The role of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and cytoskeletal interactions in the regulation of the exocytotic release of neurotransmitters, in particular glutamate, is being evaluated. Studies combine the use of isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes) and neuronal cell cultures as release models. With synaptosomes, the regulation of glutamate release by presynaptic glutamate- (AMPA/kainate- and tACPD-) and GABAB receptors is being characterised. The involvement of serine/threonine protein kinases and phosphatases in the regulation of transmitter release is being assessed with respect to modulation of presynaptic ion-channels, amino-acid receptors and substrates, such as the synapsins and dynamins, known to be associated with the exocytosis/endocytosis cycle. The specific contribution of protein phosphatase-2B (calcineurin) in the regulation of transmitter release from NG108-15 cell is being evaluated using a combination of pharmacological manipulations and recombinant techniques to alter the expression of the phosphatase. 33 Dr. Lucia Sivalotti We work on ligand-gated ion channels of the nicotinic superfamily. Neurotransmitters released in the brain or at junctions between nerves and muscle cells bind to specific areas of these receptors and cause them to open a pore within the receptor protein complex. This gives rise to electrical currents that can be either excitatory or inhibitory and are used by the neurone or muscle cell in order to decide whether to be active or not. The specific receptors that we are interested in are the nicotinic and glycine receptors. Different types of nicotinic receptors mediate the control of muscle contraction by the peripheral terminals of motor neurones in the brain and the regulation of involuntary bodily functions, such as blood pressure. Yet other forms of nicotinic receptors are present in the brain and are affected by the nicotine in tobacco smoke. Glycine receptors are important in inhibition, namely in dampening excessive neuronal activity, particularly in the lower levels of the central nervous system, such as the spinal cord. Some of the questions we are interested in: - How do differences in the properties of the several types of receptors derive from differences in the sort of protein subunits that make them up (each of which is produced by a different gene)? - How does the binding of the transmitter to the receptor result in channel opening and what portions of the subunits are important in this process? We use mostly a combination of electrophysiological recording and molecular biology in order to obtain in cell cultures receptors that are similar to those in the brain of humans and animals and to record the electrical currents they produce both in their normal form and in forms that have been mutated. Some of the mutations that we study are the cause of inherited neurological disease in humans. Dr. S. Clare Stanford Our aim is to establish whether monoaminergic transmission has a beneficial or deleterious effect on limbic function. To this end we are using in vivo microdialysis to monitor changes in monoamine efflux in the brain of freely-moving rats. We are characterizing the monoamine responses to common laboratory stimuli (e.g. handling & novelty) as well as investigating the effects of antianxiety and antidepressant agents on these responses. Changes in receptors governing monoaminergic transmission are also determined by radioligand binding ex vivo. By combining these techniques we hope to correlate neurochemical measures with behaviour. The clinical implications of our findings are also being explored in a multidisciplinary study. We are testing the hypothesis that the neurohumoral and psychological status of heart transplant patients is disrupted by the surgery, which decentralizes cardiac innervation. A better understanding of neurochemical factors which ameliorate long-term effects of the transplant could improve patients’ prognosis and quality of life. Dr Martin Stocker Potassium channels regulate the membrane excitability of neurons, play a major role in shaping action potentials, determining their firing patterns and regulating neurotransmitter release, and thus significantly contribute to neuronal signal encoding and integration. One of the current challenges is to identify the molecular components of ion channel complexes and elucidate their function in physiological contexts. We study several aspects of potassium channel molecular physiology, combining molecular biology with electrophysiology, histochemistry and biochemistry. In particular, we investigate the mechanisms responsible for targeting, clustering and regulation of calcium-activated potassium channels to understand how these channels influence the signal processing of neurons in the central nervous system. A second line of research concerns the structural and functional properties of the modulatory potassium channel subunits, which comprise one-fourth of all voltage-gated K+ channels. The aim is to understand the physiological relevance of the modulatory subunits in the heart and the central nervous system. Finally, we are characterising toxins and novel drugs acting as highly selective blockers or openers of potassium channels. These molecules are invaluable tools to define the function of different potassium channels in their native environment. Dr Dean Willis The elucidation of the mechanisms and mediators involved in the initiation, maintenance and amplification of the inflammatory response has been the centre of attention for many research groups worldwide. In comparison, the mediators and cellular pathways involved in the resolution of an inflammatory response has received little attention. The main aim of our research is to elucidate the mediators and mechanisms involved in termination of an inflammatory episode. Using in vitro and in vivo models and a variety of biochemical, immunological and molecular biological techniques we are currently investigating the impact of the cellular stress response and expression of heat shock proteins on inflammatory pathways. In particular the role of inducible heme oxygenase, heat shock protein 70 and heat shock factor-1 and their interactions with cell signalling and transcription factor activation mechanisms is being investigated. We have recently identified a possible new anti-inflammatory role for cyclooxygenase-2 in macrophages. A second project involves examining the processes and mediators, which activate apoptotic bodies is currently under investigation. Finally, using the NADPH oxidase knockout mouse (a model of a chronic granulomatous disease, CGD) we are attempting to elucidate the aderrant inflammatory response seen in CGD patients and to use this model to identify anti-inflammatory pathways. 34 UCL LOCAL AREA MAP