Units / PHA3032
PHA3032 · Neuro and endocrine pharmacology
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Faculty of Science
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit provides you with an integrated understanding of how drugs affect neuronal and endocrine function. Four major areas are covered: major neurotransmitters within the brain; reproductive endocrinology, metabolism and disorders of pancreatic and thyroid function; mood and pain; and, neurodegenerative disorders. The unit will focus upon mechanisms of action, use and side effects of drugs affecting a range of neuronal and endocrine functions and includes topics such as drugs used in anaesthesia and sedation, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, schizophrenia and psychoses, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, reproduction and contraception, diabetes, thyroid function and metabolism and calcium homeostasis.
Areas of study: Pharmacology
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In-semester theme tests | Quiz / Test | 25% | — |
| 2 | In-semester laboratory and workshop assessments | Written | 30% | Threshold |
| 3 | In-semester assignments | Written | 25% | — |
| 4 | Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes) | Examination | 20% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge of central neurotransmitter and endocrine systems to predict the effects of drugs;
- Integrate and reconstruct knowledge underlying the cellular mechanisms of neuro- and endocrine pharmacology to predict outcomes in the whole animal;
- Present, analyse and interpret data from a range of experiment types and discuss this in the context of current scientific literature;
- Collect, analyse and report the data obtained from experiments in neuropharmacology and endocrine pharmacology;
- Source, integrate and critically evaluate the scientific literature to address a defined clinical problem relating to neuro- or endocrine pharmacology.
Workload
Up to 12 hours per week consisting of: • 6 hours of directed learning including online activities, lectures, laboratories or workshop activities and • 6 hours of self-directed learning/study.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 24 hours |
| Assessments | 6 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
| Laboratories | 12 hours |
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