Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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NUR 6230 - Pharmacology II: Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course focuses on current and emerging scientific understandings of neurobiology and physiology of the human brain and nervous system. The impact of genetics and epigenetics on body, mind, and spirit is analyzed. The study of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan is emphasized. Foundational knowledge in the prescription of major drug classes and their utilization in the evidence-based, ethical, integrative treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan is stressed. (prereq: NUR 6000 , NUR 6030 , NUR 6200 , NUR 6210 , and NUR 6220 )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the evidence-based, person-centered, and ethical use of major pharmacologic drug classes in the treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan
  • Differentiate between the use of medications in the care of persons with acute and chronic psychiatric mental health conditions
  • Apply knowledge of neurobiological, genetic, and epigenetic factors and relational ethics in the selection of pharmacological options in the treatment of persons with psychiatric mental health conditions

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Advanced physical assessment
  • Advanced pathophysiology
  • Theory and role
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Pharmacology I

Course Topics
  • Brain structures and specific function in the body
  • Core circuits in the brain
  • Dopamine pathways
  • Psychiatric disorders across the lifespan
  • CYP 450 enzyme system
  • Psychotropic drug classes
  • Major psychopharmacological classes
  • Drug interactions 
  • Safety in prescribing
  • Prescribing for acute vs. chronic psychiatric conditions 
  • Prescribing herbs and supplements  
  • Genetics and epigenetics
  • Memory
  • Pharmacogenetic testing
  • Endocannabinoid system and emerging science
  • Ethics, prescriptive authority, and informed consent
  • Shared decision-making

Coordinator
Dr. Victoria Carlson Oehlers



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