Neuropharmacology

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Arjun Iyer (Associate Professor of Neuroscience)
• Email: aiyer@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 238
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Friday: 1:00–2:30 p.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 238)
  • Monday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs acting on the nervous system, neurotransmitter systems, psychoactive drugs, addiction, and treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders. NEUR 350 provides an advanced investigation into the biochemical, physiological, and behavioral actions of pharmacological agents on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Integrating principles of organic chemistry and cellular neuroscience, we explore pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and receptor pharmacodynamics (affinity, efficacy, allosteric modulation). Students examine major classical and peptide neurotransmitter systems, neurochemical mechanisms of drug addiction and tolerance, and modern therapeutic interventions for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Prerequisites

NEUR 201 and CHEM 210.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of NEUR 350, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Pharmacokinetic Parameters: Calculate drug bioavailability, volume of distribution, elimination rate constants, half-life, and steady-state plasma concentrations across different routes of administration.
2. Evaluate Receptor Pharmacodynamics: Interpret concentration-response curves, quantify agonist potency (EC50) and efficacy (Emax), and differentiate competitive antagonists, noncompetitive antagonists, partial agonists, and positive allosteric modulators.
3. Examine Neurotransmitter Pathways and Drug Targets: Detail the synthesis, vesicle packaging, synaptic receptor interactions, and termination mechanisms for cholinergic, monoaminergic, amino acidergic, and peptidergic systems.
4. Explain the Neurobiology of Addiction and Substance Use: Differentiate cellular adaptations, dopamine reward circuit sensitization, receptor down-regulation, tolerance, and physical dependence across stimulants, opioids, and sedatives.
5. Evaluate Psychotherapeutic Mechanisms for Neurological Disorders: Assess the receptor mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and adverse side effects of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and antiepileptic drugs.
6. Critique Primary Neuropharmacological Literature: Critically analyze current empirical studies in neuropharmacology, evaluating experimental pharmacology methodologies, molecular assays, and therapeutic translational validity.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Meyer, Jerrold S., and Linda F. Quenzer. Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior. 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, 2019. Approx. $65 for digital access; approx. $120 for print purchase.
2. Nestler, Eric J., Steven E. Hyman, Robert C. Malenka, and David M. Holtzman. Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience. 4th ed., McGraw Hill, 2020. Approx. $70.
3. Total estimated cost: $65 to $190.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), NEUR 350 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use AI tools to generate molecular flashcards for drug-receptor affinities, clarify pharmacokinetics equations (half-life, volume of distribution, clearance), and check clarity on draft literature reviews.
• What is prohibited: You may not submit AI-generated pharmacological mechanism reviews, use AI to answer assigned clinical case studies, or access AI during quizzes or examinations.
• Disclosure: On all submitted case studies and the semester neuropharmacology review paper, include a formal disclosure stating which AI tools were consulted and how you verified the biological mechanisms, or confirm that no AI was used.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam 1: 20% (In class, Thursday, September 24)
• Midterm Exam 2: 20% (In class, Thursday, October 29)
• Clinical Case Studies & Problem Sets: 20% (Canvas problem sets and case analyses due Fridays at 11:59 p.m. (weeks 2–13; lowest dropped))
• Neuropharmacology Literature Review Paper: 15% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 25% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in NEUR 350.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Active attendance and participation in Tuesday and Thursday lecture discussions are expected. Neuropharmacology integrates intricate chemical structures and physiological cascades that are discussed interactively. Notify Dr. Iyer via email in advance of any legitimate excused absences. More than three unexcused absences may reduce your course grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Clinical case studies and problem sets submitted within 24 hours of the deadline incur a 20% point penalty. Submissions beyond 24 hours late are not accepted as keys are posted promptly. The lowest weekly problem set score will be dropped automatically. The literature review paper loses 10% per day late up to three days.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).