BS329-6-AU-CO:
Narcotics

The details
2024/25
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
04 July 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

The module explores the chemical, biochemical and pharmacological aspects of commonly used narcotics. The production of narcotics, their mode of delivery to the body and the molecular mechanisms of their psychoactive effects and consequent addiction will be discussed in detail. Also covered will be how new narcotics have been developed and analytical methods for the detection of narcotics and their metabolites in biological samples.

Module aims

The aim of this module is:



  • to gain an appreciation at the molecular level of the action of narcotics

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. To describe how narcotics are produced and explain the rationale for the design of new narcotics

  2. To discuss the pharmacological action of narcotics

  3. To critically evaluate the evidence that people consuming narcotics are susceptible to addiction

  4. To discuss the metabolism of narcotics and analytical methods used for the detection of metabolites in biological samples

Module information

The module will initially focus in turn on different types of narcotics, principally stimulants, depressants, anaesthetics and hallucinogens. Specific narcotics that will covered in detail include cannabinoids, cocaine, ketamine, heroin, prescription opioids, LSD and amphetamines. For each type of narcotic, the following will be discussed: discovery and history of use, production, mode of drug delivery and bioavailability, pharmacology of drug action, addiction, side-effects and withdrawal treatments. Aspects of drug design and structure-function relationships will also be covered in lectures on the recent emergence of more potent derivatives of commonly used narcotics. Finally, the forensic detection of narcotics and their metabolites in biological samples will be discussed, which will include an introduction to pharmacokinetics as well as describing the principles of a range of modern analytical techniques.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Standard lectures that will be employed along with workshops that will address questions in data analysis and interpretation

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
0% 100%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
0% 100%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Paul Dobbin, email: pdobbin@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Penny Beckerson

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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