MALAYSIA
Module Guide
(22 June 2009 2 October 2009)
CONTENT SYNOPSIS
The Central Nervous System (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord, integrates and
controls all the functions of the body via a system of neuronal networks. Communication
between nerves and the cells they innervate occurs via electrical and, more commonly,
chemical signals. Many compounds have been identified as neurotransmitters and their role in
physiological functioning and disease is increasingly understood. Drugs used for the prevention
and treatment of many CNS disorders have been shown to act on macromolecules called
receptors or second messenger systems involved in signal transduction. The chief aim of this
Module is to thus describe the role of the CNS in health and disease. Relevant anatomy,
physiology, pathology, pharmacology and practice skills are explored in an integrated manner.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this module are to1.
describe the structure and function of the central nervous system;
2.
describe current understanding of the bases, and aims of treatment of common
neurological, psychiatric (including addictive) and neurodegenerative disorders; and to
3.
describe the mechanism of action, unwanted effects and rational use of pharmacological
agents in the management of these disorders.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
On completion of this module, the student should be able to1.
describe the organization and function of the brain and spinal cord;
2.
describe cerebrospinal fluid formation, composition and function;
3.
outline the sensory system, motor system, ascending and descending tracts;
4.
describe neurotransmission in the central nervous system;
5.
describe the sites of action of drugs acting on the central nervous system;
6.
describe causes and risk factors for stroke, its clinical manifestations and management;
7.
describe theories for common neurodegenerative disease; their clinical manifestations
and their drug treatment;
8.
describe types of seizure disorder; their pharmacotherapy and its unwanted effects;
9.
describe pain transmission and the mechanism of action, effects, indications and
unwanted effects of local and general anaesthetics and agents adjunctive to
anaesthesia;
10.
describe the pharmacology, uses and unwanted effects of opioid analgesics;
11.
describe sleep disorders; drugs used in the treatment of these disorders and the
unwanted effects of these drugs;
12.
describe causes of anxiety disorders drugs used in the treatment of these disorders and
the unwanted effects of these drugs;
13.
describe causes of affective disorders, drugs used in the treatment of these disorders
and the unwanted effects of these drugs;
14.
describe causes of psychoses, drugs used in the treatment of these disorders and the
unwanted effects of these drugs;
15.
outline the effects of common substances of abuse;
16.
describe the phenomena of tolerance, dependence and addiction, in the context of
substance abuse;
17.
18.
19.
20.
outline the medical model of substance addiction and discuss whether substancedependent individuals should be treated;
describe the management of opioid-dependent individuals using substitution or
maintenance prescribing;
outline other harm-reduction measures in the management of substance dependence;
and to
outline theories underpinning the practice of acupuncture.
LEARNING HOURS:
Lectures
Video
Medical Museum Sessions
Workshops
PSD
PBL
CAL
Portfolio
Guided Reading
TOTAL LEARNING HOURS
33 hours
3 hours
4 hours
6 hours
1.5 hours
6 hours
4 hours
2 hours
10 hours
69.5 hours
ASSESSMENTS:
Coursework
CAL Quizzes
PBL
Portfolio
Written examination
Degree Paper, 3 hours
MEQ, I hour, 2 questions
Essay, 2 hours, 2 of 3 questions
53.5 hours
20%
5%
5%
35%
30%
Structure and function of the brain I (Medical Museum Session 2 hrs; Guided
reading 1 hr)
a.
The skull
b.
Meninges
c.
Blood supply
d.
Cerebrospinal fluid
e.
3.
Structure and functions of the brain II (Lecture 1 hr, CAL 2 hrs; Guided Reading
1 hr)
a.
Forebrain
b.
Cerebrellum
c.
Brainstem
d.
Midbrain; pons and medulla oblongata
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
READING LIST:
Physiology:
1.
Marieb, E.N. & Hahn, J. (2006) Human Anatomy and Physiology, 7th Edition, The
Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company.
2.
Widmaier E.P., Raff, H., & Strang, K.T. (2007) Vanders Human Physiology, The
Mechanisms of Body Function with ARIS, 11th Edition, McGraw Hill.
3.
Martini, F.H. (2004) Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 6th edition, Pearson,
Benjamin Cummings Publishing Company, San Francisco.
Pharmacology
4.
Rang, H.P., Dale M.M. & Ritter, J., & Flower, R. (2007) Pharmacology 6th Edition,
Churchill Livingstone
5.
Katzung, B.G. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, (2007) 10th edition, Appleton and Lange
6.
Brunton, L., Lazo, J. & Parker, K. (2006). Goodman and Gilmans The Pharmacological
Basis of Therapeutics, 11th edition, McGraw-Hill
Pathology
7.
Kumar, V., Cottran, R.S. & Robbines, S.L. (2004) Basic Pathology 7th Edition, WB
Saunders Company
8.
Chandrasoma, P., & Taylor, C.R. (2000) Concise Pathology 6th. Edition, Appleton &
Lange
9.
Rubin, E. (2008) Essentials of Rubin's Pathology 5th Edition, Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.
10.
Underwood, J.C.E. (2000) General and Systemic Pathology 3rd Edition, Churchill
Livingstone
Pharmacotherapy
11.
DiPiro, J.T., Talbert, R.L., Yee, G.C., et al (2007) Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic
Approach 6th Edition, McGraw Hill
12.
Koda-Kimble, M.A., Young, L.Y., Kradjan W.A., et al (2008) Applied Therapeutics: The
Clinical Use of Drugs 9th Edition, Applied Therapeutics Inc.
13.
Walke, R., & Edwards, C.R.W. (2004). Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 3rd edition,
Churchill Livingstone.
Drug Abuse
14.
Doweiko, H.E. (2006) Concepts of Chemical Dependency, 6th edition, Thomson Brooks
Cole
15.
United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. Annual World Drug Reports, available via
www.unodc.org
16.
Agensi AnitDadah Kebangsaan, Malaysia. www.adk.gov.my
17.
18.
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