Download Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives
Module 3.1 The Concept of the Synapse
1. Be able to describe Sherrington’s inferences concerning the speed of a reflex and
temporal and spatial summation.
2. Understand the mechanisms underlying the excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic
potentials.
3. Understand how synaptic potentials contribute to the firing rates of neurons and the
integration of information.
Module 3.2 Chemical Events at the Synapse
1. Be able to describe the contributions of T.R. Elliott and O. Loewi to the question of
whether most synaptic transmission is electrically or chemically mediated.
2. Be able to list the six major types of neurotransmitters.
3. Understand the role of diet in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
4. Understand the processes of transport, release, and diffusion of neurotransmitters.
5. Understand the differences between ionotropic and metabotropic effects of
neurotransmitters.
6. Be able to describe the similarities and differences between neurotransmitters and
hormones.
7. Understand the difference in control mechanisms of the anterior and posterior
pituitary and be able to list some of the hormones released from each.
8. Understand why inactivation of neurotransmitters is important and the two major
ways in which this is achieved.
9. Understand the two mechanisms for producing negative feedback.
Module 3.3 Drugs and Synapses
1. Understand why our brains have receptors for plant chemicals.
2. Understand the difference between agonists, antagonists, and mixed agonistantagonists and the difference between a drug’s affinity for a receptor and its
efficacy at that receptor.
3. Be able to explain the common mechanism of action of nearly all abused drugs.
4. Understand the relation of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens to motivation
(“wanting”) and why dopamine does not seem to be related directly to pleasure
(“liking”).
5. Be able to explain the differences between the effects of amphetamine, cocaine, and
methylphenidate.
6. Understand the different ways of increasing dopamine release in the nucleus
accumbens used by nicotine, opiates, and marijuana.
7. Understand the relationship of the prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens in the
facilitation of reinforcing experiences and how repeated drug use changes that.
8. Know the physiological effects of alcohol and the effects of Antabuse on alcohol
metabolism.
9. Understand the two types of alcoholism and the differences between sons of
alcoholics and sons of non-alcoholics.
10. Be able to describe the genetic variations that may contribute to alcoholism.
11. Know why methadone can be used to treat addiction to heroin or morphine and why
it does not end the addiction.