BS329-6-SP-CO:
Narcotics
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
29 November 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
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.
The aim of this module is to gain an appreciation at the molecular level of the action of narcotics
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
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.
Standard lectures will be employed along with workshops that will address questions in data analysis and interpretation.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
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
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Paul Dobbin, email: pdobbin@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Penny Beckerson
Yes
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 21 hours, 21 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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