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    Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain

    Credits
    15
    Contact email
    sahp.postgraduate-admin@keele.ac.uk
    Starting months
    March

    Course Overview

    This module aims to increase both depth and breadth of the student's understanding and knowledge of the physiology, pharmacology, and modulation of pain,

    Overview

    MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES

    The student should be able to:

    • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the physiological processes involved in acute and chronic pain
    • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the neural pathways of nociception as well as the processes of central and peripheral sensitisation
    • Understanding the impact of the physiological changes induced by injury and pain to the patient’s symptoms and their presentation
    • Understand the basic principles of endogenous pain modulation and the physiology of these systems
    • Understand the role of major neurotransmitters in nociception and pain

    MODULE SESSION DATES

    Please email sahp.postgraduate-admin@keele.ac.uk for the confirmed course dates.

    Deadline for applications is 2 weeks prior to module start date.  Applying before this is recommended as spaces are awarded on a first come first served basis (assuming conditions of offers are met). 

    Module aims

    • To develop knowledge of the peripheral and central pathways of pain
    • To demonstrate understanding of the physiological processes involved in peripheral and central sensitisation
    • To understand the endogenous pathways of pain modulation
    • To understand the pharmacology of main neurotransmitters and pharmaceuticals involved in pain modulation and their physiological actions
    • To demonstrate an understanding of the physiological differences between the various types of clinical pain syndromes

    Entry requirements

    The course is aimed primarily at those with a practical and/or theoretical interest in physiology and pharmacology relating to pain science and the management of pain.

    Candidates should normally have a first or second-class honours degree in a relevant professional or academic area.

    Module content

    • Anatomy and physiology of acute and chronic pain.
    • Review of neurophysiological processes involved in the processing of pain and its modulation by the central nervous system.
    • Biology of major neurotransmitters and receptors involved in nociception.
    • Development of chronic pain.
    • Physiology of various pain modulation systems.
    • Explorations of clinical pain syndromes and their particular characteristics.
    • Understanding of the processes involved in nociception and chronic pain.

    Teaching and assessment

    TEACHING FORMAT

    Block sessions:  Lecturers, seminars, discussion sessions and tutorials

    ASSESSMENT TYPE

    4,000 word essay

    Please note: In your programme you may sometimes be expected to role play and engage in simulated clinical scenarios with other students, such as the practice and observation of practical skills in physical contact with other students. For some specific practices, this may necessitate modification of dress - e.g., to shorts and t-shirt. These activities will be conducted in a professional, safe, respectful and culturally sensitive way, under the supervision of academic staff, according to a defined protocol. This does not apply to Clinical Pharmacy practice modules as all of these modules are distance learning.