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Synaptic Pharmacology and Function

Synaptic Pharmacology and Function

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Recently updated!

March 2026

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Synaptic Pharmacology Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course

This course explores how the nervous system communicates, with a special focus on pharmacological principles, synapses, and the neural control of movement. Learners will explore the fundamental principles of synaptic transmission, including how neurons communicate with each other and with muscles, and how drugs and other chemicals, such as poisons, can modify these processes.

The course emphasizes the neuromuscular junction as a model system for understanding how synapses translate electrical signals into movement. Topics include neurotransmitters and receptors, and the mechanisms by which drugs alter signaling in the neuronal interface with muscles. Real-world examples from medicine, pharmacology, and everyday substances are used to illustrate how changes at the synapse influence behavior and motor function. To be successful in this course, learners should have a background in biology. This course provides a strong foundation for those interested in neuroscience, pharmacology, medicine, or related health and biological sciences.

This module introduces the principles of receptor pharmacology, including the concepts of potency, efficacy, and the actions of drugs as agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators. We will also explore how different routes of drug administration influence absorption and effect, as well as how therapeutic windows determine safe and effective drug use.

What's included

4 videos1 reading2 assignments

4 videos•Total 27 minutes
  • Introduction to the Synaptic Pharmacology•1 minute
  • Pharmacology of the Synapse: Receptor binding, agonists and potency•8 minutes
  • Pharmacology of the Synapse: Receptor antagonism•14 minutes
  • Pharmacokinetics, routes of administration and the therapeutic window•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
  • Course Syllabus•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
  • Introduction to Pharmacological Principles Quiz•30 minutes
  • Introduction to Pharmacological Principles practice quiz•30 minutes

This module introduces synapses as specialized sites of communication between neurons. We will learn about the historical discoveries that led to our understanding of synaptic transmission and how modern imaging reveals the dynamics of synaptic signaling. The role of synapses in coordinating spatial and temporal patterns of neuronal communication will also be explored.

What's included

1 video2 readings2 assignments

1 video•Total 6 minutes
  • Synaptic Communication•6 minutes
2 readings•Total 75 minutes
  • From the Connectome to the Syanptome: An Epic Love Story•45 minutes
  • Cubic millimetre of brain mapped in spectacular detail•30 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
  • Synapses: The Basic Blocks of Communication Quiz•30 minutes
  • Synapses: The Basic Blocks of Communication Practice Quiz•30 minutes

This module explores the molecular events that control neurotransmitter release from neurons, using the neuromuscular junction as a model system. We will examine how toxins disrupt synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter breakdown, leading to impaired communication between nerves and muscles.

What's included

3 videos2 assignments

3 videos•Total 11 minutes
  • The machinery of neurotransmitter release•4 minutes
  • Botulinum toxin: inhibition of neurotransmitter release•4 minutes
  • Pesticides: inhibition of neurotransmitter cessation•3 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
  • Disruption of Synaptic Signaling: Mechanisms and Consequences Quiz•30 minutes
  • Disruption of Synaptic Signaling Practice Quiz•30 minutes

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Instructor

University of Minnesota
4 Courses•894 learners

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Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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