Reports on experimental comparisons between the leopard frog, currently captured for laboratory use, and the African clawed frog, raised specifically for research. Except for the increased longevity of isolated nerve axons in the clawed frog, no other significant differences were established. Recommends laboratory use of clawed frogs as…

Investment of time and funds by New Zealand students was appraised in five specific tertiary education courses, namely Accountancy, Dentistry, Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy. The study used the Internal Rate of Return Method and data from the 1981 census on income and hours of work. Results indicated the courses were "profitable" even when…

People with mental retardation, autism, and related developmental disabilities who self-injure are treated with a wide array of behavioral techniques and psychotropic medications. Despite numerous reports documenting short-term and some long-term changes in self-injury associated with the opiate antagonist naltrexone hydrochloride, no quantitative…

At the Duquesne University (PA) school of pharmacy, five self-paced computer exercises using a molecular modeling program have been implemented to teach stereochemical concepts. The approach, designed for small-group learning, has been well received and found effective in enhancing students' understanding of the concepts. (Author/MSE)

The use of liquid crystal display (LCD) techniques for projection of computer monitor images onto a large screen for classroom viewing is discussed and illustrated with a pharmacology class presentation on drug/neurotransmitter-receptor interactions. The method is seen as a way of bringing a new dynamic to visual instruction. (MSE)

Objective: To describe our experience of learning clinical psychopharmacology during residency, in order to assist educators planning psychopharmacology curricula. Methods: We describe how psychopharmacology teaching was structured in our program, dividing our experience into two phases, early residency (PGY-I and PGY-II) and late residency…

Information is presented to familiarize school psychologists with (1) behavioral effects and side-effects associated with stimulant medications used for the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); (2) factors to consider in recommending medicine trials for individual children; (3) methods to assess treatment response within schools; and…

A study investigated the consistency of faculty and peer evaluations of the oral communication skills of 44 fourth-year pharmacology students. Substantial agreement between faculty and students was found. Peer evaluations were independent of their own communication skills. In addition, a significant correlation between oral and written…

Objective: To consider the limited usefulness of expert guidelines for teaching psychopharmacology. Method: Potential problems using expert guidelines for teaching psychopharmacology are reviewed. Results: Expert guidelines are an important contribution to the growth of evidence-based psychiatry. As such, they may also be used to teach…

The development and validation of a system teaching problem-solving in pharmacotherapeutics is described. The module was developed for both small group and self-instruction using clinical cases in hypertension. Results show the method to be an effective means of teaching therapeutic information focusing on patient situations. (MSE)

A survey of 603 licensed Missouri pharmacists investigated the need for an update/refresher course for pharmacists changing fields within the profession or returning to full-time practice. Pharmacology/new drugs was the most frequently mentioned topic for such a course, and correspondence study was the preferred format. (Author/MSE)

Objective: Facility in psychopharmacology is a major goal of psychiatric residency. This study assesses the adequacy of pharmacotherapy provided to depressed patients in a resident clinic. Methods: Charts of all 285 patients seen in an outpatient triage clinic during 2000 were reviewed. One hundred twelve patients had diagnoses of major…

A study compared student perceptions of the effectiveness of computer-assisted simulation and computer graphics with that of laboratory classes in teaching organ-bath techniques in pharmacology. Students found definite benefits in computer-assisted instruction to supplement laboratory practicals, with noticeable increase in understanding of…

Objective: This article reviews methods used to teach psychopharmacology to psychiatry residents that utilize principles of adult learning, enlist active participation of residents, and provide faculty with skills to seek, analyze, and use new information over the course of their careers. Methods: The pros and cons of five "nonlecture" methods of…

Describes a computerized system which presents objective test items to students, and upon question completion, provides immediate feedback with correct answers and explanations. Use of the system by pharmacology students and an analysis of end-of-year examination results are presented. (Author/MBR)