• N&PD Moderators: Skorpio

Where did you learn?

I was just thinking about this question as well. I have taught myself quite a bit so far. I have mostly been into studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of substances but I would like to start learning more about the chemistry aspects and how to read molecules and stuff like that. Can anyone recommend a good learning website where I may be able to teach myself some of the basics of molecules? I mean I can do some searching myself, but figured I'd ask if anyone had any particular recommendations.

Gigapedia. Download a book!
 
If my goals were the ability to carry out molecular synthesis; the ability to recognize what substances were likely to do what to what receptors and metabolize into what other substances; the ability to identify those metabolites as neurotoxic, neutral, or neuroprotective; and finally an intricate understanding of intracellular metabolic processes and the mechanisms of signal transduction, which textbooks would best help me to achieve those goals? It would be ideal that I read the latest and greatest, since these fields are in a constant state of flux (books published from 06-present are preferred.)

I would appreciate any recommendations.
 
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Oceanking - as someone who uses that site, I'd really appreciate it if you don't mention it so publicly. Perhaps offer to link it via PM?

Shibereru: I am noticing what framework you are working on (focusing on transmitters and their manipulation) - I propose you read this thread: http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?t=370953 (starting from post 15) and think about the new perspectives on Neuropharmacology being discussed.
 

Shibereru: I am noticing what framework you are working on (focusing on transmitters and their manipulation) - I propose you read this thread: http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?t=370953 (starting from post 15) and think about the new perspectives on Neuropharmacology being discussed.

I had long since abandoned the idea that monoamine dysregulation or deficiency was the most proximal cause of depression. This is the very reason I've been playing around with pregnenolone, curcumin, DHEA, melatonin and other such things. Nevertheless, the right kinds and combinations of serotonergics, dopaminergics, noradrenergics, adrenergics, and opioidergics can ameliorate depression even if they don't redress its fundamental aetiology.

Anyways, I appreciate you directing me to that thread. Some very interesting things there.
 
I have a Humanities BA and that's it. No science education past Chem 101.

I'm pretty much self taught from the internet and organic chemistry textbooks I've scrounged up.

I'm really impressed by all the pharmacology and chemistry graduates here- you are the future of humanity! Use your knowledge to improve out brains. :)
 
I have a Bachelor of Behavioural Neuroscience (Hons).

I'm currently working on a PhD (psychology) in behavioural neuropharmacology. I'm interested in the neurohormones oxytocin and vasopressin :D
 
Bachelor in chemical engineering.

Drug related knowledge comes mainly from the internet/personal Guinea pigging.
 
I (in a couple of months) have a PhD in neuroscience/pharmacology (I did neuroscience research in a pharmacology department). I'm a post-doctoral fellow now.
 
^Which brings up the somehow related question:

Who of the members here around got a promotion? Not intending to dick-size in any way, just curious...

- Murphy
 
I'm pretty new here, but I am currently pursuing a BS in Neuroscience. That, plus all the great resources of the internet :)
 
I was a computer administrator that came down with Tranverse myelitus and resulting spinal cord damage in 1997. Spent the last 13 years researching my meds because the doctors are clueless on how to best treat my symtoms.
 
internet. it would be nice if there was a way to know if people actually know what they are talking about or if they have only a basic internet education, not that a person cant learn on their own, its just i would trust somebody who went to college for it over somebody like me.
 
Mostly self-taught, which is why I'm usually careful to cite.

________________________________________________.@;;

I've just handed in my PhD thesis man and I have no clue what the fuck I'm gonna do now.

I think I was one of those who just stayed in education because I didnt (and still dont) know what I wanted to do, and I seemed to be preety good at it (education).

Anyone got any ideas/suggestions?

Cheers,

SS
Way late here, but... set up a clandestine lab in Columbia, get a pet monkey, and write books about the weird chemicals you synthesize. You could be Bizzaro Shulgin!

Bonus points if you set your facebook profile to a picture of yourself cackling in a thunderstorm, with a monkey holding a vial of some suspicious glowing liquid.
 
Mostly self-taught, which is why I'm usually careful to cite.

________________________________________________.@;;


Way late here, but... set up a clandestine lab in Columbia, get a pet monkey, and write books about the weird chemicals you synthesize. You could be Bizzaro Shulgin!

Bonus points if you set your facebook profile to a picture of yourself cackling in a thunderstorm, with a monkey holding a vial of some suspicious glowing liquid.

I'm another one teaching myself, but more interested in analytical chemistry than drug synthesis or pharmacology. I should really post less and drag myself into university again so I can be wrong in a more appropriate context.

Speaking of monkeys, the fact I still use a book that refers to the benzene ring as "six monkeys hanging onto each other with one or two hands, holding bananas in their free hands" should be a good indication of how much to trust what I post.
 
BSc in neuroscience (minor in organic chem)
Currently PhD student in neuropharmacology

And for anyone without any formal training looking for some decent, readable (written in modern english, not simply medical jargon) textbooks to introduce them to the world of organic chemistry, neuroscience and pharmacology, I recommend:

Clayden, Greeves, Warren & Wothers (2000) Organic Chemistry.

Bear, Connors & Paradiso (2000) Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain.

Cooper, Bloom & Roth (2003) The Biochemical Basis of Neuropharmacology.

Since they have been out for a while, you should be able to pick them up at a used book store or on Amazon under 'used.'

Thanks for the recommendations. I've begun 'Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain', and its a pretty easy read in terms of text books. I have the Neuropharmacology book ready and waiting, :D
 
BSc specialization Pharmacology after this year, I plan on applying to med school and grad studies in epigenomics this year.
 
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