HLTH 471Neuropharmacology
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Health
- Subject
- Public Health Sciences
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 1 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
The primary objective of the course will be to provide a basic understanding of how drugs can alter the function of neural cells and how these changes can affect mood, cognition, and behaviour. Key topics to be discussed include biological principles of pharmacology; general structure and function of the nervous system; major neurotransmitter systems of the brain; mechanisms of drug action on neurotransmission; and pharmacotherapy for mental health illness.
Prerequisites
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM 001 | 3041 | 0 / 23 | MWF 11:30–12:20 |
| SEM 701 | 1157 | 29 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
83% liked it44% easy88% useful
From 6 ratings and 4 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
I loved HLTH 471. It was a fantastic course. The material was thorough and engaging and perfect for anyone interested in neurotransmitter systems and pharmacology. Dr. Mielke is an excellent professor who is truly passionate about the material.
A word of caution—in the winter semester, HLTH 471’s structure changed from being assignment-focused to consisting of only three exams, all of which are extremely difficult. All exams contain a majority of short answer questions and very few multiple-choice questions. Class average was 60% on both the first and second midterm, and the second midterm was the most difficult.
This course is extremely cool and I loved every minute of it, but I do not…May 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Took this class and ended up dropping it right after the second midterm because it was incredibly difficult, I failed the 2 midterms. Lectures and readings did not prepare me for the abstract thought needed for exam questions.
I took PSYCH261 as the prereq and feel it did not prepare me for this class at all. Beware if you have not taken BIOL273!!!!
3 exams, no other chances to make up your grade.Mar 2026 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
This course is super interesting. Lots of the info in this course helped me consolidate a lot of learning from previous Science and Health courses. There were no tests or final exam in this course - just weekly and a final assignment. Little details mentioned in the lectures can be super helpful for completing these assignments so I would say it is pretty important to attend every class. Lots of information but A is definitely attainable if you listen, take detailed notes, and prep deadlines. I would 100% recommend if this topic interests you.
Jan 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
The course covers exactly what is stated in the description, in a great, engaging way. There was no midterm or final when I took the course - all of the evaluation was done in the context of weekly assignments.
May 2017 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
7 posts and comments in 4 threads mention HLTH 471, December 2020 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2024
Is doing CS 136/136L,234,330 at the same time manageable ? 4 points, 6 comments
u/proofbygoose: “Depends on courses. If nothing else is heavy i’d say yes”
u/Crybloodplebian: “HLTH 471 HLTH 401”
u/LmaoImAPotato: “Can you tell me how was HLTH 471? I'm just curious to know. And can you tell me what is the difference between the seminar courses and the lecture ones in HLTH?”
Fall 2021
Department Consent Form 2 points, 4 comments
u/AHS_Scrub: “Hey team, I enrolled into HLTH 471 just now and it mentions that I require a department consent form. I cannot find a department consent form or anything related to this, academic advisors are slow to respond this time of semester... so anyone know what I need to do now?”
u/succmapuce: “… Health Student Community Group on LEARN for any mention of forms, and there's nothing for HLTH 471 either, but last year (Winter 2021) they required a form and said that the due date was January 8th for it...so you probably have time to wait for one of the advisors to respond! …”
Spring 2021
Courses on psychiatric drugs 1 point, 4 comments
“I'm interested in learning about the different psychiatric drugs and how they affect patients. Is there a course for that?”
u/little_sae: “Hlth 471 - Psychopharmacology”
Fall 2020
Does anyone know the terms HLTH 449 and HLTH 471 are typically offered in? 2 points, 4 comments
u/girlieirlie725: “Thanks in advance!”
u/Ob1canolli1: “HLTH 471 is offered this winter term but it’s full, I’m pretty sure it’s only offered winter term HLTH 449 has to be a new course, never seen it before”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them