Psychology (PSYC) 450
Drugs and Behaviour (Revision 1)
Revision 1 is closed for registrations, replaced by current version
Delivery Mode: Individualized study or grouped study
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Social Science
Prerequisite: Courses in introductory psychology and biological psychology are strongly recommended.
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
PSYC 450 is not available for Challenge.
Overview
PSYC 450 introduces the field of behavioral pharmacology, with an emphasis on the characteristics of psychoactive drugs, their mechanisms of action in the nervous system, and their effects on the brain and on behaviour. This course will help you understand the current research into the pharmacology of drugs, from recreational uses to clinical applications, including insights into their abuse potential.
Outline
Unit 1: Principles of Pharmacology
Unit 2: Structure and Function of the Nervous System
Unit 3: Chemical Signaling by Neurotransmitters and Hormones
Unit 4: Methods of Research in Neurobehavioral Pharmacology
Unit 5: Catecholamines
Unit 6: Acetylcholine and Serotonin
Unit 7: Glutamate and GABA
Unit 8: Drug Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction
Unit 9: Alcohol
Unit 10: The Opiates
Unit 11: Psychomotor Stimulants: Cocaine and the Amphetamines
Unit 12: Nicotine and Caffeine
Unit 13: Marijuana and the Cannabinoids
Unit 14: Hallucinogens, PCP, and Ketamine
Unit 15: Inhalants, GHB, and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Unit 16: Affective Disorders
Unit 17: Anxiety Disorders
Unit 18: Schizophrenia
Evaluation
To receive credit for the course, you must complete all of these evaluation assignments. You must receive a grade of 50 percent or better on the final exam and a composite course grade of at least “D” (50 percent). The weighting of assignments is as follows:
| Five Quizzes (5% each) | Term Paper | Final Exam | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25% | 35% | 40% | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbook
Meyer, J. S., and Quenzer, L. F. (2005). Psychopharmacology: Drugs, Brain, and Behavior. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc.
Other Materials
The course materials include a student manual, study guide, and a quizbook.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 1, November 21, 2007.