Psychology (PSYC) 450

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.

Note that this course is an intensive neuroscience-based course, and it is recommended that students have a basic understanding of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurotransmission. PSYC 402 - Biological Psychology, or equivalent, is strongly suggested before taking PSYC 450.

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: Serotonin
• Unit 7: Acetylcholine
• Unit 8: Glutamate and GABA
• Unit 9: Drug Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction
• Unit 10: Alcohol
• Unit 11: The Opioids
• Unit 12: Psychomotor Stimulants: Cocaine and the Amphetamines
• Unit 13: Nicotine and Caffeine
• Unit 14: Marijuana and the Cannabinoids
• Unit 15: Hallucinogens, PCP, and Ketamine
• Unit 16: Inhalants, GHB, and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
• Unit 17: Environmental Neurotoxicants and Endocrine Disruptors
• Unit 18: Anxiety Disorders: Sedative-Hypnotic and Anxiolytic Drugs
• Unit 19: Affective Disorders: Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers
• Unit 20: Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic Drugs
• Unit 21: Neurodegenerative Diseases

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:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.