ADDS 201 Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs
This course is designed to give students a comprehensive review of illicit and some licit
psychoactive drugs that are available today. Students will learn and apply knowledge of basic principles of drug use, abuse and addiction. The history of drug laws and public policy in the United States of America; the fundamental rules of drug action: an overview of cell permeability and neuronal functioning; seven major drug categories will be covered. Students will apply their knowledge as the course progresses through interactive online activitiesand assignments with and an emphasis on socio-cultural and clinical applications
of the material.
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
ADDS 201Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
This course is designed to give students a comprehensive review of illicit and some licit
psychoactive drugs that are available today. Students will learn and apply knowledge of basic principles of drug use, abuse and addiction. The history of drug laws and public policy in the United States of America; the fundamental rules of drug action: an overview of cell permeability and neuronal functioning; seven major drug categories will be covered. Students will apply their knowledge as the course progresses through interactive online activitiesand assignments with and an emphasis on socio-cultural and clinical applications
of the material.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Understand the varied roles drugs play in contemporary society
- Understand the historical context of drug use, misuse, addiction, and public policy in the United States
- Possess a basic understanding of the cell and cellular processes
- Understand the roles and functions of at least five neurotransmitters
- Possess a fundamental understanding of human neuronal physiology
- Understand the mechanics of routes of administration, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the human body
- Possess a working knowledge of the human brain’s reward system and addiction theories
- Know and define addiction, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal
- Understand the mechanics and ethical considerations of urine drug screening
- Understand the history, effects, interactive properties, dangers, and clinical considerations of the following drug categories: stimulants, depressants (sedative-hypnotics), opiates, marijuana, hallucinogens, inhalants & club drugs, steriods, caffeine and nicotine.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Explore the role of drugs throughout history and today
Discuss the basic mechanism of neuronal communication, neurotransmitters and the "pleasure pathway" in the brain
Explore route of ingestion, metabolism and excretion of drugs in the body
Discuss the difference between drug use, abuse and a substance use disorder.
Explore how drugs are classified.
Explore each classification of drugs and the specific drugs included in these classifications.
Explore the differences between drugs and the impact on the brain and body—both short and long term
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
1. "Welcome Week"
2. Learning Units (9 units that include required reading, videos, discussion, worksheets,
Websites and quizzes)
3. Final Project
Required Exams
Discussions
Activities
Quizzes
Final Project
Required Text
. Buzzed by Kuhn, Swartzwelder, Wilson, WW Norton Publishing, 2014
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
1. "Welcome Week"
2. Learning Units (9 units that include required reading, videos, discussion, worksheets,
Websites and quizzes)
3. Final Project Discussions
Activities
Quizzes
Final Project