Course overview
This course will focus on the biological mechanisms involved in drug effects and addiction. Students will learn how drugs affect the body and behaviour. This will include general principles of drug action, pharmacokinetics and variability in drug response, pharmacology of the major drug classes (opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, stimulants, 'party drugs', nicotine, hallucinogens and cannabis) and consequences of their use. Students will learn about the brain reward system and neurological mechanisms responsible for drug tolerance and dependence. Predisposition to drug dependence is studied by looking at genetics, personality and social circumstances. Students will gain an advanced level of understanding of the nature of addiction. Development of academic writing skills and critical appraisal are goals to increase lifelong learning skills.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the neurobiological mechanisms of drug action and addiction
- Understand pharmacological aspects of drug effects
- Understand ways in which drugs are able to activate brain reward pathways
- Collect and synthesise information in relation to problems related to drug use
- Critically evaluate and interpret existing literature
- Understand the central place of evidence based information and that of other information sources
- Write an essay using discipline specific jargon and style
- Collaborate effectively online
- Manage the allocated time effectively in performing tasks
- Display awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues and their importance in the exercise of your professional and student responsibilities