Biological and Psychosocial Factors of Addiction

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PSYC 3004
Course ID icon
Course ID
201316
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to explore the effects of individual substances and learn how the body adapts to continued drug use. In this course, we will explore the biological basis of addictions, but also review environmental and psychological factors that are important contributors to the development of addiction. We will explore these links and look at other new developments in the research on the biological basis of addiction.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe the effects of a range of drugs of abuse including the processes of adaptation in the body and brain that arise with continued drug use
  • Explain the processes that drive behavioural addictions
  • Analyse the factors that impact on the chance someone will develop an addiction
  • Describe the psychological processes that affect continued drug use or problem gambling behaviour
  • Describe recent developments in our understanding of the biological basis of addiction and comorbidities

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A