Transcript title

Psychopharmacology

Credits

4

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

40

Lecture hours

40

Course Description

Introduction to the ways drugs are used, controlled and valued culturally; how the human body functions normally, including knowledge of cells, nerve cells, brain chemistry, neurotransmitters, and basic bodily systems (i.e., respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and digestive; how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted and how drugs affect these systems). Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms as well as medical complications.

Course learning outcomes

1. Explain basic pharmacology including routes of administration, drug metabolism, drug excretion, dosage and potency, absorption and distribution, drug actions, reactions and interactions, genetic influences and interactions.
2. List the impact of the major drug categories on the body and behavior.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with philosophies, policies and outcomes of the generally accepted and scientifically supported treatment modalities for substance use disorders.
4. Explain the impact and history of social, political, economic, cultural and legal systems on drug taking behavior.

Content outline

1. Substance use and abuse
2. History of use and abuse
3. Drugs and the nervous system
4. New drug development
5. Psychopharmacology
6. Stimulants
7. Hallucinogens
8. Psychotheraputic medications

Required materials

Textbooks.

General education/Related instruction lists

• Science not Lab