For thousands of years, humans have used substances to alter their mental states for medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes. Many of these substances have been used to ameliorate the symptoms of severe mental illnesses. However, the illegal and/or inappropriate use of many substances has had profound costs to individuals and to society at large. This course provides an in-depth examination of how legal and illicit drugs influence our neurochemistry to produce changes in behavior, feelings, and cognition. Other course topics include basic pharmacological principles, the drug development process, and controversies in the field of psychiatric treatment. During the course, students will connect the technical aspects of drug mechanisms to larger clinical and societal issues and gain skills communicating complex psychobiological concepts in a clear fashion.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Open to juniors and seniors who have taken PSYC 219 or NEUR 200, and one additional 200-level PSYC course excluding PSYC 205, PSYC 250, and PSYC 299. Not open to students who have taken NEUR 332.

Instructor: Deveney

Distribution Requirements: EC - Epistemology and Cognition; SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

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