Introduction
and Objectives
Course Description: This course is designed to expose
students to current research on drugs of abuse: their mechanisms
of action, the characteristics shared by various agents, the cellular
and neural systems which mediate their effects, and their effects
on animal and human behavior. Classes of compounds that will addressed
include: stimulants, opiates, cannabinoids, depressants, psychotomimetics,
hallucinogens, and nicotine.
Readings:
Readings will be major review articles that can be downloaded
from the web or chapters in recommended resource books that will
be held on reserve in Diehl Library.
Two papers will be assigned for each discussion period. Students
will be graded upon the questions that they ask and their ability
to present aspects of the papers assigned for discussion. Students
will be expected to come to class prepared to present BOTH papers.
The faculty member leading the discussion will randomly select students
to present aspects of the papers during the discussion period.
Midterm:
A written, in class essay exam will be given in week 6 covering
underlying concepts of neurobiology and pharmacology that provide
the foundation for understanding the individual classes of abused
substances.
Term Paper:
Using the literature, defend an hypothesis concerning the neurobiology
of an abused substance. Length of 10-15 typed pages (double spaced;
not including the bibliography), with appropriate referencing and
bibliography. Topic and scope must be approved by a course director
and the lecturer who presented relevant material. Approval must
occur by Feb. 25th. Papers are due by April 23rd.
Evaluation:
Class participation in discussion of papers 30%
Midterm 30%
Term Paper 40%
Written Paper: 30% of total
Class Presentation: 10% of total
Texts (Recommended Resources):
Cooper, JR, Bloom FE and Roth RH, Biochemical Basis of Neuropharmacology,
7th edition, Oxford University Press (1996), ISBN#019510398X (about
$32).
Robert S. Feldman, Principles of Neuropsycholopharmacology
(required text for fall course)
These books may be in the bookstore. Other resources via the web
are varsitybooks.com, textbooks.com, bn.com., amazon.com (be sure
to check for availability of used books).
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Credits:
2 credits (A/F only) 
Prerequisites:
Introductory neuroscience course (Nsci 3101 or
above), Pharmacology 5111, Physiological Psychology or equivalent
Time:
1:30pm-3:30pm, Tuesdays 
Place:
4-101
BSBE