PSYC 450 introduces the field of behavioural pharmacology, with an emphasis on the characteristics of psychoactive drugs, their mechanisms of action in the nervous system, and their effects on the brain and on behaviour. This course will help you to understand the current research into the pharmacology of drugs, from recreational uses to clinical applications, including insights into their abuse potential.
Note that this course is an intensive neuroscience-based course, and it is recommended that students have a basic understanding of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurotransmission. PSYC 402 - Biological Psychology, or equivalent, is strongly suggested before taking PSYC 450.
Outline
Unit 1: Principles of Pharmacology
Unit 2: Structure and Function of the Nervous System
Unit 3: Chemical Signaling by Neurotransmitters and Hormones
Unit 4: Methods of Research in Psychopharmacology
Unit 5: Catecholamines
Unit 6: Serotonin
Unit 7: Acetylcholine
Unit 8: Glutamate and GABA
Unit 9: Drug Abuse and Addiction
Unit 10: Alcohol
Unit 11: The Opioids
Unit 12: Psychomotor Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamine, and Related Drugs
Unit 13: Nicotine and Caffeine
Unit 14: Marijuana and the Cannabinoids
Unit 15: Hallucinogens, PCP, and Ketamine
Unit 16: Inhalants, GHB, and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Unit 17: Disorders of Anxiety and Impulsivity and the Drugs Used to Treat These Disorders
Unit 18: Affective Disorders: Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers
Unit 19: Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic Drugs
Unit 20: Neurodegenerative Diseases
Evaluation
To receive credit for the course, you must complete all of these evaluation assignments. You must receive a grade of 50 percent or better on the final exam and a composite course grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of assignments is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Five Quizzes (3% each)
15%
Midterm Quiz
15%
Term Paper
30%
Final Exam
40%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Meyer, J. S., Farrar, A. M, Bieszonski, D., Yates, J. R. (2023). Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the brain, and behavior (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. (eText)
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.