Fall 2017 - PSYC 383 D100
Psychopharmacology (3)
Class Number: 4388
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 7, 2017
Thu, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Evan Caldbick
ecaldbic@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201 and 280.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A survey of how psychoactive drugs affect brain function to alter consciousness and behavior. Topics will include cellular effects of drugs that affect the central nervous system and discussions of the psychological and social effects of those drug-induced changes in the brain. Research on drug abuse and addictions and means of treating them will be covered. Historical, social and legal aspects of non-medical drug use will be discussed, as will the use of medications for the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementias and other psychological disorders.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course is broadly divided into two sections. The first section covers the basic neurochemistry that governs all ordinary
psychological experience and behaviour. We will explore how the classical neurotransmitters are organized in the nervous system, and how they each contribute to the full range of psychological phenomena. The second section covers the processes by which
endogenous neurotransmission is exploited by exogenous psychotropic chemicals (drugs) to tune the mind beyond its ordinary range of experience.
Grading
- Mid-Term Exam: 30%
- Participation: 20%
- Term Paper/Project: 20%
- Final Exam: 30%
NOTES:
Neuroanatomy and physiology, the classical neurotransmitter systems and neural circuitry, and the effects of psychotropic drugs in their sociocultural context of use.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Psychopharmacology: Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior, Second Edition (2013) by Jerrold S. Meyer and Linda F. Quenzer, published by Sinauer Associates
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS