Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - PSYC 383 D100

Psychopharmacology (3)

Class Number: 9896

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Th 11:30 AM – 2:20 PM
    AQ 3005, Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2019
    3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
    AQ 3182, Burnaby

  • 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:

In this course we will explore the neurochemical components of brain function that underlie human perception, affect, cognition, and behaviour.

Grading

  • There will be four graded components:
  • Midterm exam: 25%
  • Assignment Outline: 10%
  • Written Assignment: 40%
  • Final exam: 25%

NOTES:

The midterm will cover material from weeks 1-6, the exam weeks 7-13. Anything discussed during the lectures or assigned as reading may be tested on the midterm and exam.

Midterm & Exam Format :
● Long answer questions for each chapter covered (25 marks each)
○ Midterm: 2 questions (from a provided list of 3)
○ Exam: 2 questions (from a provided list of 3)

Written Assignment :
● Assignment Outline :
○ Write a two page bullet point outline of the written assignment described
below. In the outline (and written assignment) you will choose one of the
topics listed below and provide an overall narrative/argumentative structure
both for AND against the topic proposition (one page each). Provide a
separate brief (not necessarily thorough) list of references that you intend to
use to support either claim.
● Written Assignment (APA format):
○ Write a 7-8 page paper on the topic of your outline. The position you take in
the paper (for or against the proposition) will be decided by a coin flip (so
make the best arguments possible for each topic in your outline).
● Topics (propositions) :
○ To be announced

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Rosenthal, M. S. (2019). Drugs: Mind, Body, and Society . Oxford University
Press.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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