Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - HSCI 180 D100

Drugs and Society (3)

Class Number: 6718

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2017
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Substance use within societies. Licit and illicit drug pharmacology, drug effects, risk factors, opportunities for intervention, drug policies and their implementation, and populations with unique vulnerabilities or needs. Major theories of substance use and addiction. Strengths and limitations of alternative approaches to managing substance use as a component of public health in Canada and globally.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to the topics of substance use and addictions, and their relationship with public health. There are no specific prerequisites. Major topics include licit and illicit drug pharmacology, drug effects, risk and protective factors, and populations with unique vulnerabilities or needs. A critical review of prescription drugs is included, and students will be invited to directly experience mindfulness practice and its role in substance use prevention and treatment. Major theories of substance use and addiction will also be examined. Students will be challenged to understand the strengths and limitations of alternative approaches to promoting health related to substance use.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Following completion of this course, students will be able to: 1.     Classify drugs based on their properties and their effects. 2.     Identify the relevance of addiction, alcohol and drug use for public and population health. 3.     Differentiate between major systems of thought regarding substance use, abuse, and addiction. 4.     Identify effective forms of intervention for substance use problems at the population level. Identify determinants of addiction, substance use and misuse among individuals, groups, and populations.

Grading

NOTES:

Regular class attendance and participation is expected. Students are responsible for completing all assigned readings prior to class. Quizzes will be administered in class. Students may be called on for ideas. Grades are based on quizzes (6-8) and two tests.

1. Test #1 30%
2. Test #2 30%
3. Quizzes (6-8) 40%

The FHS Grading Guidelines state that lower division (i.e., 100-200 level) courses usually have no more than 5% A+s, and upper division (i.e., 300-400 level) courses usually have no more than 8% A+s. The median letter grade is typically in the B range. Based on previous experience, the distribution of grades for this course will likely conform to the FHS Guidelines.

REQUIREMENTS:

The course format uses lecture with occasional exercises. Slides associated with the primary textbook will be posted on Canvas. Lectures will not be recorded. Students are directed to use the discussion section of Canvas to raise questions and discuss points raised in class. Many students will frequently have the same question, and posting to Canvas can facilitate the quick and efficient resolution of queries. Meetings with the TM can be arranged as needed. Please use the TM as your first point of contact for questions about assignments, course material, and grading. The TM carries out the majority of course marking, and is in the best position to provide feedback. When using email please ensure that the exact phrase “HSCI 180” is used in the subject line.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Hart, Ksir, Hebb, Gilbert, and Black (2015). Drugs, Behaviour, and Society (Canadian Edition) McGraw Hill.
iClicker remote (can be purchased from the SFU Bookstore)

REQUIRED READING:

Hart, Ksir, Hebb, Gilbert, and Black (2015). Drugs, Behaviour, and Society (Canadian Edition) McGraw Hill.

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