PSY 3520 - Psychopharmacology

Goals: Successful completion of this course will result in a base knowledge of psychopharmacological approaches, perspectives, and methods. Students will be able to use this knowledge to critically examine drug interaction understanding and drug effects from a skeptical, scientific stance.

Content: This course will provide comprehensive coverage of the principles of psychopharmacology, neurophysiology, synaptic transmission, and the neurotransmitters most commonly associated with psychoactive drug effects. This course will focus on the characteristics of major psychoactive drugs, their psychological and behavioral effects, and the mechanisms by which such effects occur. These drugs will include alcohol, opiates, cocaine and amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine, marijuana and cannabinoids, and several hallucinogens. Special emphasis will be placed on each drug’s misuse potential with particular focus on the neural mechanisms of addiction and withdrawal. Origin and reduction strategies of the opioid epidemic will also be featured. In addition, this course will cover the drugs used to treat psychological disorders of mood, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

Taught: Annually

Prerequisite: PSY 1420, grade of C- or higher

Credits: 4