Issues in Drug Abuse: Advanced Topics in Addiction (Psychology 486) Course Objectives, Organization, & Requirements Michael A. Bozarth, Ph.D. Department of Psychology Park B-77 North Campus

Learning Objectives Continuation of PSY 451 addressing advanced topics in addiction

Course Content A Brief Synopsis of Addiction to Prototypic Addictive Drugs –Concept of addiction –Psychological processes –Biological mechanisms –Psychobiological model

Course Content (cont.) Advanced topics in addiction, including –factors that modulate addiction –addiction to a variety of illicit drugs –possible addiction to commonly used substances –possible nonchemical addictions –diagnosis & treatment of addiction –harm-reduction strategies –drug regulation and the politics of addiction

Background & Prerequisites Introductory Psychology –conditioning & learning theory –biological mechanisms of behavior Research Methods & Statistics –experimental design –principles of scientific inference Biopsychology or Behavioral Neuroscience Drug Addiction (PSY 451)

Seminar Format Assigned readings Discussions Class attendance mandatory Internet access essential

Course Material Textbook installments available at Jacobs Copy Center throughout the semester –availability announced in class –read before corresponding lecture Online material Reserve list at UGL

Course Grade Attendance (70%) Annotated bibliography (30%) Examinations: written & oral recitation (pass/fail)

Attendance (participation) –two excused absences during mandatory attendance period 03 February through 16 April 5% deduction per class period retroactive –no excuses, no make-up, no credit

Annotated Bibliography –Read 1 to 2 professional papers each week corresponding to chapter topics –Make notes regarding article (annotations) –Compile material for submission by deadline 15 to 20 papers (median 1.5 per week) 10 to 20 single-spaced pages –Content may be distributed across course topics, or it may be thematic focused on a single topic

Examinations –Written: Assesses basic knowledge in background material necessary for satisfactory participation in this advanced course synopsis of PSY 451 scores 80% and higher pass –Oral Recitation: Assesses material specific to this course group discussions throughout the semester individual recitations near the end of term

Class Structure First two weeks (add/drop period) –Q & A review in preparation for written exam –optional meeting period for PSY 451 students Beginning third week –Tuesdays mostly lecture –Thursdays mostly discussions Chapter assignments should be read before Tuesday lectures

The course syllabus is available online at: