Psychoactive Drugs and Society

Will examine psychoactive drugs from two perspectives: (1) biological mechanisms of drug action and (2) the impact of psychoactive drug use on society and society attitudes towards psychoactive drug usage. Drugs to be discussed will include alcohol, opiates, cocaine, marijuana, LSD, nicotine and caffeine, as well as drugs used therapeutically to treat psychiatric disorders. This course will benefit students who are interested in exploring both the biological and social aspects of psychoactive drug use. Prerequisite: NEUR 0010 or equivalent.