Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Copyright 2005 Dr. Michael A. Bozarth, Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo
Learning Objectives
Attitude & Subjective Appraisal Concepts & Terminology Analytical Methods Factual Knowledge
Course Content
Overview of fundamental concepts Detailed examination of two prototypical drug classes
psychomotor stimulants (e.g., cocaine) opiates (e.g., heroin)
Instructional Format
Assigned readings (primary learning tool) Lecture (mostly Q & A with mini lectures) Discussions (limited to main themes) Some videos (introductory case studies) Possible laboratory demonstrations Class attendance essential Internet access mandatory
Readings
Textbook installments available at Jacobs Copy Center throughout the semester
availability announced in class chapter study guides are available online readings must be completed before class meeting
Online material (see course home page) Reserve list at UGL Student is responsible for mastering the material and asking questions for clarification
Course Grade
Based on three exams administered during regularly scheduled class periods
grades are not curved but based on absolute grading criteria (A- = 90%, B- = 80%, etc.) major emphasis on readings and lecture material but material discussed in class may also be included as well as material from the Discussion List make-up exams allowed only under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the instructor and with written documentation
Course Difficulty
This is an upper level (elective) psychology course that places responsibility for learning largely on the student The course becomes progressively more difficult for most students
later concepts build on earlier concepts more material to learn, more difficult reading (e.g., details & level of analysis) more biological orientation
80%
70%
60%
Exam #1 Exam #2 Exam #3
http://wings.buffalo.edu/aru/PSY451syl.htm
Whats in a Name?
Compare the course title/subject matter (i.e., Drug Addiction) vs. the National Institute on Drug Abuse Therein lies the difference -- this course is about drug addiction not drug abuse
Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug?
Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug? the individual?
Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug? the individual? the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?)
Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug? the individual? the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?)
Key Concept
Some important characteristic of a drugs action is critically involved in producing an addition Attempts to identify personality characteristics, social environment, etc. have been far less successful than identifying common characteristics of drug action
The Yin
Addictive drugs take a horrific toll on humanity
personal social economic
The Yang
But addictive drugs also provide probes for understanding brain function
addictive drugs provide a tool for probing the mind and its underlying neurochemical and neuroanatomical basis