- Psychopharmacology

Catalog description

This course begins with an overview of the ways in which psychoactive drugs work, including discussions of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, neuronal function, neurotransmitters, dose response functions, tolerance and sensitization and toxicity. Agonistic and antagonistic drug effects are then studied, including the specific ways in which neurotransmitters may be affected by such actions. In the second half of the course, specific drugs used in the treatment of psychological disorders are studied, including drugs to treat anxiety disorders, clinical depression and schizophrenia. Finally, "recreational" drug use is examined, including discussions of alcohol and marijuana. Issues of drugs, culture, and behavior are emphasized throughout the semester. This course fulfills the Oral Communication (R) GE requirement.