Neurobiology of Addiction

Catalog description

Class Hours: 3 Lab/Discussion: 0 Credits: 3 Prerequisite: BIOL 104 or BIOL 203 or BIOL 240 Description: Examines the biological foundations of addiction, with special emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms. Studies: (1) the effects of a wide range of drugs of abuse on brain function, (2) the neural circuitry of addiction, (3) the neurobiological influence of genes and environment on drug taking, and (4) the biological basis for traits linked to drug use, such as personality, memory, and mood. Discusses how cutting-edge biological methods are answering key questions about addiction and how the results of such research can be used to improve clinical treatment.