PY7023 - Neuroscience of Addiction and Pharmacotherapy (2020/21)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2020/21 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Neuroscience of Addiction and Pharmacotherapy | ||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2020/21(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module focuses on the neuroscientific explanations for addiction and the action of drugs in the nervous system. This module aims to:
• examine the action(s) of substances in the brain
• examine and evaluate the use of animal experiments in addiction theorey and studies
• examine neural mechanisms that are involved in the addiction process and treatement
• investigate the contribution of genetics to addiction
Syllabus
Basic pharmacology; Specific pharmacology (e.g. alcohol, cocaine, opiates etc); Genetic principles of addiction; animal models of addiction; neuroscience theories of addiction.
Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO 4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Mixed methods approach. Formal lectures combined with work shop activities and interactive group sessions.
Delivery and discussion of the module syllabi will be via interactive lectures and tutorials (12 X 3hrs). In addition to the weekly sessions students are expected to work in groups to learn from each other and learn how to independently use other resources available, e.g. library, the internet and Web Learn. The module will also have its own dedicated Web Learn site to enable staff and students to readily contact each other and offers an on-line support/learning.
Workshops and seminars:
Information and materials relating to the workshops will be circulated once the course has commenced. The seminars and workshops will familiarize students with various aspect of the course.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the biological mechanisms of drug action pertaining to addiction and substance misuse
2. Understand and critically evaluate the scientific use of animal experimentation in addiction theorey and research
3. Critically evaluate current research and scholarship in the neuroscience and pharmacotherapy within the field of Addiction and Mental Health
4. Provide an advanced, systematic and critical understanding of the biological factors involved in the conceptual accounts of addiction.
Assessment strategy
The coursework with same format as exam assesses the student depth and breadth of the area.
Bibliography
Core Text:
Chandler, C. (2015). Psychobiology. Chichester, UK.: John Wiley & Sons.
Chandler, C., & Andrews, A. (2019). Addiction: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. London, UK: Sage Publications Ltd.
Other Texts:
Iversen, L. L. (2006). Speed, Ecstasy, Ritalin: The Science of Amphetamines Oxford University Press.
Koob, G., & Le Moal, M. (2005). Neurobiology of Addiction Academic Press Inc.,U.S.
Kranzler, H. R., & Ciraulo, D. A. (Eds.). (2005). Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.
Ruiz, P. & Strain (Eds.). (2011). Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Textbook (5th Edition). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Nutt, D. J., Robbins, T., Stimson, G., V. , & Ince, M. (Eds.). (2006). Drugs and the Future: Brain Science, Addiction and Society Academic Press Inc.
Rastegar, D. A., & Fingerhood, M. I. (2005). Addiction Medicine: An Evidence-Based Handbook: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Swann, A. C., Moeller, R. F., & Lijffijt, M. (Eds.). (2016). Neurobiology of Addictions. Oxford, UK: OUP.
Journals:
Addiction
Addiction Biology
Journal of Psychiatry
Psychopharmacology