Download poplhlth 738 - Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

POPLHLTH 738
Biology of Addiction
15 Points
Semester 2, next offered in 2018 (offered alternate years)
Course Prescription
Explores the genetic and neurobiological factors that predispose individuals to develop addiction. The
neuropharmacology of the main drugs of abuse and factors that are responsible for the variability in drug response (i.e.
pharmacokinetics) will be presented. Current neurobiological models of addiction will be considered.
Goals of the Course
At the conclusion of the course students:

Will be able to classify drugs based on their pharmacological properties

Will be able to apply their learning to case based situations in their daily work

Will be able to apply the principles they discover to new and non-covered drugs of abuse
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the students will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of neurobiology, as it relates to addiction, by describing how specific drugs
influence the neurobiological systems thought to mediate drug reward, tolerance and withdrawal

Demonstrate an understanding of the neuropharmacology of the main drugs of abuse by describing the
pharmacology, effects and complications of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, opioids, stimulants and tobacco use

Demonstrate an understanding of genetics by describing the influence of genetics in predisposing individuals
to addiction

Critically appraise current neurobiological models of addiction

Apply an understanding of neurobiology and pharmacological principles when reviewing and writing up a literature
review
Content Outline
Basic neurophysiology, especially in relation to neurotransmission; the fundamentals of clinical pharmacology including
principles of drug action and pharmacokinetics; overview of the neuropharmacology of drugs of abuse and dependence
(opioids, stimulants including nicotine, alcohol, sedatives, cannabis and hallucinogens); reward pathways and
neurobiological models of addiction; genetic determinants of addiction.
Learning and Teaching
This 15 point course is delivered via four block teaching days, located at the Tamaki Campus. Classes
are small and opportunities exist for students to interact to enhance learning. All supporting material will be available on
the web, including lectures and most reading material. Teaching assumes a large component of self-directed learning – for
each topic a series of revision questions will be made available.
Teaching Staff
Course Director: Dr David Newcombe Phone: (09) 373 7599 ext 86557 Fax: (09) 303 5932
Email: [email protected] School of Population Health Building 730 Room 342
Additional information contact
FMHS Student Centre
Phone: (09) 923 2760
Email: [email protected]
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POPLHLTH 738 Biology of Addiction
Campus Teaching Dates
This course is held at Tāmaki Campus. The lecture dates will be available on the web site.
Please see your timetable on SSO or Building 730 Reception noticeboard on the day for the room details.
Learning Resources
The course text is the following freely available text: WHO. Neuroscience of psychoactive substance use and dependence.
World Health Organisation, Geneva 2004. ISBN 92 4 156235 8 available at
www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/en/Neuroscience.pdf
Other readings and resources will be made available online via the Universities Learning Management system.
Assessment
The course is assessed in three ways:
Written assignment 1) Answers to questions on key terms presented during the course – worth 20%.
Written assignment 2) A literature review from a prescribed choice of subjects - worth 40%.
Written examination - Final 2 hour exam (short answer and essay format questions) - worth 40%.
The software ‘Turn-it-in” will be used to screen all work for plagiarism.
Programme and Course Advice
This course is relevant to those in Health Sciences, Medical Science or Pharmacy programmes. There are no restrictions
on entry. It might suit those already working in either the mental health or alcohol and drug fields, or alternatively those
BHSc or graduates of social sciences thinking about a career working with this group.
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