Pharmacology of Illicit Drugs (BIO 113)
Instructor: Donald F. Slish www.plattsburgh.edu/faculty/donald.slish
Phone: 546-5160
Office Hours: M, W @ 2:00, Thu @ 2:00 (or other times by appointment)
Email Address: donald.slish@plattsburgh.edu
Textbook:
Psychopharmacology, Jerrold S. Meyer and Linda F. Quenzer, Sinauer Associates, 2005
Syllabus:
Introduction
Pharmacokinetics: How does the body handle drugs?
Pharmacodynamics I: How do drugs act? Neuron structure & Function
Exam I (Sept. 17th)
Pharmacodynamics II: Drug / Receptor interaction
Pharmacodynamics III: Neurobiology – the structure of the brain
The Pleasure Circuit
Exam II (Oct. 17th)
Ethyl Alcohol
Opiates
CNS Stimulants (Cocaine, amphetamines)
Exam III (Nov. 12th)
Marijuana
Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, anti-cholinergics, PCP, ketamine, dextromethorphan)
Stimulant Hallucinogens - (Ecstasy, mescaline)
Final Exam (TBA)
Objectives of the course
After taking this course, the students will:
1. have a basic understanding of neurobiology and the way that drugs effect this to produce changes in the human body.
2. improve their critical thinking skills through analysis of case studies and experimental design.
3. develop an
understanding of recreational and illicit drugs and their physical and
psychological effects.
Grading
Grading Scale:
The final grade will be based on the three A > 95
exams during the semester, the final exam A - 90 – 94
quizzes given during class, and attendance B + 87 - 8
B 83 - 86
100 pts. Exam #1 B - 80 - 82
100 pts. Exam #2 C + 77 - 79
100 pts. Exam #3 C 73 - 76
100 pts. Final Exam C - 70 - 72
50 pts. Quizzes D + 66 - 69
100 pts. Attendance D 62 - 65
550 pts.÷ 5.5 = Final grade E < 62
Attendance in the class is an easy way to improve your grade. Also, tests will be based the on material presented in class and may differ from the way it is presented in the books. You are allowed 2 free absences and every absence after that (excused or not - please don’t bring me your excuse slips) will cost you 10 points of your Attendance grade.
Absence from an exam for sickness will only be excused when documented by infirmary staff or physician. Absence from an exam because of death in the immediate family will be excused when documented by the Office of Student Affairs. Absence because of religious observation must be brought to my attention before that test date. If an exam is missed, notify me, preferably before, but within 5 days after the exam date. Students without a test grade after this period will receive zero for that test.
When you enter a classroom, you should turn off your cell phone, as a matter of respect both for the instructor and the students around you. Texting while in class is strictly forbidden. No electronic devices (phones, IPods, etc.) will be allowed during exams.
My withdrawal policy in this class is the same as the University's policy, i.e., withdrawal from a class is permitted until the last day of course selection for the fall semester. Withdrawal after this time will only be allowed for grave illness or other serious difficulty. Withdrawal after this point will not be given due to poor grades. If you have failed the first two tests, seriously consider whether or not you can pass the course with a reasonable grade. There's no penalty for dropping before fall registration is over.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the willful representation of another’s work as your own. The Internet has made plagiarism very easy and it is tempting to copy instead of actually doing to work. I will award a 0 to the first assignment that I can prove has been plagiarized. A second offense will result in failure for the class. There will be no discussion of or exceptions to this rule.
Honor Code Pledge
It is expected that all students enrolled in this
class support the letter and the spirit of the
Academic Honesty Policy as stated
in the college catalog.
Assessment of Student Learning: Analytical skill development
and understanding of fundamental biological principles
The faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences are committed to providing students with a first-rate educational experience as articulated in the Departmental Mission Statement:
“The Department of Biological Sciences strives to provide students with the fundamental understanding of the principles and methods of the life sciences within the context of a sound liberal arts education. Emphasis is on the development of the student’s ability to analyze problems, apply scientific method, communicate biological information, and interpret current advances in research.”
Student progress toward attaining the goals set forth in the Departmental Mission Statement will be assessed in part by an exam or quiz question that has been selected for this purpose by the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences.
General Education Learning Objectives
Courses in this category develop in students “understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena” and “application of scientific data, concepts, and models in one of the natural sciences” (SUNY Required Learning Outcomes). Courses will make clear the difference between science and technology and enable students to critically assess technological worth. Courses will strengthen students’ skills in qualitative and quantitative reasoning and in critical thinking and analysis, by careful study of both historic and contemporary scientific problems. In addition, courses will reinforce students’ understanding and appreciation of the sciences and their ability to use technology effectively.