FRS 002U — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 93088 — W 4:10 – 6:00 pm — 197 Briggs

Neurobiology of Addictive Drugs

Instructor: Dorothy Woolley, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, Division of Biological Sciences

Description: The objective of the course is to try to understand what addiction is and what brain mechanisms (receptors, neurotransmitters, transporters, synapses) and pathways are involved. Is addiction really a brain disease? Besides the brain, what other physiological systems (pupil size, blood pressure, digestion, respiration) are affected and how? The course will describe the basic effects of different categories of addictive drugs: opiates (heroin, morphine), stimulating drugs (methamphetamine, ephedrine, cocaine), mind-altering drugs (LSD, antidepressants, ecstasy), nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, marijuana.

Format: Lectures and discussions will be based on handouts of lecture outlines and readings on specific topics, e.g., Your Brain on Ecstasy. Brain models and preserved brains will be used to help visualize brain pathways involved. A presentation on the autonomic nervous system will help explain why some drugs greatly increase blood pressure and others reduce it, as well as many other effects. A video on addiction will be shown in several parts when relevant topics are discussed. Assigned work will require written review of articles found in scientific journals and popular magazines, as well as brief oral presentations, and participation in discussion. Grading: The course grade will be based on the assigned work and participation in class.

About the Instructor: Professor Wooley is a member of the faculty in the Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior in the Division of Biological Sciences, as well as the faculty of the Department of Environmental Toxicology, in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Her research interests include the neurotoxicological effects of environmental toxicants and neuropharmacology.