Psychology 2020A-001 (Online for 2020-21)
Drugs and Behaviour
If there is a discrepancy between the outline posted below and the outline posted on the OWL course website, the latter shall prevail.
1.0 CALENDAR DESCRIPTION
Survey of the major drugs of abuse used to treat psychopathological disorders including a brief section on methods of administration, drug distribution and elimination, neurotransmitters. The history and patterns of use and abuse, clinic indications, neurochemical bases for action for a variety of licit and illicit drugs.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course
2.0 COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor: DR. RILEY HINSON
Office, Phone Number, Email: 7308 SSC 519-661-2111 EXT 84649 hinson@uwo.ca
Office Hours: By appointment via Zoom
Times and Location of Lectures: There will be no lectures. The class will run as follows: There will be assigned chapters and pages for each scheduled Monday/Wednesday class. There will be a Zoom class meeting during the scheduled Monday and Wednesday class times (2:30 EST). It will start at 2:30 and if no student has “come to class” within 10 minutes of the start the Zoom session will end, but can be restarted by a student emailing to indicate they would like to Zoom. It will not be recorded. I will answer questions during that time. You are not required to “attend” these Monday/Wednesday Zoom classes. For those students who cannot attend these scheduled Monday/Wednesday classes, I will be available to answer questions by either email or by scheduling other Zoom meetings on an individual or group basis.
Website: There is an OWL site for this course. Access to this site is via your id name and password (this is typically your last name and the code involving a combination of numbers and upper and lower case letters). Important course information will be posted at the website, and this is the main method of communicating information to students. It is the student’s responsibility to check the web site regularly for important course information. If you miss a course component (test, make up test, etc) when the information for that course component has been posted on the web site, then you will receive a grade of zero (0) on that course component.
Students who are in emotional/mental distress should refer to Mental Health@Western
http://www.uwo.ca/uwocom/mentalhealth/ for a complete list of options about how to obtain help.
Please contact the course instructor if you require material in an alternate format or if you require any other arrangements to make this course more accessible to you. You may also wish to contact Student Accessibility Services (formerly known as Services for Students with Disabilities) at 519-661-2147.
3.0 TEXTBOOK
Drugs: Mind, Body, and Society by Martha Rosenthal. Available on the Book Store site in either electronic or print version. There will be no lectures so the text box is the sole source of course information. While you are not required to purchase the text book, you will do better in the course if you have it. Questions on tests and quizzes will be based on material from the text book.
There may be supplementary material that will be posted to OWL. That material may also be used for testing purposes
4.0 COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the major drugs of use and abuse. These include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, opiates, marijuana, sedatives, hallucinogens, stimulants, inhalants, steroids and other miscellaneous drugs. The history of use of the different drugs will be presented. The current use of drugs will be described. The behavioral effects will be presented. Behavioral and biopsychological research aimed at identifying factors involved in drug use will also be discussed.
By the end of this course, the successful student should be able to
- recognize and identify major drugs of abuse when they are discussed texts, news, public forums
- recognize and identify major concepts related to drug addiction
- recognize and identify major experimental procedures related to the study of drug addiction
- compare, classify, and interpret information about drugs and drug addiction as presented in texts, news, media or public forums
4.1 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Student Learning Outcomes, Activities and Assessment
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5.0 EVALUATION
Note that per departmental policy, course grades will NOT be rounded.
Quizzes: These will count 50 marks. There will be weekly quizzes. The quizzes will take place via OWL Tests and Quizzes. The weekly quiz will become available at midnight on Wednesdays (except for the last one when the 24 hr period will start at midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 8) and will be available for 24 hours until midnight on Thursdays. The quizzes will be time-limited -- meaning that while you have a 24-hour period in which to begin the quiz, once you begin there will be a limited amount of time to finish. Most quizzes will be about 30 minutes. Once you start a quiz the time clock starts and will end in 30 minutes. You cannot exit the quiz and come back. Once you start you have 30 minutes to finish. A weekly quiz may cover any material which has been assigned from the text book from the beginning of the term up to and including the material on the Monday of the week of the quiz. The quizzes may be MC, T/F, or fill in the blank. Quizzes will occur on the following Wed/Thur 24-hour period, with the date shown being the Wednesday:
S16, S23, S30, O7, O14, O21, O28, No quiz N4, N11, N18, N25, D2, D8 (THIS IS A TUESDAY)
This gives a total of 12 possible weekly quizzes. Your grade for the quizzes will be the % of the total marks you earn on the quizzes. For example, if each quiz was worth 20 marks, and we had 12 quizzes, there would be 240 possible marks, and if you made 180 marks, you have 75% on the quizzes, so 75% of the 50=37.50.
Excuses are not accepted for missing a quiz (you will not be excused for any reason). In order to accommodate for the possibility that you may be unable to take a quiz every student will be allowed to drop the lowest 2 quizzes (Take note, if you do not write a quiz it will be recorded as a zero and that will be one of the two you can drop. Or if you do not write 2 quizzes, both will be recorded as zero, and that will be the ones you are allowed to drop). You are only allowed to drop 2, so you cannot drop 2 and then expect to be excused from others. Three is all that will be dropped regardless the reason for those being your lowest two.
December test: This will count as 50 marks. This test will be cumulative over the entire course. It will be MC, T/F, or fill in the blanks. The test will be administered either via Proctortrak or Zoom.
Tests and examinations in this course may be conducted using both Zoom and the remote proctoring service, Proctortrack.
When Zoom is used for exam invigilation, you will be required to keep your camera on for the entire session, hold up your student card for identification purposes, and share your screen with the invigilator if asked to do so at any time during the exam. The exam session using Zoom will not be recorded.*
Proctortrack will require you to provide personal information (including some biometric data). The session will be recorded. By taking this course, you are consenting to the use of this software.
More information about remote proctoring is available in the Online Proctoring
Guidelines at the following link: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/onlineproctorguidelines.pdf
Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the system and technical requirements for both Zoom and Proctortrack. Information about the system and technical requirements are available at the following links:
https://www.proctortrack.com/tech-requirements/
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us
* Please note that Zoom servers are located outside Canada. If you would prefer to use only your first name or a nickname to login to Zoom, please provide this information to the instructor in advance of the test or examination.
There will be NO MAKE-UPS OF MISSED QUIZZES. MISSED QUIZZES WILL BE ENTERED AS ZERO (0). A make-up of the December test will be given. The format of the make-up may not be the same as the original test, and may include MC, T/F, fill-in-the-blanks, short answer or long answer essay type questions.
Although the Psychology Department does not require instructors to adjust their course grades to conform to specific targets, the expectation is that course marks will be distributed around the following averages:
70% 1000-level and 2000-level courses
72% 2190-2990 level courses
75% 3000-level courses
80% 4000-level courses
The Psychology Department follows Western's grading guidelines, which are as follows (see http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/general/grades_undergrad.pdf):
A+ 90-100 One could scarcely expect better from a student at this level
A 80-89 Superior work that is clearly above average
B 70-79 Good work, meeting all requirements, and eminently satisfactory
C 60-69 Competent work, meeting requirements
D 50-59 Fair work, minimally acceptable
F below 50 Fail
6.0 ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION SCHEDULE---SEE ABOVE
7.0 CLASS SCHEDULE: Tentative and subject to change
M September 14: Drugs: Mind, Body, and SocietyàChapter 1, pp. 1-17 (Chapter 2 will be skipped)
There will be a quiz on Sept. 16 that will cover everything up to this point
W September 16: The Nervous Systemà Chapter 3, pp. 45-69
M September 21: Pharmacology: How Drugs WorkàChapter 4, pp.70-91
There will be a quiz on Sept. 23 that will cover everything up to this point
W September 23: Stimulants: Cocaine and AmphetaminesàChapter 5, pp. 92-104
M September 28: Stimulants: Cocaine and AmphetaminesàChapter 5, pp. 104-113
There will be a quiz on Sept. 30 that will cover everything up to this point
W September 30: HallucinogensàChapter 6, pp. 114-128
M October 5: HallucinogensàChapter 6, pp. 128-142
There will be a quiz on Oct. 7 that will cover everything up to this point
W October 7: OpioidsàChapter 7, pp. 143-152
M October 12: OpioidsàChapter 7, pp. 152-169 While this Monday is a holiday (and there will be NO ZOOM meeting) you will be assigned reading to do for the other days between Oct. 7 to Oct. 12
There will be a quiz on Oct. 14 that will cover everything up to this point
W October 14: Sedatives, Hypnotics, and InhalantsàChapter 8, pp. 170-185
M October 19: Sedatives, Hypnotics, and InhalantsàChapter 8, pp. 185-196
There will be a quiz on Oct. 21 that will cover everything up to this point
W October 21: MarijuanaàChapter 9, pp. 197-210
M October 26: MarijuanaàChapter 9, pp. 210—224
There will be a quiz on Oct. 28 that will cover everything up to this point
W October 28: TobaccoàChapter 10, pp. 225-239
M November 2: Fall Reading Week, no assigned reading
There will NOT be a quiz on Nov. 4
W November 4: Fall Reading Week, no assigned reading
M November 9: TobaccoàChapter 10, pp. 239-252
There will be a quiz on Nov. 11 that will cover everything up to this point
W November 11: CaffeineàChapter 11, pp. 253-272
M November 16: AlcoholàChapter 12, pp. 273-283
There will be a quiz on Nov. 18 that will cover everything up to this point
W November 18: AlcoholàChapter 12, pp. 283-303
M November 23: (Chapter 13 will be skipped) and go to Performance-Enhancing DrugsàChapter 14, pp. 336-347
There will be a quiz on Nov. 25 that will cover everything up to this point
W November 25: (Chapters 15 and 16 will be skipped) and go to Addiction, Prevention, and TreatmentàChapter 17, pp. 406-415
M November 30: Addiction, Prevention, and TreatmentàChapter 17, pp. 416-427
There will be a quiz on Dec. 2 that will cover everything up to this point
W December 2: Prevention and Treatment of Drug Use and AbuseàChapter 18, pp. 428-457
M December 7: Prevention and Treatment of Drug Use and AbuseàChapter 18, pp. 428-457
There will be a quiz on Dec. 8 (A TUESDAY) that will cover everything up to this point
W December 9: No new readings. You should be reviewing for the December test which is cumulative for the entire year
8.0 STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC OFFENCES
Students are responsible for understanding the nature and avoiding the occurrence of plagiarism and other scholastic offences. Plagiarism and cheating are considered very serious offences because they undermine the integrity of research and education. Actions constituting a scholastic offence are described at the following link: http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf
As of Sept. 1, 2009, the Department of Psychology will take the following steps to detect scholastic offences. All multiple-choice tests and exams will be checked for similarities in the pattern of responses using reliable software, and records will be made of student seating locations in all tests and exams. All written assignments will be submitted to TurnItIn, a service designed to detect and deter plagiarism by comparing written material to over 5 billion pages of content located on the Internet or in TurnItIn’s databases. All papers submitted for such checking will be included as source documents in the reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of papers subsequently submitted to the system. Use of the service is subject to the licensing agreement, currently between Western and Turnitin.com (http://www.turnitin.com).
Computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams will be subject to submission for similarity review by software that will check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.
In classes that involve the use of a personal response system (PRS), data collected using the PRS will only be used in a manner consistent to that described in this outline. It is the instructor’s responsibility to make every effort to ensure that data remain confidential. However, students should be aware that as with all forms of electronic communication, privacy is not guaranteed. Your PRS login credentials are for your sole use only. Students attempting to use another student’s credentials to submit data through the PRS may be subject to academic misconduct proceedings.
Possible penalties for a scholastic offence include failure of the assignment/exam, failure of the course, suspension from the University, and expulsion from the University.
9.0 POLICY ON ACCOMMODATION FOR ILLNESS OR OTHER ABSENCES
Western’s policy on Accommodation for Medical Illness can be found at:
http://www.westerncalendar.uwo.ca/PolicyPages.cfm?PolicyCategoryID=1&Command=showCategory&SelectedCalendar=Live&ArchiveID=#Page_12
The full policy for consideration for absences can be accessed at: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/Academic_Consideration_for_absences.pdf
If you experience an extenuating circumstance (e.g., illness, injury) sufficiently significant to temporarily make you unable to meet academic requirements, you may request accommodation through the following routes:
- Submitting a Self-Reported Absence form (for circumstances that are expected to resolve within 48 hours);
- For medical absences, submitting a Student Medical Certificate (SMC) signed by a licensed medical or mental health practitioner in order to be eligible for Academic Consideration;
- For non-medical absences, submitting appropriate documentation (e.g., obituary, police report, accident report, court order, etc.) to Academic Counselling in their Faculty of registration in order to be eligible for academic consideration. Students are encouraged to contact their Academic Counselling unit to clarify what documentation is appropriate.
Students must see the Academic Counsellor and submit all required documentation in order to be approved for certain accommodation. The self-reported absence form must be submitted before the exam/coursework deadline in order to be valid. It may NOT be used for absences longer than 48 hours; coursework/tests/exams/etc., worth more than 30% of the final grade; or exams scheduled in the December or April final-exam periods: http://counselling.ssc.uwo.ca/procedures/medical_accommodation.html
Students seeking academic consideration:
- are advised to consider carefully the implications of postponing tests or midterm exams or delaying handing in work;
- are encouraged to make appropriate decisions based on their specific circumstances, recognizing that minor ailments (upset stomach) or upsets (argument with a friend) are not normally an appropriate basis for a self-reported absence;
- must communicate with their instructors no later than 24 hoursafter the end of the period covered by either the self-reported absence or SMC, or immediately upon their return following a documented absence
10.0 Contingency Plan for Return to Lockdown
In the event of a COVID-19 resurgence during the course that necessitates the course delivery moving away from face-to-face interaction, all remaining course content will be delivered entirely online, either synchronously (i.e., at the times indicated in the timetable) or asynchronously (e.g., posted on OWL for students to view at their convenience). The grading scheme will not change. Any remaining assessments will also be conducted online as determined by the course instructor.
11.0 STATEMENTS CONCERNING ONLINE ETIQUETTE
In courses involving online interactions, the Psychology Department expects students to honour the following rules of etiquette:
- please “arrive” to class on time
- please use your computer and/or laptop if possible (as opposed to a cell phone or tablet)
- please ensure that you are in a private location to protect the confidentiality of discussions in the event that a class discussion deals with sensitive or personal material
- to minimize background noise, kindly mute your microphone for the entire class until you are invited to speak, unless directed otherwise
- In classes larger than 30 participants please turn off your video camera for the entire class unless you are invited to speak
- In classes of 30 students or fewer, where video chat procedures are being used, please be prepared to turn your video camera off at the instructor’s request if the internet connection becomes unstable
- Unless invited by your instructor, do not share your screen in the meeting
The course instructor will act as moderator for the class and will deal with any questions from participants. To participate please consider the following:
- If you wish to speak, use the “raise hand” function and wait for the instructor to acknowledge you before beginning your comment or question.
- Please remember to unmute your microphone and turn on your video camera before speaking.
- Self-identify when speaking.
- Please remember to mute your mic and turn off your video camera after speaking (unless directed otherwise).
General considerations of “netiquette”:
- Keep in mind the different cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the students in the course.
- Be courteous toward the instructor, your colleagues, and authors whose work you are discussing.
- Be respectful of the diversity of viewpoints that you will encounter in the class and in your readings. The exchange of diverse ideas and opinions is part of the scholarly environment. “Flaming” is never appropriate.
- Be professional and scholarly in all online postings. Use proper grammar and spelling. Cite the ideas of others appropriately.
Note that disruptive behaviour of any type during online classes, including inappropriate use of the chat function, is unacceptable. Students found guilty of Zoom-bombing a class or of other serious online offenses may be subject to disciplinary measures under the Code of Student Conduct.
12.0 OTHER INFORMATION
Office of the Registrar: http://registrar.uwo.ca
Student Development Services: www.sdc.uwo.ca
Please see the Psychology Undergraduate web site for information on the following:
http://psychology.uwo.ca/undergraduate/student_responsibilities/index.html
- Policy on Cheating and Academic Misconduct
- Procedures for Appealing Academic Evaluations
- Policy on Attendance
- Policy Regarding Makeup Exams and Extensions of Deadlines
- Policy for Assignments
- Short Absences
- Extended Absences
- Documentation
- Academic Concerns
- 2020-2021 Calendar References
Copyright Statement: Lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, outlines, videos and similar materials, are protected by copyright. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own educational use. You may not record lectures, reproduce (or allow others to reproduce), post or distribute any course materials publicly and/or for commercial purposes without the instructor’s written consent.
