Psychology 2020B-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, including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, opiates, stimulants, inhalants, and sedative-hypnotics. Discussion will focus on historical and current patterns of use and abuse, behavioural and psychological effects of acute and chronic use, psychological processes involved in drug effects, neurochemical bases for action, and treatment issues.
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: The course is asynchronous. There will be a Zoom class meeting during the scheduled Monday and Wednesday class times (2:30 EST). These classes will be recorded and posted to Voice Thread on the OWL course site. Students are not required to attend the scheduled lectures. Students will have access to the lectures via the recordings.
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
All material that will be tested will be presented in the Zoom-recorded class lectures. If you would like to have a complete copy of all the material that might be presented in class, you may purchase the entire set of my lectures from the Bookstore (in either digital or printed form). You are not required to purchase this, as only the material presented in the recorded lectures will be tested. Note: The book that was used in Psychology 2020A is NOT being used for 2020B. If you are considering purchasing the lectures from the Bookstore, make sure you get the correct book (you may contact me about this is you wish).
4.0 COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the major drugs of use and abuse. hese 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
|
Course Learning Outcome
|
Learning Activities |
How Assessed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 23:00 hours on Wednesdays and will be available for 24 hours until 23:00 hours 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 20 minutes. Once you start a quiz the time clock starts and will end in 20 minutes. You cannot exit the quiz and come back. Once you start you have 20 minutes to finish. The coverage for each weekly quiz will be posted to OWL. The quizzes will be MC. See 7.0 below for tentative quiz schedule.
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 12 marks, and we had 12 quizzes, there would be 144 possible marks, and if you made 110 marks, you have 76.39% on the quizzes, so 76.39% of the 50=38.19 quiz marks.
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 those 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. Two is all that will be dropped regardless the reason for those being your lowest two. So, to go back to the previous paragraph, let’s say your two lowest quizzes were 0’s. You still have 110 marks but the total possible marks for the 10 counted quizzes is now 120 (since you were allowed to drop 2 x 12 from the total), and your grade goes to 91.67% for 45.83 marks.
Per Western Technology guidelines—When taking quizzes, or the Final Exam, you must not have the course OWL site open in more than one window/browser at a time. If you have the course site open in more than one browser/window it may not accept answers to the test, it may shut down, it may do many undesirable things---and you will not be allowed any consideration in terms of the answers not being submitted, test timing out, etc. DO NOT HAVE THE COURSE SITE OPEN IN MORE THAN ONE WINDOW/BROWSER AT A TIME. Even if you have been having the course open in more than one window/browser for the quizzes, you may simply have been lucky that nothing happened. There are some students who were doing this and the quiz shut down---so it is not worth the risk. And again if you have two or more windows open and something happens you will not be able to retake or restart the test, or have your grade adjusted for unanswered questions.
You are not permitted to print screen or copy screen any of the questions on any of the quizzes or the Final Exam. All questions on quizzes and tests are protected intellectual material and may not be copied without permission. If you copy questions on quizzes or tests this is considered an academic offense, so you should not be doing this. If you copy questions and in any manner distribute those questions, that is both an academic offense that may result in academic penalties and it is also a violation of copyright law.
April test: This will count as 50 marks. This test will be cumulative over the entire course. It will be MC, The test will be administered like a big quiz—you will have a 24 hour availability window—the test will have a time limit—you may start that time limit within the 24 hour availability window in order to be finished by the time the window closes. At this time no proctoring is planned, but that could change.
Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the system and technical requirements for Zoom. OWL technology logs any problems with OWL or Zoom. If you have a problem with OWL or Zoom that is not logged as originating from Western’s resources, you will not be allowed any make up tests or consideration of grades. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a reliable internet connection. Information about the system and technical requirements are available at the following links:
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. THERE WILL BE NO EXCUSED QUIZZES, FOR ANY REASON. MISSED QUIZZES WILL BE ENTERED AS ZERO (0). If needed a make up of the April 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
|
Weekly quizzes |
50% |
|
Final Exam |
50% |
7.0 CLASS SCHEDULE
Tentative and subject to change--
Shown below are the topics scheduled for each class, but that may change. Since the lectures are recorded you can always determine what has been covered. For the benefit of those who might purchase the lectures, I have also shown the scheduled pages for each class.
Each quiz starts at 23:00 hours on Wednesday and will cover whatever was covered in the just preceding Monday and Wednesday class. The coverage for each quiz will be based on the recorded lectures on the relevant Monday and Wednesday. For the benefit of those with the lecture notes, I will post the lines covered.
M January 11: Introduction ll. 1-177
W January 13: Introduction ll. 178-222
Quiz on this material
M January 18: Introduction ll. 223-410
W January 20: Alcohol ll. 411-562
Quiz on this material
M January 25: Alcohol ll. 563-693
W January 27: Alcohol ll. 694-763
Quiz on this material
M February 1: Alcohol ll. 764-1037
W February 3: Alcohol ll. 1038-1264
Quiz on this material
M February 8: Cannabis ll. 1265-1473
W February 10: Cannabis ll. 1474-1622
Quiz on this material
M February 15: N0 CLASS - READING WEEK
W February 17: N0 CLASS - READING WEEK
M February 22: Tobacco ll. 1623-1883
W February 24: Tobacco ll. 1884-1970
Quiz on this material
M March 1: Caffeine ll. 1971-2129 and Stimulants ll. 2130-2164
W March 3: Stimulants ll. 2165-2391
Quiz on this material
M March 8: Stimulants ll.2392-2641
W March 10: Hallucinogens ll. 2642-2741
Quiz on this material
M March 15: Hallucinogens ll. 2742-2905
W March 17 Hallucinogens ll. 2906-3058
Quiz on this material
M March 22: Sedative-Hypnotics ll. 3059-3293
W March 24: Sedative-Hypnotics ll. 3294-3505
Quiz on this material
M March 29: Opiates ll. 3506-3700
W March 31: Opiates ll. 3701-3859
Quiz on this material
M April 5: Gambling ll. 3860-4013
W April 7: Treatment ll. 4014-4104
Quiz on this material
M April 12: Gaming ll. 4105-4181
No Quiz on this but it will be on the Final Exam8.0 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.
