Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 1 x 2 Hour Lecture |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Online Activities (Discussion Forum x2 - Approx. 1500 words each) | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Assessed Essay (1500 words) Assessed Essay (1500 words) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Assessed Essay (1500 words) Assessed Essay | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Assessed Essay (1500 words) instead of online discussions | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1) Demonstrate an understanding of, and an ability to critically evaluate the major theoretical perspectives within the debate upon drug classification
2) Identify and evaluate the significance of data used to estimate the extent of the ‘drug problem’ and its impact upon behaviour
3) Develop an ability to articulate debate into the legal and cultural implications of drug and alcohol use
4) Review and evaluate some of the central studies key to understanding drug use and behaviour
5) Demonstrate an awareness of the extent and limitations of the treatment of addiction
Brochure Text
This Level 2 elective module is to allow students to acquire a broad introduction into the relationship between drugs and behaviour. It will be delivered entirely online with students being required to access a range of resources over ten core units. Assessment will be through participation in discussion forums and an end of semester essay.
Brief description
The link between illicit substances and behaviour is long and enduring. Drug addiction has negative impacts upon the individual and society, aside from the legal status of most products. This module will provide students with an introduction to some of the key issues in relation to drugs and behavior. It will provide a foundation of understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of drugs (incl. alcohol and prescription medication) and develop the more applied aspects associated with links to crime and rehabilitation.
Aims
The module aims to consider how psychological theory and approaches can be applied to the link between drugs and behavior, including addiction and crime.
Content
1 Historical and Cultural developments in the use of substances (incl. alcohol)
2 Classification of substances
3 Brain Systems and the ANS
4 Drugs and Cognition
5 Developmental Issues
6 Personality and Addiction
7 Drug (sub)culture
8 Drug use in sport
9 Drug use and criminality
10 Alcohol and crime
11 Preventing drug use
12 Treatment of drug and alcohol addiction
Online Discussion Forum
Discussion 1 (Formative/ungraded) - Drug classifications
Discussion 2 (Summative - 25%) - Effects on behaviour
Discussion 3 (Summative - 25%) - Drug use and crime
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Not directly applicable although students will be introduced to the key concepts of reading and understanding studies and data. |
| Communication | Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format and their written communication will be assessed according to effective expression of ideas, good language skills and a coherent argument. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Interactive online discussions will encourage the critical and lateral thinking of students with exercises planned to deliver a range of opportunities to facilitate the learning of abstract concepts, and will allow students to reflect on their own learning. |
| Information Technology | Students will be expected to submit their work in word-processed format. Also, students will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web, as well as seeking sources through electronic information sources (such as Web of Science and PsychArticles). |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Preparation for discussion forums and the assessed assignment will develop time management skills; collation of sources for assessment will nurture research skills; appreciation of complex theoretical issues will develop critical thinking skills. All of these skills will contribute to their portfolio of transferable skills. |
| Problem solving | The assimilation of a range of complex theories will develop students’ problem-solving abilities and a range of interactive exercises in lectures, seminars and the assignment will encourage lateral thinking. |
| Research skills | Research skills will be developed by accessing and critically analysing literature on various theories in order to construct and present an informed discussion for the assessed exercise. |
| Subject Specific Skills | This module provides students with the opportunity to identify, analyze and evaluate a series of skills with respect to key psychological theories. |
| Team work | Participation in online discussions will require students to interact and cooperate with their classmates to promote the debate in each forum. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5