Natural Science 0138 - The Science of Addiction

Addiction, as defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works, but what is the evidence for this? Do the current medical models and treatment modalities of addiction provide effective interventions? Are there alternatives? This course provides an overview of the science and issues surrounding substance-related addictions and the processes and mechanisms that underlie addiction. We will address both the genetic and environmental underpinnings of addiction, and we will introduce the epidemiology and developmental course of addiction. Students in this course will learn to find and read scientific research articles on topics of their choosing and will learn to write analytical reviews of these articles. These reviews will form the basis of final papers in which students choose particular areas to investigate in detail and present their findings to the class.

Physical and Biological Sciences Independent Work Quantitative Skills Writing and Research In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.