Drugs and Behaviour

Cod y Modiwl: PS30820
Teitl y Modiwl: Drugs and Behaviour
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Heather Norris
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Saffron Passam; Miss Alexandra Brookes

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Online Discussion Forum 1: Online Discussion Forum1. 600 initial post 2. 3 x 400 word follow up posts 1800 Words	50%
Asesiad Semester	Online Discussion Forum 2: Online Discussion Forum1. 600 initial post 2. 3 x 400 word follow up posts 1800 Words	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Essay to replace discussion 1: 2000 Words	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Essay to replace discussion 2: 2000 Words	50%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate the major theoretical perspectives within the debate upon drug classification
Identify, evaluate and interpret the significance of data used to estimate the extent of the ‘drug problem’ and its impact upon behaviour
Develop an ability to articulate debate into the legal and cultural implications of drug and alcohol use
Identify and evaluate the central studies key to understanding drug use and behaviour
Demonstrate an awareness of the extent and limitations of the treatment of addiction and the wider social context of rehabilitation

Disgrifiad cryno

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 behaviour. 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.
This module is delivered online and includes two online discussion sessions both running over two-week periods. Students are expected to engage actively during the scheduled discussion window. Students will have the chance to participate in a formative discussion (practice) before submitting their work. Due to the nature of the assessment and the fixed length of the discussion period, extensions cannot be granted. Students who are unable to participate as required must apply through the University’s Special Circumstances process.

Nod

The module aims to consider how psychological theory and approaches can be applied to the link between drugs and behavior, including addiction and crime.

Cynnwys

Example content:

Lecture topic
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

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	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.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	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.
Datrys Problemau	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.
Gwaith Tim	Participation in online discussions will require students to interact and cooperate with their classmates to promote the debate in each forum
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	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.
Rhifedd	Not directly applicable although students will be introduced to the key concepts of reading and understanding studies and data.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	This module provides students with the opportunity to identify, analyze and evaluate a series of skills with respect to key psychological theories.
Sgiliau ymchwil	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.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	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.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 6