Module Information
Module Identifier
PS30820
Module Title
Drugs and Behaviour
Academic Year
2026/2027
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Online Discussion Forum 2 Online Discussion Forum 1. 600 initial post 2. 3 x 400 word follow up posts 1800 Words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Online Discussion Forum 1 Online Discussion Forum 1. 600 initial post 2. 3 x 400 word follow up posts 1800 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay to replace discussion 2 2000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay to replace discussion 1 2000 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
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
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 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.
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.
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
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
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
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. |
| 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 6