About this course: This is a course about addiction to drugs and other behaviors. It will describe what happens in the brain and how this information helps us deal with and overcome addiction. It will also discuss other topics such as government policy and our vulnerability to take drugs.
Created by: Emory University
Taught by: Michael Kuhar, Ph.D., Professor
Yerkes/Emory Pharmacology and Neuroscience
| Commitment | 3-4 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Chinese (Simplified) |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
The Background and Overview of Drug Use
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: define drug abuse, addiction, and dependence; describe what the behavior of addiction looks like; review some of the history of drug use, compare the statistics of addiction, recognize the ten classes o...
6 videos, 5 readings
Graded: The Background and Overview of Drug Use
WEEK 2
Drugs & How the Brain Works
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: Recognize the processes that control the fate of drugs in the body; identify how drugs are detected in the body; examine how the brain works by employing neurotransmission; and explore the role of neuro...
6 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Drugs & How the Brain Works
WEEK 3
Classes of Drugs, Part 1
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: Identify what a receptor is; draw a connection between chemical neurotransmitters and drugs; recognize why addicts take drugs; and describe what alcohol, nicotine, THC, opiates, sedatives, hallucinogens...
7 videos, 5 readings
Graded: Classes of Drugs, Part 1
WEEK 4
Classes of Drugs, Part 2 & Animal Models
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: Become familiar with the last three classes of abusable drugs: the inhalants, caffeine and others; review the 10 classes of abused and addicting drugs, their effects, and toxicities; recognize the impor...
8 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Classes of Drugs, Part 2 & Animal Models
WEEK 5
Neurotransmission & Brain Imaging
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: Recognize dopamine as a major neurotransmitter, specifically how it is involved in both drug and natural rewards; associate low levels of D2 dopamine receptors in the brain with greater vulnerability to...
7 videos, 4 readings
Graded: Neurotransmission & Brain Imaging
WEEK 6
Vulnerability: Drug Use, Abuse, & Prevention
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: Define and identify the different types of risk factors; explain how co-morbid (coexisting) medical/mental problems can lead to self-medication and drug abuse; identify the most important risk factors a...
8 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Vulnerability: Drug Use, Abuse, & Prevention
WEEK 7
Treatment, Policy, & Decriminalization
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to: See the impact of stigma on drug users; describe the kinds of treatment that are available; differentiate between legalization and decriminalization, and its impact on society; and recognize the impact ...
6 videos, 4 readings
Graded: Treatment, Policy, & Decriminalization
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
Emory University
Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's leading research universities. Its mission is to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
i love this course
THE BEST COURSE I'VE TAKEN. VERY COMPLETE AND ILUSTRATIVE.
very good lecturer. made the subject easier to master.
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2017 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
quick course, focused on how rehab could work - insightful and thorough for the length - good clear professor.