Psychopharmacology

COUN/MFAM 524 and PSYC 555

  • Winter quarter, Mon 8:30-11:20 (Griggs Hall 2A) and 3:30-5:20 (Psychology Building classroom)
  • Rich Hartman, PhD
    • email: rhartman@llu.edu
    • office hours – Use this link to schedule an appointment
      • On campus: Monday 12:30-1:00, Wednesday 10:30-11:00 / 3:30-4:30
      • Via Zoom: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12-3

Course Description

This class provides a survey of psychopharmacology (the study of drugs that affect the brain) focusing on pharmacodynamics (“what the drug does to you”) and pharmacokinetics (“what you do to the drug”). Classes of drugs that will be covered include depressants, stimulants, opiates, cannabis and the psychedelics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Other topics will include pediatric / geriatric psychopharmacology, psychoactive herbs, drug interactions, and the history of the field. The primary objective of this course is to provide an understanding of drug mechanisms and effects (i.e., how drugs work).

Recommended Book

Julien’s Primer of Drug Action Robert M. Julien et al. (note that an older version of this book can be “borrowed” here)

Everything you will need to know for the tests can be found in the lecture slides and readings. However, this is a classic clinical psychopharmacology textbook and will provide more detail on the topics discussed in class (which should give you a better understanding of those topics). It will also prove to be an invaluable reference in the future and looks impressive sitting on your bookshelf. Therefore, although this book is not required for the class, it is highly recommended. In addition to the book chapters, this page contains links to download packets of recent cutting-edge research papers that illustrate some interesting principle or techniques related to the day’s topic. You will need to read at least 1 paper from each set of readings for the tests.

Downloads

– some neuroscience movies (files 1, files 2, gifs)
– chart comparing different antidepressants
– before 2010, the DEA’s scientific journal and monthly bulletins contained fascinating and up-to-date information on the use and trafficking of illicit psychoactive drugs

Resources from the Web

– don’t get caught at this party!
– Erowid’s vault contains a wealth of user-generated information, but imbibe with an open mind and a fair amount of skepticism. Also, avert your eyes from any foul language as quickly as possible.
– message board for users of psychoactive medications. The caveat for Erowid’s vault applies here as well.

Grading

All students will take 2 exams (worth 100 points each) with questions drawn from both the reading assignments and classroom discussions. Tests will be online using the Respondus Lockdown Browser. Additionally, up to 2% of the total possible points may be deducted for each instance of disruptive classroom behaviors.

200 pts total: A=93%, A-=90%, B+=87%, B=83%, B-=80%, C+=77%, C=73%, C-=70%, D+=67%, D=63%, D-=60%, F=<60%

Tentative Weekly Schedule (subject to change as needed)

Academic Integrity Policy

If you are an individual with a certifiable disability and need to make a request for reasonable accommodation to fully participate in this class, please visit the Dean’s Office of your school. To view the Disability Accommodation Policy please see the Student Handbook beginning on page 60.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy

Acts of dishonesty including theft, plagiarism, giving or obtaining information in examinations or other academic exercises, or knowingly giving false information are unacceptable. Substantiated violations are to be brought before the dean for disciplinary action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, academic probation or dismissal from the program. To view the Standards of Academic Conduct Policy please see the Student Handbook beginning on page 76.

Academic Policies and Standards for Performance

All students receive copies of their Program’s Student Handbook and the Loma Linda University Student Handbook upon admission to the University and program. Students are held responsible for becoming familiar with the policies contained in these documents. Specifically, students need to know and understand the academic policies that guide their classroom and practicum experiences. These include but are not limited to policies for assignment standards, late assignments, attendance, identification of codes for course assignments, and academic dishonesty. Students should address any questions they may have regarding these policies to the Department’s Academic Standards/Affairs Committee.

Protected Health Information

The purpose of the Protected Health Information (PHI) policy is to provide guidance and establish clear expectations for students regarding the appropriate access to and use of PHI during course studies and related program activities. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patient health information is protected. Please see PHI guidelines.

SBH Course Attendance and Grading Policies

Attendance Policy: School of Behavioral Health (SBH) programs are programs of professional preparation and students are expected to attend all class sessions; failure to do so will negatively impact the student’s ability to continue in the course. SBH’s position regarding attendance reflects the need for students to actively participate in class activities aimed at integrating course specific content as well as integration of knowledge from a range of courses. The SBH faculty believe this cannot be accomplished through independent study alone.

  • Attendance Requirements for In-Person Main Campus Courses:
    • SBH students are required to attend 80% of all scheduled in-person classes to receive a passing course grade. Courses designated for Main Campus instruction cannot be attended online.
  • Attendance Requirements for Hybrid and Synchronous Online Courses:
    • Students enrolled in a hybrid or synchronous online course must attend 80% of all weekly in-class or online sessions and engage with weekly module activities to be eligible to receive a passing course grade.
  • Attendance Requirements for Asynchronous Online Courses:
    • SBH students enrolled in asynchronous courses must demonstrate regular engagement with the weekly module activities and are not permitted to have more than two 7-day periods (from the first day of the module week) without engagement with the module. Engagement is defined as reviewing module resources, interacting with peers by responding to discussion/assignment prompts and communicating with the instructor.

Students who do not complete the attendance requirements as stated above (regardless of class format) will be advised to withdraw from the course, and in cases of non-communication with the instructor and program director, will receive a failing grade with subsequent notification to the Loma Linda University Financial Aid Representative. The stated allowances for class absences are to be used for illness, personal emergencies, jury duty, or work responsibilities. Appropriate documentation should be provided. Students should give special attention to scheduling personal appointments at times that do not conflict with their responsibilities regarding class attendance. For all courses, students are required to be seated in the classroom (in-person or virtual classrooms) and ready to participate by the class-time listed in the university online course schedule or the welcome page of their Canvas classroom.  Early departures, class tardiness, multitasking, frequent and/or extended breaks, and having your camera off without faculty approval (for synchronous online classes) are documented and factored into the course grade, potentially resulting in an unsatisfactory or failing grade. Instructors record didactic synchronous online sessions or meetings related to a course using digital technology (e.g., Zoom, Panopto). These recorded class sessions or meetings may be made available to students within the class through the Learning Management System and shall not be posted or shared beyond the students registered for the course and course instructors, unless otherwise approved. Students shall not record meetings held on digital platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Panopto), without expressed written permission from the instructor or meeting leader.

Late Assignment Submission Policy

It is imperative that students submit course assignments by the due date indicated on the syllabus. However, we understand that there may be circumstances where a student needs to submit their work late. In such cases, the following policies apply:

  • Late Assignment Submission: Assignments submitted after the due date will not be accepted if they are more than two weeks late. This policy ensures that students submit their work in a timely manner and allows for efficient grading and feedback processes. If a late assignment is accepted, it may result in a deduction of up to 10% from the total score. This penalty encourages students to submit their work on time while still providing an opportunity for those who face genuine difficulties.
  • Time-Dependent and/or Sequenced Assignments: For assignments that are time-dependent or sequenced, the professor has the discretion to not accept late submissions. This is because these assignments often build upon previous work or require timely participation, making it challenging to incorporate late submissions without disrupting the learning process.
  • Online Discussion Posts, Reading Quizzes, and Knowledge Checks: Late submissions are not allowed for online discussion posts, reading quizzes, or knowledge checks. These activities are designed to foster timely engagement and assess understanding in a dynamic learning environment. However, if a discussion post is designated as a larger course assignment, it may fall under the 10% deduction rule for late submissions. Your instructor will notify you if this is the case.

A time-limited extension for up to two weeks, without a late assignment penalty, will be considered for extenuating circumstances. Time-limited extension requests need to be submitted to the instructor for approval with a copy of the request sent to the Program Director. Documentation should be provided as appropriate. After two weeks the assignment will not be accepted. Students who cannot meet the requirements of the two-week time-limited extension need to review with their instructor and Program Director whether they should withdraw from the course or meet the University’s criteria for an Incomplete (I). Unless an Incomplete (I) has been approved, all assignments must be submitted by the last Friday of the quarter at 2:00pm (PST).