The history of drugs is shrouded in the beginnings of the human race. Alcohol was made, drunk, and used to excess as far back as memory and records go. Tobacco (Nicotiana), hemp (Cannabis sativa), opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), and other plants containing drugs have been chewed and smoked almost as long as alcohol, and coffee has been served in the Middle East throughout that area's history.

“Drugs” is a word used by the medical profession to refer to medicines that can cure or arrest disease or alleviate symptoms, ease pain or provide other benefits. Powerful drugs may have side effects, but commonly used drugs with less potential to harm can be sold over the counter. More powerful drugs often require a medical practitioner’s prescription. Another definition of drugs is those substances upon which a person may become dependent. These range from mild stimulants eg. Caffeine, to powerful drugs that alter mood and behaviour. The term “drug” is therefore any substance which is psychoactive – that is, mind altering. It can cover -

• Legal drugs (eg tobacco, alcohol)
• Illegal drugs (eg ecstasy, amphetamines)
• Medicinal drugs, (eg insulin, paracetamol, ventolin)

This certificate is designed for people who already have knowledge of psychology, but are limited in their knowledge of biopsychology. They may be a graduate of another course at certificate, diploma or even degree level. This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C
 

 

 

Course Code	VPS004
Fee Code	CT
Number of Modules	6
Duration (approx)	600 hours

Course Structure
There are 6 modules in this course:

Module 1
Human Anatomy and Physiology
This course provides a sound foundation in human biology in six lessons:
1. Cells and Tissues - Explains the human body at a microscopic level, including the structure and
function of cells, tissues and membranes.
2. The Skeleton - Examines features of the human skeletal system.
3. The Muscular System - Describes the human muscular system, in terms of structure and basic
function.
4. The Nervous System - Looks at the human nervous system, in terms of structure and basic functions.
5. Digestion and Excretion - Explains different physiological systems of digestion and excretion in
the body.
6. Physiological Systems - Focuses on the different physiological systems of the body.

Module 2.
Biochemistry 1(Animals)
This introductory course is similar to Biochemistry I (Plants);  except for the fact that is deals with animals. Students should choose either the Animal or Plant version - not both.
Some secondary school chemistry will be helpful though it is not essential. Lessons include and introduction to biochemistry, lipids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, thermo regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, absorption, acidity, alkalinity, chemical analysis, and industry applications. 

Module 3.
Biopsychology 1
Biopsychology studies the interaction between psychology and the physical body. It would benefit
anyone working in the fields of fitness or health, and most areas of psychology.
1. Introduction - Types of external and internal stimuli, mind-body debate, introduction to the nervous system.
2. The Senses - Sensory input, sensory perception, description of the major senses.
3. The Nervous System - Description of the neurons, the central nervous system, peripheral nervous
system, including the autonomic nervous system.
4. The Endocrine System - Effect of hormones behaviour and physiology, association of endocrine
system and nervous system, connection between external and internal stimuli.
5. Stress- Types of stressors, physical affects of stress, personality and stress.
6. Emotions - Homeostasis, eating disorders, physiological responses to emotions, theories of
emotion.
7. Consciousness - Degrees of consciousness, awareness and attention, altered states of
consciousness.

Module 4.
Biopsychology 2
This course builds on the foundation of Biopsychology I, and covers the following topics:

• Evolution, genetics and experience
• Research methods in biopsychology
• Brain damage
• Recovery from brain damage
• Drug dependence and the brain
• Memory
• Language

Module 5.
Neuropshycology
There are ten lessons in this module as follows:
1. Foundations of Neuropsychology
2. Neurophysiology
3. Neuroanatomy
4. Laterality and Callosal Syndromes
5. Cognition, personality and emotion
6. Perception Disorders
7. Motor Disorders
8. Language
9. Dementia
10. Neurodevelopment

Module 6.
Psychopharmacology  (Drugs and Psychology)
There are eleven lessons as follows:
1. Introduction: history of use and misuse of drugs
2. Effects of drugs on the individual and society
3. Legally restricted drugs: Stimulants and narcotics
4. Legally restricted drugs: Hallucinogens and marijuana
5. Legally restricted drugs: Steroids
6. Legal drugs: Alcohol
7. Legal drugs: Tobacco, caffeine and solvents
8. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
9. Sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs
10. Prescription drugs for schizophrenia and disorders
11. Treatment and preventative education

Some Sample Course Notes

Opium and Heroin

Opiates were popular throughout the nineteenth century, particularly among women. Tonics containing opium were available from pharmacists and doctors prescribed them for upper and middle class women with “women’s problems”. In the 1850s and 60s, Chinese labourers working on Americarailroads, brought with them the practice of smoking opium. This was banned in 1975, but opium dens were commonplace throughout Americaby the turn of century.

In 1803, Friedrich Sertuerner synthesised morphine and the invention of the hypodermic needle in the mid-nineteenth century led to the use of injectable morphine as a pain reliever in the American Civil War. This led to the first wave of morphine addiction.

In 1896, Heinrich Dreser of the Bayer Company synthesised heroin. Bayer began to market the drug. In the early 1900s, heroin was seen as a solution to the increased problem of morphine addiction and the St. James Society sent free samples of heroin to morphine addicts. Heroin addiction began to grow. Research in 1971 estimated that 10 – 15% of US servicemen in Vietnamwere addicted. This statistic and the growing use of heroin led to the making of heroin use a crime.

In the 1980s and 90s, street heroin was smoked and snorted and its usage increased.

LSD

LSD was discovered accidentally by a Swiss chemist, Dr Albert Hofmann, in 1943. Hofmann provided samples to psychiatrists for further testing and in the 1950s, the USmilitary and CIA researched the use of LSD as a “truth drug”, used to brainwash prisoners or induce them to talk. However, the military interest in the drug began to reduce and the psychiatric community began to research the therapeutic capabilities of the drug for epileptic, psychotic and depressed patients.

In the 1950s and 60s, non-therapeutic use of LSD increased. Research study participants, physicians and psychiatrists distributed the drug amongst their friends. After 1962, LSD was produced and distributed to health professionals on a larger scale. It was not difficult to produce. A black market for LSD emerged. In 1966 the possession and manufacture of LSD was made illegal in America, but illegal manufacturing continued. The use of LSD declined in the 1970s and 80s, but it made a resurgence in the 1990s with the rave subculture.