NEUROSCIENCE OF PSYCHEDELICS

PHARMACY 671

Overview of the science behind therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD; basic medicinal chemistry of the tryptamine and phenethylamine psychedelics, as well as the neurochemistry and neuropharmacology of their action. Fundamentals of drug development and FDA approval process; Standards of screening and guiding individuals before and during a therapeutic psychedelic session contrasted with the recreational use of these drugs; Appraisal of current clinical research including an objective analysis of risk/benefit for indications such as depression and addiction. History of traditional, ceremonial use of psychedelics, as well as the relationship between recreational use and attempts to regulate and restrict their use. Role of psychedelics in indigenous cultures, impacts of psychedelic tourism and wild-crafting of plants and animals on indigenous peoples. Contrasts in psychedelic treatments to other therapeutic interventions such as mindfulness and meditation.

PHARMACY 771

Gain additional understanding of how chemical features can influence the biological activity of a molecule on molecular targets within the central nervous system, how alteration of signaling through these targets occurs and leads to physiologically relevant changes, and how major classes of pharmaceuticals acting on the central nervous system are applied in healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes. Integration between concepts arising at the chemical, molecular, cellular, systems, organism, and societal levels will be explored.

SOCWORK 838

Foundational knowledge of contemporary psychedelic healing and integration practices.

PSYCH 612

Comprehensive review of the field of behavioral neuropharmacology, focusing on methodology, major neurotransmitter systems, critical evaluation of experimental evidence regarding behavioral functions of these transmitter systems and drugs used to treat mental illness.

PHARMACY 564

A history of psychedelics in the U.S. and more globally. Read texts that were formative in the development of the history of psychopharmacology, pharmaceuticals, and the "war on drugs." Examine readings that represent different themes, subfields, or areas of research interest within the history of psychedelics (medicine science). Beyond biomedicine, types of analysis include: consumerism, class, ethnicity, gender, and military history. Histories of laws, regulations, and key historical actors, as well as specific drug biographies, will be provided.