Introduction to Psychoactive Substances
UndergraduateCUR-PSB2102021
Course information for 2021 intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Psychoactive Substances
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- discuss factors that influence the development of attitudes and behaviours relating to drug use
- understand the epidemiology of drug use in Australia
- contrast various models used to understand drug use problems
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of what is meant by drug dependence and recognise commonalities across addiction behaviours
- demonstrate knowledge of harm reduction approaches and the philosophy underpinning them.
- To be advised in subject outline
This subject covers the descriptive, theoretical, and empirical foundations of drugs and their effects. Using Australian and international data, it covers the processes of drug use (e.g., addiction) from pharmacological, psychological, familial, and social perspectives. This subject also examines individual differences in drug use and harm reduction approaches.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Online Discussion (25%)
- Written Report (25%)
- Essay (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-PSB210C-Introduction to Psychoactive Substances (no longer available)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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