Course Overview

In this course, students will study from the perspective of multiple
fields of research, the various and complex aspects of addiction (or
use disorder) considered as a disease of the regulation of reward
exposure. Substance and non-substance rewards will be examined. They
will learn the definition, varieties, and epidemiology of addiction
and the issue of substance and non-substance addictions and the
relative role of drugs in this process. They will examine the
challenge of differentiating use disorder from the toxicological
consequences of use. A special focus will be applied to the
descriptive phenomenology of addictive behaviors from different
research perspectives. The issue of human and animal models of
addiction will be addressed in addition to some of the neurobiological
mechanisms in relation to these models. Effects of drugs on the brain
and the known mechanisms from a behavioral and neurobiological
perspective will be exposed. They will also consider the treatment and
prevention of addiction.

Learning Achievement

Competence

Course prerequisites

- Students should possess a Bachelor degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent
diploma in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medical
studies, pharmacy, cognitive sciences or psychology. - A proven
interest and solid basic knowledge in the field of Neuroscience must
be provided by students with a Bachelor degree in another subject
(chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science). - Language
prerequisites: fluency in English. - - Courses in neurosciences and
pharmacology. - Acceptance of evidence-based knowledge and rebuttal
of belief based knowledge. - Scientific reasoning skills.

Grading Philosophy

Final examination is a two hour written session that combines,
Multiple choice questions and Focused-open-ended questions based on
both in class delivered information and documents and data made
available on site for the exam. The final examination is 100% of the
grade.
A "rescue exam" is organized for those that fail.

Course schedule

Content includes: 
- Definitions and concepts in addiction.  - Phenomenology of
addiction and related process  - Methods for the study of addictive
behaviors in humans - Animal Models and their implication in
understanding addiction  - Biological response to stress and
addiction  - Individual Vulnerability to Addictions - Studies of
craving in Humans - Insight and empathy on other perspectives on
craving - DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder criteria: Clinical and
Research tools  - Executive functions and addiction: human studies
- Neuro-psychopharmacology of stimulants  - Gambling, gaming,
screen addictions 

Course type

Courses will mix formal lectures and tutorials based on documents available on Formatoile (https://formatoile2.u-bordeaux.fr/course/view.php?id=2733) as well as supplementary courses and documentation. In-class sessions will include student-delivered work prepared in-class and as homework project (inversed class).

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Other information

- Maximum number of students: 15 - Selection procedure: send
application file with CV, all previous transcripts and cover letter to
the course coordinator - Selection criteria: excellent grades and/or
other study results, high motivation, adequate prerequisites.



Language of instruction: English
Mode of delivery: Face-to-face teaching

Site for Inquiry