Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Study of current drugs of abuse including identification, street terms, prices, methods of use, history, and recognizing persons under the influence. Current law and law enforcement trends. Introduction to human physiology and drugs. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Define the eight drug categories under the Drug Abuse Recognition (DAR) system, and their effects on the central nervous system (CNS).
  • CSLO #2: Analyze the impacts of illegal drug use on society.
  • CSLO #3: Distinguish current narcotics used on the streets and their slang names.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Analyze impact of drugs on society as a whole;
2. Define the eight drug categories under the Drug Abuse Recognition (DAR) system;
3. Identify how drugs affect the central nervous system;
4. Develop the ability to recognize someone under the influence; from short term use, long term use and addiction;
5. Analyze various intervention programs for drug addicts;
6. Recognize and identify current drugs used on the street and slang terms for specific drugs.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will identify the specific drugs used within the Drug Abuse Recognition system.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will conduct research and write a report in which they compare and contrast the effects of various types of drugs on the central nervous system.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will demonstrate use of Pupil Lights and Pupilometer Cards to determine symptoms of possible drug use; students will then practice and demonstrate checking pupil size with fellow students.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will provide video lecture regarding various types of controlled substances and their physiological effects on the human body; students will participate in a follow-up Discussion Board related to the impact of substance abuse on society.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read Chapter 6 and be prepared to discuss the different types of pharmaceuticals. 2. Collect and analyze current event articles on drugs and drug usage for class discussion.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Write an eight page learning experience, standard college format paper on drugs and their usage. 2. Participate in the actual evaluation of persons under the influence of alcohol, analyze their data and objectively determine the amount of alcohol consumed.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Uppers, Downers, All Arounders
            • Author: Inaba & Cohen
            • Publisher: CNS Publications, Inc.
            • Publication Date: 2014
            • Text Edition: 8th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          1. Pupilometer Card 2. Pupil Light