The Behaviour and Drugs course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of pharmacokinetics (the movement of drugs through the body, including administration, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and pharmacodynamics (the mechanism of action of drugs). In this course, we will be examining how different drugs affect the body and mind. We will also look at issues such as tolerance, dependence, and the therapeutic use of commonly abused drugs in society and examine the behaviours that accompany them. The following legal and restricted classes of drugs will be covered in the course: stimulants, narcotics, sedatives, hallucinogens and psychotherapeutics, such as antidepressants. The course should leave the learner with knowledge of basic pharmacology, neurology and psychotherapy and how some specific drugs, such as nicotine, work in the body to produce their effects. Students will gain an understanding of the issues surrounding the use of drugs and the different behaviours displayed with illicit drugs use. Real case studies will be used throughout the course to deepen the topics at hand, such as the experience of an ex-narcotic abuser. Guest speakers may also be available to enhance specific areas of interest in this course, such as the methadone maintenance treatment. The learner will finish this course with a well-rounded introduction to the many aspects of drug use, including how different classes of drugs work in the body and will begin to understand the factors that may affect drug use behaviour. Finally, the student will be able to apply the knowledge learnt from the course in a major assignment for prevention and treatment of drug abuse in our youth.