3. Recreational Drugs

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we investigate how different recreational drugs — both licit and illicit — can affect the process of synaptic transmission. In particular, we focus on the impact of (i) alcohol, (ii) nicotine, (iii) cocaine and (iv) cannabis.

Course

In this course, Mr Kevin Silber (University of Derby) discusses the functions of the nervous system and the endocrine system. We begin by looking at the role of neurons, focussing on the process of synaptic transmission in module one, different types of neurotransmitters in module two, and the impact of recreational drugs on the brain in module three. In module four, we turn to the endocrine system and discuss how the different hormones produced by our endocrine glands are used to regulate bodily functions and processes. The final module looks at how the nervous system and the endocrine system work together in producing the ‘fight or flight’ response when our body is confronted with a threat.

Lecturer

Mr Kevin Silber is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby where he mainly teaches on biological psychology modules. He is also an A level examiner for AQA and is involved in authoring texts for A level psychology. His research interests are somewhat eclectic. Having started life as a neuroscientist, he still has an interest in biologically oriented research. However, his main research interest is now focused on body image.