Doping, Drugs of Abuse and Forensic Analysis, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• give examples of different types of substances of abuse and doping substances,
• explain physiological processes that are affected by drugs and performance enhancing substances,
• briefly describe the human signaling systems and cellular detoxification mechanisms, and
• give examples of relevant methods for studies of the physiological effects of drugs and performance enhancing substances.

Competence and Skills
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• obtain information through electronic databases and web,
• perform experiments, summarize in writing and explain its results in a report, and
• participate in a scientivic discussion.

Judgement and Approach
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• critically evaluate information flow in the area of drugs and doping and be able to discern relevant scientific information.

Content

The course provides information on different types of recreational drugs and performance enhancing substances, and what type of effect they have on the body. The course will explain how these substances affect human physiology, with emphasis on the toxicology and mechanisms of action at the cellular level, including cell signaling. The course will also give insight into the methods used to investigate doping and narcotics substances.

Examinations and grades

Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Laboratory Work, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Seminars (Code: A003)
Grades used are Participated (DT).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

The final grade of the course is based on the grade on Theory provided that Laboratory Work are Passed and the student have Participated (DT) in Seminars.

Modes of assessment

• Theory (code A001): Written exam
• Laboratory Work (code A002): Practical examination and written assignment
• Seminars (code A003): Participation in group discussions

 

If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

Cell Biology corresponding to 10 Credits and Fysiology corresponding to 7.5 Credit.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Cooper, Chris (Latest edition)
Run, Swim, Throw, Cheat: The Science Behind Drugs in Sport
New York: Oxford University Press

Goldstein, Avram (Latest edition)
Addiction: From Biology to Drug Policy
New York: Oxford University Press

Additional Reading

Hancock, John T. (Latest edition)
Cell Signalling
New York: Oxford University Press

Ward, Jeramy & Linden, Rodger A. (Latest edition)
Physiology at a glance
Chicester, United Kingdom, Wiley-Blackwell (an imprint of John Wiley & Sons Ltd)

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Scientific articles, laboratory instructions and other reading material will be added.