330.602.81
The Epidemiology of Substance Use and Related Problems

Location
Internet
Term
2nd Term
Department
Mental Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online with Some Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Johannes Thrul
Contact Name
Johannes Thrul
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Introduction to Online Learning is required prior to participating in any of the School's Internet-based courses. PH.340.601 - Principles of Epidemiology or any introductory epidemiology course including JHU undergrad course AS.280.350 Fundamentals of Epidemiology

Description
Offers an opportunity to obtain broad expertise in substance use, substance use disorders, and related problems (e.g., injuries, mental disorders), from a public health perspective. Provides a strong basis for continued studies in substance use as a public health problem, and also offers knowledge that will be helpful in other professions, including medicine, nursing, law, social work, psychology, and others.
Presents an overview of the epidemiology of substance use and substance use disorders within a public health framework. Reviews how drugs are classified and regulated, and then we examine trends in estimates of prevalence of use and use disorders. Covers the most common drugs of abuse, including alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, marijuana, opioids, and cocaine. Includes lectures from those with expertise in specific drugs or areas of study within substance use epidemiology.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe drug policy in the US, including how substances are regulated
  2. Describe the leading drugs of abuse in the US and their prevalence of use and health and social impacts
  3. Examine the overlap between substance use and mental disorders
  4. Explain key concepts in substance use epidemiology, such as tolerance, withdrawal, addictive potential, etc
  5. Consider the role of epidemiology in informing and evaluating policy and public health interventions targeting substance use and substance use disorders
  6. Apply a variety of approaches and frameworks in research and practice in the areas of prevention of substance use, screening and treatment for substance use disorders, and diagnosis of substance use disorder
  7. Critique and evaluate research studies addressing substance use epidemiology
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 45% Quizzes
  • 25% Paper(s)
  • 10% Written Assignment(s)
  • 20% Participation
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Methods of assessment include: Class Participation, including viewing Live Talks (live or recorded) and discussion board participating (22%); three quizzes with multiple choice and short-answer questions (36%); a 1000-word research brief on the epidemiology of substance use for a population (21%); and a 1,500 word article summary (21%).