PE4S295 - Models of Addiction 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PE4S295
Module Title: Models of Addiction
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Allied Health and Chiropractic
Faculty Sub Group: Clinical Services
Module Leader: Ramen Sakhuja
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: Final Year of Intake: 2029
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100260 - healthcare science
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

To develop a systematic understanding of the biological and pharmacological underpinnings of addiction, including the neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to substance misuse. This module aims to create a foundational knowledge base from which students can critically assess and understand the complexity of addiction.

Content Summary

Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes: 

Week 1 - Introduction to Addiction Biology 

Week 2 - Genetics and Environmental Influences 

Week 3 - Pharmacology of Addiction 

Week 4 - Neuroadaptation and Behavioural Impact 

Week 5 - Substance Specific Addictions, including prescription only drugs (POM) and illicit drugs 

Week 6 - Emerging Issues and Trends in Addiction

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminars 40
Independent Study 80
Direct Study 40
Problem/Challenge based learning 40
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate and compare the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural models of addiction, analysing their strengths, limitations, and implications for clinical practice and public health interventions.
LO2 Synthesise advanced theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence underpinning addiction models to develop evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies within diverse healthcare settings.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 A concentrated inquiry into a single case or subject Learna Case-based scenarios and a discussion forum related to the foundations of addiction science. 0 2500 40 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 A detailed analysis of a topic, involving some original research undertaken by the candidate who makes use of data and/or primary sources Learna Completion of an individual/group task related to the foundations of addiction science. 0 1000 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Self Reflective Assessment 1 A detailed analysis of a topic, involving some original research undertaken by the candidate who makes use of data and/or primary sources Learna Completion of an individual/group task related to the foundations of addiction science. 0 600 10 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 Assessment to be completed in a specific timescale, which is neither an invigilated examination nor a piece of coursework. To be completed over an extended period (e.g. a 2-hour task to be completed within 48 hours, or a 24-hour assessment).Learna: End of module 1-hour Case-based Multiple-choice Examination related to the foundations of addiction science to be completed within a 10-day period. 1 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Case study 1
Project 1
Self Reflective Assessment 1
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1

Reading List

Please include a link to your electronic reading list below 

 

Clinical Guidelines on Drug Misuse and Dependence Update 2017 Independent Expert Working Group (2017) Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management. London: Department of Health. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a821e3340f0b62305b92945/clinical_guidelines_2017.pdf  

 

NICE (2007) Drug misuse in over 16s: opioid detoxification (Clinical guideline 52). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg52/resources/drug-misuse-in-over-16s-opioid-detoxification-pdf-975504131269  

 

NICE (2007) Drug misuse in over 16s: psychosocial interventions (Clinical guideline 51). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg51/resources/drug-misuse-in-over-16s-psychosocial-interventions-pdf-975502451653  

 

NICE (2007) Methadone and buprenorphine for the management of opioid dependence (Technology appraisal guidance 114). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta114/resources/methadone-and-buprenorphine-for-the-management-of-opioid-dependence-pdf-82598072878789  

 

NICE (2011) Coexisting severe mental illness (psychosis) and substance misuse: assessment and management in healthcare settings (Clinical guideline 120). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg120/resources/coexisting-severe-mental-illness-psychosis-and-substance-misuse-assessment-and-management-in-healthcare-settings-pdf-35109443184325  

 

NICE (2012) Drug use disorders in adults (Quality standard 23). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs23/resources/drug-use-disorders-in-adults-pdf-2098544097733  

 

NICE (2017) Drug misuse prevention: targeted interventions (NICE guideline 64). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng64/resources/drug-misuse-prevention-targeted-interventions-pdf-1837573761733  

 

NICE (2022) Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms: safe prescribing and withdrawal management for adults (NICE guideline 215). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng215/resources/medicines-associated-with-dependence-or-withdrawal-symptoms-safe-prescribing-and-withdrawal-management-for-adults-pdf-66143776880581  

 

Each module reading list will consist of up-to-date peer-reviewed journal articles and studies that are continually refreshed as guidelines change and new treatments and technologies emerge. 

 

Additional reading resources are also supplemented by the tutors during the running of the module in the discussion forum to keep the reading resources current and relevant. 

 

The module reading list is available to the students to access via electronic links on the learning platform (Moodle).