The use of drugs has always been a feature of human society, and the basis for such use has been complex and varied. Whether for medicinal, cultural, recreational or spiritual use, all societies demonstrate drug taking behaviour. This course will discuss drugs, drug mechanism, drug treatment of different disease, drug targeting and their place in human societies, with a particular emphasis on the use of drugs and medicines in contemporary New Zealand. Several topics will be covered within each of five themes revolving around drugs and society.
In 2025 this course will be offered mainly in face-to-face mode (but still have a couple of lectures that might be delivered in a blended learning mode to provide students with the flexibility of learning online). We encourage students to participate in face-to-face tutorials where key learning points are discussed and dialogue around critical thinking is applied.