Scientific Study of Psychedelics and Mental Processing
Explore the science, history, and cultural impact of psychedelic substances in this comprehensive Berkeley course.
Explore the science, history, and cultural impact of psychedelic substances in this comprehensive Berkeley course.
This authoritative course, led by UC Berkeley Professor David Presti, provides a balanced, scientific examination of psychedelic substances and their effects on consciousness. Drawing from interdisciplinary research spanning neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology, the course explores both traditional uses and modern clinical applications. Students learn about various compounds, their neurobiological effects, and their potential therapeutic applications, while gaining context about historical use and contemporary research developments.
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What you'll learn
Understand the chemical impacts of psychedelics on the brain
Evaluate scientific research on psychedelic compounds
Analyze historical and cultural contexts of psychedelic use
Explore contemporary clinical research applications
Comprehend neurobiological mechanisms of consciousness
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 8 modules in this course
This comprehensive course explores the scientific understanding of psychedelic substances and their effects on consciousness. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts in neurobiology, specific compounds and their effects, cultural and historical contexts, and current clinical research. Through expert interviews and evidence-based content, students gain insight into both traditional uses and modern applications. The course emphasizes factual, scientific understanding while examining potential therapeutic benefits and broader implications for mental health.
Introduction to Psychedelics
Module 1 · 3 Hours to complete
Foundational Concepts in the Neurobiology of Psychedelics
Module 2 · 3 Hours to complete
LSD
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
Psilocybin Mushrooms
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Sacred Cacti and Mescaline
Module 5 · 3 Hours to complete
DMT and Ayahuasca
Module 6 · 3 Hours to complete
MDMA
Module 7 · 3 Hours to complete
Ketamine and Nitrous Oxide
Module 8 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Instructor
1 Course
Distinguished Neuroscientist and Mind-Brain Researcher
David E. Presti serves as Teaching Professor of Neurobiology at UC Berkeley, where he has taught in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology for over three decades. His unique expertise spans multiple disciplines, combining doctorates in molecular biology and biophysics from Caltech and clinical psychology from the University of Oregon. His research focuses on consciousness, psychopharmacology, and the mind-brain relationship. Beyond academia, he spent a decade as a clinical psychologist at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, treating thousands of patients for addiction and PTSD. Since 2003, he has been teaching neuroscience to Tibetan Buddhist monastics in India, Bhutan, and Nepal, bridging Western scientific and Buddhist contemplative traditions. His influential books include "Foundational Concepts in Neuroscience: A Brain-Mind Odyssey" and "Mind Beyond Brain: Buddhism, Science, and the Paranormal." At Berkeley, he teaches popular courses on "Brain, Mind, and Behavior," "Drugs and the Brain," and "Molecular Neurobiology and Neurochemistry," earning multiple University teaching awards. His current research explores the relationship between mental phenomena and brain physiology, particularly focusing on consciousness and psychedelic science
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4.8 course rating
59 ratings
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