The goal of this course is to examine the methodological and experimental basis of studying the effects of drugs on behaviour. Throughout the course, the relationship of pre-clinical behavioural pharmacology to human behavioural pharmacology is compared. There will be a strong emphasis on how behavioural studies can assist in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and identification of novel therapeutic approaches for various addictions. Part I will introduce basic concepts and general background covering the principles of behavioural pharmacology and theories of addiction, with a focus on illicit drugs.