This course is required for students enrolled in the Collaborative Specialization in Addiction Studies. Its aim is to provide students with core knowledge and understanding of different behavioural, biological, historical, medical and sociocultural aspects of addictions. It will also provide information about the aetiology of addictions and contemporary approaches to prevention and treatment.

The aim of the course is to provide a broad perspective on addictions research by focusing on specific research projects in several areas. This course will provide students with an appreciation of the value of interdisciplinary approaches to addictions research; introduce students to 'grantsmanship,' the process by which researchers develop research proposals for funding by external granting agencies; provide students with exposure to active scientists in the addictions field who will describe their general field of research, discuss the process of preparing a specific research proposal for funding, and describe the results of the research project; and permit students to develop and present a proposal on a topic of personal interest.