UC Berkeley Professor David Presti skillfully navigates the science, culture, and history of psychedelics for both the novice learner and the curious expert interested in fact-based learning surrounding visionary substances.
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Professor David Presti draws upon decades of teaching his top-ranked course at the University of California, Berkeley, to share with the edX community. Presti skillfully navigates the science, culture, and history of psychedelics for both the novice learner and the curious expert interested in fact-based learning surrounding visionary substances.
In this 8-module course we will explore:
- the scientific world of psychedelic substances and the mind
- plant medicines and hallucinogenic compounds
- opportunities to deepen your own understanding of mind
In becoming a more informed citizen vis-à-vis psychedelics, you will have an opportunity to become better acquainted with your own brain and nervous system, understand the science related to organisms and molecules having psychedelic properties, gain historical and contemporary context surrounding factors that influence public opinion and law, and appreciate something of the rapidly evolving contemporary clinical research with these materials. While human relationships with what are called psychedelics are very old, they may offer wellness opportunities for our modern day, as well as profound insights into the nature of mind and world.
This course features conversations with a community of experts in the field, including Raquel Bennett, Susana Bustos, Gül Dölen, Andrea Gomez, Ayize Jama-Everett, Bob Jesse, Dacher Keltner, Mariavittoria Mangini, Jennifer Mitchell, Michael Pollan, Sylvestre Quevedo, and Forrest Tahdooahnippah.
“Psychedelics and the Mind” was developed with generous support from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.
What you'll learn
- The chemical impact and/or influence of psychedelic compounds on the mind.
- Trusted scientific and journalistic sources presenting fact-based research.
- The growing culture of psychedelic use and the importance of harm reduction.
- Key developments in psychedelics research.
- The historical and contemporary role of psychedelics in society.
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Psychedelics
Module 2: Foundational Concepts in the Neurobiology of Psychedelics
Module 3: LSD
Module 4: Psilocybin Mushrooms
Module 5: Sacred Cacti and Mescaline
Module 6: DMT, Ayahuasca, and Amazonian Snuffs
Module 7: MDMA
Module 8: Ketamine and Nitrous Oxide
