Syllabus

Undergraduate Programs

HLTH 1035 Substance Misuse and Prevention – Fall A 2025

Credits - 3

Description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of substance use and addiction in the United States, examining historical patterns, treatment trends, and socio-cultural influences. Students will study addiction models and recovery expectations while gaining practical skills in interventions such as SBIRT. The course also critically assesses current policies and services, with attention to harm reduction and the health impacts of long-term substance use. Special emphasis is placed on language sensitivity, population-specific issues, and the analysis of classification systems like the DSM-5 TR.

Materials

All course materials will be included in the course.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Course Outcomes

  • Analyze the theoretical and socio-cultural foundations of substance use, addiction, and recovery in the U.S. to understand their impact on individuals and communities.
  • Apply evidence-based approaches, including Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), to assess, intervene, and refer individuals at risk for substance use disorders.
  • Evaluate policies, programs, and research related to substance use and misuse to inform public health practice and propose strategies that promote equitable, person-centered care.

Assignments

For all assessments and learning activities, see Brightspace for the full assignment descriptions and instructions. Read the prompts carefully and use the rubrics to confirm how assignments and discussions will be graded.

Weekly Discussions

All weeks include a discussion prompt where students are required to submit an initial post and one or two response post(s). 

Unless otherwise specified, initial posts are due Saturdays by 11:59 pm ET; responses to at least two peers are due Tuesdays by 11:59 pm ET.

Week 2 Assignment: Understanding Addiction Through Neuroscience

Students will create a visual infographic and an accompanying 300-word explanation to demonstrate an understanding of the neurological basis of addiction and its public health implications for treatment and prevention.

Week 4 Assignment: My Risk and Protective Factors Personal Reflection

Students will reflect on personal life experiences to identify and explain at least two risk and two protective factors, and how these influenced their perceptions or decisions related to substance use.

Week 5 Assignment: Narrated Presentation

Students will create and submit a narrated slideshow presentation on a commonly abused or misused substance. The presentation will provide an overview of the substance’s relevance, its short-term and long-term effects, and the public health approaches to prevention and treatment.

Week 6 Assignment: Evaluating a Harm Reduction Approach

Students will conduct an evidence-based analysis of a harm reduction strategy, assessing its impact and public health implications. The written assignment will describe the chosen strategy, summarize evidence of its effectiveness, identify and respond to a major criticism, and discuss its fit within a comprehensive public health approach to substance use.

Students will create a concise, evidence-based fact sheet exploring how substance use uniquely affects a chosen special population experiencing health disparities. The fact sheet will cover key data, risk factors, barriers to care, and culturally responsive strategies, applying a health equity lens to advocate for inclusive public health responses.

 
 

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Learning activityPoints
Week 1 Discussion: All About You & The Power of Language in Substance Use6
Week 2 Discussion: Understanding Addiction and the Brain6
Week 2 Assignment: Understanding Addiction Through Neuroscience 9
Week 3 Discussion: Understanding and Applying the Models of Addiction 6
Week 3 Quiz2
Week 4 Discussion: Exploring Risk and Protective Factors in Substance Use Prevention6
Week 4 Assignment: My Risk and Protective Factors Personal Reflection9
Week 5 Discussion: “What Is the Worst Substance and Why?” 6
Week 5 Assignment: Narrated Slideshow Presentation 9
Week 6 Discussion: Understanding Harm Reduction 8
Week 6 Assignment: Evaluating a Harm Reduction Approach 9
Week 7 Discussion: Value and challenges of using SBIRT in practice 6
Week 7 Quiz2
Week 8 Discussion: Challenges and Culturally Competent Solutions 6
Week 8 Assignment: Special Populations and Substance Use 10
Total100

Grade Scale

Grade Points Grade Point Average (GPA)
A 94 – 100% 4.00
A- 90 – 93% 3.75
B+ 87 – 89% 3.50
B 84 – 86% 3.00
B- 80 – 83% 2.75
C+ 77 – 79% 2.50
C 74 – 76% 2.00
C- 70 – 73% 1.75
D 64 – 69% 1.00
F 00 – 63% 0.00

Schedule

Week 1: Aug 27 – Sep 2
Week 2: Sep 3 – Sep 9
Week 3: Sep 10 – Sep 16
Week 4: Sep 17 – Sep 23
Week 5: Sep 24 – Sep 30
Week 6: Oct 1 – Oct 7
Week 7: Oct 8 – Oct 14
Week 8: Oct 15 – Oct 21

 

Week  Assessments Due
Week 1: Language and Stigma
  • Academic Integrity Agreement
  • Week 1 Discussion
  • Academic Integrity Agreement due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Introductory post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
Week 2: Addiction and the Brain
  • Week 2 Discussion
  • Week 2 Assignment
  • Initial post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignment due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
Week 3: Models of Addiction
  • Week 3 Discussion
  • Week 3 Quiz
  • Initial post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Quiz due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
Week 4: Risk and Protective Factors
  • Week 4 Discussion
  • Week 4 Assignment
  • Initial post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignment due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
Week 5: Substances of Misuse and Abuse
  • Week 5 Discussion
  • Week 5 Assignment
  • Initial post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignment due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
Week 6: Harm Reduction
  • Week 6 Discussion
  • Week 6 Assignment
  • Initial post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignment due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
Week 7: SBIRT
  • Week 7 Discussion
  • Week 7 Quiz
  • Initial post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Quiz due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
Week 8: Special Populations
  • Week 8 Discussion
  • Week 8 Assignment
  • Initial post due by Saturday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Response Posts due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET
  • Assignment due by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET

Student Resources

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Instructor and Support Contact Information

Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.

UNE Libraries

Further Assistance

Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Career Ready Program

The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!

The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Instructor and Support Contact Information

Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.

UNE Libraries

Further Assistance

Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.

Policies

Attendance Policy

Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.

Assignments

Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Proctored Examinations

Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.

Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.

Exam Attempts Policy

Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.

All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.

Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Length

A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.

Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.

  1. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
  2. Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.

Grade Policy

Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.

Transcripts

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.

Attendance Policy

Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.

Assignments

Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Proctored Examinations

Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.

Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.

Exam Attempts Policy

Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.

All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.

Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Length

A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.

Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.

  1. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
  2. Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.

Withdrawal and Refund Policies

Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.

Grade Policy

Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.

Transcripts

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.

Attendance Policy

6- to 8-week courses: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

10+ -week courses: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your Enrollment and Retention Counselor if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. Tuition charges may still apply. Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.