PSINMR450 - Internship: Pre-Clinical Research - Dependence and Abuse

Internships

Semester Credits: 3

Contact Hours: 120

Prerequisites: Open to pre-med, science, and clinical psychology majors. A2 level of Italian language. Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Unofficial transcript submission required.

Description: 3 semester credits. This placement is offered to highly motivated students who want to enter and practice first-hand the world of clinical and pre-clinical research. Students will be in charge, under the supervision of professionals, of researching a particular topic within the larger field of drug abuse and behavioral addiction. Through initial observation in the lab and selected readings (as indicated by the site supervisor), students acquire knowledge of the epidemiology of drug abuse, the experimental models used in brain research, and the pathological consequences of drug addiction. Next, students are invited to extend the concept of addiction to pathological behaviors such as compulsive consumption of palatable food, physical exercise dependence, compulsive shopping, sexual hyperactivity, internet abuse and gambling. Students are required to develop their own research question and, by the end of the experience, submit a research paper and a conference-like presentation. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students’ knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code, please note that dress code requirements may vary depending on placement. Prerequisites: Open to pre-med, science, and clinical psychology majors. A2 level of Italian language. Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.