PHS 206: Health Aspects of Drug Use
Instructor: Michelle Zulim-Clark
Email: michelle_zulimclark@cuesta.edu

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to PHS 206: Health Aspects of Drug Use. I’m Michelle Zulim-Clark, and I teach a variety of health education and kinesiology classes on Cuesta’s San Luis Obispo campus. I’m excited to be your instructor this semester!

In this course, we’ll explore key health issues related to drug use and abuse. Topics include chronic disease prevention, self-empowerment strategies, and both local and global perspectives on drug use. You’ll be challenged to think critically and apply what you learn in real-life contexts.

Course Format

This is a fully online course with no mandatory face-to-face meetings. However, it is not self-paced—you’ll have weekly readings and assignments to complete on schedule.

Time Commitment

For an 18-week semester, expect to spend 6 - 8 hours per week on coursework. Staying consistent each week is key to your success.

Is Online Learning Right for You?

Success in an online course takes self-discipline, time management, and basic tech skills. You’ll be working independently, using forums, tutorials, and videos. Please take the Cuesta self-assessment survey to evaluate your readiness.

Technology Requirements

You’ll need:

• A computer (PC or Mac) with internet access

• Cuesta email account

• Ability to access and navigate Canvas

Required skills:

• Downloading/printing/uploading documents

• Posting on discussion boards

• Watching course videos

• Scanning/uploading PDFs (using your phone or a free app)

Note: Assistance with basic computer skills is not provided.

Getting Started

Course content will be available on Canvas starting the first day of the semester. You must log in and complete the first assignments by the end of Week 1 or risk being dropped from the course.

Participation & Late Work

This is a collaborative learning environment. You’ll need to work through the material weekly, participate in discussions, and submit assignments on time.

Late work may be penalized or not accepted, depending on the assignment. If you face illness or serious issues, reach out early so we can work on accommodations.

How to Get Help

I’m here to support your learning! Use:

• Email for direct communication

• Virtual office hours via ConferZoom (link posted in Canvas)

Course Modules

All content will be organized into Modules in Canvas, which must be completed in order. The syllabus will include a full schedule and assessment timeline.

Course Description

This course examines the health impacts of drug use, misuse, and abuse—covering everything from prescription and OTC medications to performance-enhancing and designer drugs. We'll study drug metabolism, interactions, and addiction from various socio-cultural perspectives (age, gender, ethnicity), and explore lifestyle-based prevention strategies.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Describe effects of drug metabolism, interaction, and use

2. Evaluate drug treatment and prevention programs

3. Communicate drug legality, interactions, and treatment options

4. Analyze drug use/misuse through socio-cultural lenses

5. Connect drug use to chronic disease development

Textbook

Required:
Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior, 18th Edition
By Carl Hart and Charles Ksir
Available in the Cuesta bookstore or as an e-text.
Note: We will not be using "Connect," so no access code is required.

Coursework & Evaluation

Grading Scale:

• A = 90–100%

• B = 79.5–89.9%

• C = 69.5–79.4%

• D = 59.5–69.4%

• F = Below 59.4%

Major Assignments

• Quizzes: Weekly, to reinforce learning and link concepts

• Written Assignments: 2–3 analytical papers based on course topics

• Behavior Change Project: A semester-long goal-setting activity

• Final Exam: One written exam during the last week of class
  (A midterm may be added with two weeks’ notice if necessary.)

Participation & Discussions

Each module includes a discussion post. Posts must be thoughtful, complete, and demonstrate critical thinking. Participation is essential for success.

Academic Honesty

All work must be your own. Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration will result in disciplinary action, including the possibility of a zero on the assignment or an “F” in the course. See Cuesta’s Academic Honesty Policy for details.

Drop/Withdraw Policy

Regular participation is required. Students who miss multiple assignments or fail to engage with the course may be dropped before the "W" date. If you need to withdraw, please follow Cuesta’s drop procedures.

Communication & Contact

 Contact will occur through:

• Announcements

• Canvas forums

• Email

• Office hours (Zoom)

Student Authentication

Access to the course is through Canvas, which requires a secure login using your Cuesta email (e.g., albert_einstein@my.cuesta.edu).

Netiquette Guidelines

• Use respectful and professional language

• Avoid slang and texting abbreviations (e.g., “lol”)

• DO NOT USE ALL CAPS (it reads as yelling)

• Use proper grammar and complete sentences in posts

• Make your responses specific and thoughtful

• Log into Canvas at least once per week

Need Tech Help?

For Canvas or login issues, contact:
📧 support@my.cuesta.edu

Accommodations

If you have a disability that may affect your learning, contact DSPS at (805) 546-3148. They’ll coordinate with me to ensure the proper accommodations are in place.

Waitlist Info

If you’re on the waitlist, I’ll email you on the first day of class. Please also review Cuesta’s waitlist procedures.

Thank you for reading this welcome letter—I’m looking forward to a meaningful and engaging semester with you!

Michelle Zulim-Clark
Instructor, Movement and Health Sciences
Cuesta College