UnitLevel 2

PSD2001 Introduction to psychedelic science

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

PSD2001 Introduction to psychedelic science is a level 2, 6-credit-point unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Before PSD2001

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After PSD2001

No unit lists PSD2001 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Must be enrolled in an undergraduate course

Overview

Psychedelic science has re-emerged as a fascinating and impactful frontier of scientific enquiry. From historical perspectives to cutting-edge clinical research, this unit introduces learners to diverse aspects of psychedelic science, and its relevance to the interaction between brains and culture, the causes of mental suffering and flourishing, and the varieties and potential of consciousness.

Designed to be highly accessible and engaging, this unit requires no prior knowledge, offering a foundational multidisciplinary overview. You will engage with world-leading experts through live and recorded teaching sessions to explore topics including: the historical and cultural significance of psychedelics, including indigenous practices; the modern resurgence of psychedelics in science and therapy; psychopharmacology, phenomenology, and research methodologies; ethical considerations, contemporary debates, and future applications in psychedelic science.

Developed and delivered by the nation-leading Clinical Psychedelic Lab, this exciting new unit features flexible, engaging and convenient delivery. By the end of this unit, you will have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of psychedelic science and will be prepared for further studies.

You may also be interested in the following unit: https://handbook.monash.edu/2025/units/PSD2002

For more information, visit www.monash.edu/psychedelics 

 Note: on its own, this unit does not comprise sufficient training to work as a psychedelic therapist.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOnline

Assessment

  • Concept Map (approx. 1,200 words)Artefact
    15%
  • Oral presentation (10mins, recorded)Presentation
    35%
  • Critical Review (2,500 words)Written
    50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the foundational principles of psychedelic science

  2. 2

    Examine the historical and cultural contexts of psychedelics

  3. 3

    Compare contemporary clinical research and methodologies in psychedelic science

  4. 4

    Examine the ethical and legal considerations within psychedelic science

  5. 5

    Explain how psychedelic science can be communicated to a variety of audiences.

Workload and teaching

Total duration: 12 weeks
Number of hours: 12hr/week
Contact time: 6hr/week (2 x 3 hr teaching sessions: seminars and/or workshops)
Self-Directed study: 6 hr/week
Total time commitment: 144 hours

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Ms Sarah Anderson
Chief Examiners
Ms Sarah Anderson

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for PSD2001?

PSD2001 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is PSD2001 offered?

In 2027, PSD2001 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton, with an online option.

How much work is PSD2001?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does PSD2001 have an exam?

No. PSD2001 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
Psychiatry Monash Health
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 3
Study abroad
Not available
Handbook years
2027