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    Human Behavior and Addiction Summer Course
    In-person Program

    Human Behavior and Addiction Summer Course

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Study addiction through psychology, brain science, treatment research, and drug policy. Brown’s course uses scientific readings and discussion to connect evidence with real human experiences.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Human Behavior and Addiction at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $3,748; $3,096

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PsychologyNeuroscienceMedicineSocial Sciences
    Accommodation: Single, double, or triple rooms
    Meals: Residential: three; commuter: one daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Non-credit digital completion certificate
    Campus experience: Activities, libraries, and fitness facilities
    Tutors / faculty: Rachel Cassidy
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern
    Independent work: At least 2-3 hours daily

    Human Behavior and Addiction summary

    Brown’s course examines addiction from the perspectives of brain science, behavior, treatment, and public policy. Students learn to assess explanations and interventions using scientific evidence.

    Expect peer-reviewed reading, small-group discussion, and documentaries or podcasts that connect research with lived experience. It suits students who enjoy questioning assumptions and discussing sensitive social issues thoughtfully.

    What is Human Behavior and Addiction Summer Course?

    Human Behavior and Addiction is a Brown University Pre-College course offered through Summer@Brown. It explores how addictions develop, how substance use disorders are treated, and how the societal context of drug use influences harm. Its academic foundation draws on psychology, sociology, public health, and medicine.

    Students attend campus classes built around scientific readings, lecture material, and evidence-based discussion. Small-group and whole-class conversations ask students to defend their reasoning with data, while podcasts and documentaries connect research to the experiences of people affected by addiction.

    Why Succeed highlights Human Behavior and Addiction

    • The course connects brain mechanisms, individual behavior, treatment, and policy rather than treating addiction as a single-discipline problem.

    • Peer-reviewed readings give students practice evaluating claims against scientific evidence.

    • Small-group and whole-class discussion makes active reasoning central to the learning experience.

    • Podcasts and documentaries keep the human consequences of addiction visible alongside the academic analysis.

    Who is Human Behavior and Addiction for?

    Best for

    Students curious about psychology, public health, or medicine who want to read research and debate how society understands and responds to addiction.

    Not ideal if

    You want a lightly structured summer activity, prefer minimal reading, or would find sustained discussion of addiction’s human consequences uncomfortable.

    Is Human Behavior and Addiction worth it?

    The strongest reason to choose this course is its focused academic question: how can evidence improve our understanding and treatment of addiction? Reading research and defending interpretations in discussion can help students test whether they enjoy psychology, public health, or related study.

    The substantial fee makes subject interest and the campus experience central to the value decision. This is a non-credit course, and Brown explicitly says Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. Treat it as an opportunity to learn and reflect, rather than an admissions advantage.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,748; $3,096; includes Course instruction., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., University library access., Digital certificate after successful completion..

    Accommodation

    Single, double, or triple rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Human Behavior and Addiction need?

    Effort level

    High academic intensity over a short course.

    Best started

    Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline to prepare the essay, grades, and any English testing.

    Main challenge

    Understanding scientific findings well enough to support a clear argument in discussion.

    Typical preparation

    • Refresh introductory psychology and statistics concepts, even though prior study is not required.

    • Practice summarizing a scientific article’s question, findings, and limitations.

    • Gather school grades and plan time to draft your application essay independently.

    • Plan travel, health forms, and accessibility requests several weeks before the course begins.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in psychology, public health, sociology, or medicine.

    What do students do on Human Behavior and Addiction?

    You read scientific literature and use classroom discussion to assess competing accounts of addiction, treatment, and policy. Multimedia accounts connect those academic questions to the needs of people experiencing substance use disorders.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Read assigned peer-reviewed studies and the background material needed to understand them.

    2. 2

      Discuss empirical findings from readings and lecture material.

    3. 3

      Analyze the discussion topic in small groups and with the whole class.

    4. 4

      Support your claims with evidence when comparing theories, treatments, and policies.

    5. 5

      Use podcasts and documentaries to consider the human consequences of addiction.

    Human Behavior and Addiction dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College application deadline for the reference cycle.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22-26 June 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College's 2026 application cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Final decisions for the reference cycle.

    Reference date

    Campus check-in

    21 June 2026

    Sayles Hall, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern; orientation follows.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9-12.

    • Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026 for the reference cycle.

    • Strong command of academic English.

    • Introductory psychology and statistics knowledge preferred, not required.

    • English testing required for international applicants whose primary language isn't English.

    • Required immunizations for in-person participation.

    How much does Human Behavior and Addiction cost?

    Residential program fee

    $3,748 — One-week course with housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $3,096 — One-week course with one meal daily.
    • Application fee: $80 — Application fee waivers have separate eligibility.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Non-refundable deposit required before course enrollment.
    • Conditional insurance fee: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without adequate insurance.
    • Scholarships: Sibley or PPSD — Separate application and eligibility requirements apply.

    What's included

    Course instruction., Residential housing and three meals daily., One daily campus meal for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., University library access., Digital certificate after successful completion.

    How to apply to Human Behavior and Addiction

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account in Brown’s Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the Brown Pre-College application form and a 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English and any required proficiency results.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee or arrange an eligible fee waiver.

    5. 5

      Monitor your portal for missing-material requests and your admission decision.

    6. 6

      If admitted, review the course catalog before paying the non-refundable $500 deposit.

    7. 7

      Enroll separately in Human Behavior and Addiction through your portal.

    8. 8

      Complete the student and parent or guardian onboarding forms and payment requirements.

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    What does Human Behavior and Addiction cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Defining addiction

    Examine substance use disorder definitions and debates about addiction as a brain or behavioral disorder.

    Brain and behavior

    Study how drugs interact with the brain and behavioral processes to produce problematic behaviors.

    Risk and protection

    Identify factors that can increase or reduce the risk and effects of addiction.

    Treatment evidence

    Compare addiction treatments and assess research on their effectiveness.

    Drug policy

    Analyze historical policy, current regulation, and unintended consequences for drug-related harm.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Human Behavior and Addiction?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course classes

    Discuss readings and lecture material through small-group and whole-class analysis.

    Independent study

    Complete homework and assigned reading outside class at times you manage yourself.

    Campus activities

    Choose from optional workshops, activities, and events around academic commitments.

    Residential check in

    Check in face to face with staff and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Human Behavior and Addiction?

    Rachel Cassidy is the instructor listed for this course section. Summer@Brown students can also use instructor office hours, university library resources, the Writing Center, and English language support.

    Where do students stay on Human Behavior and Addiction?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Stay in a furnished single, double, or triple room with wireless internet and air conditioning.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown’s all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Residential staff support: Trained staff and Resident Assistants provide support with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
    • Campus facilities: Use libraries, fitness and aquatics facilities, campus activities, and residence hall laundry.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter option: Attend the same campus course without an overnight room assignment.
    • Meals and campus access: Receive one meal daily and access to campus study spaces, activities, and fitness facilities.
    • Local transportation: Use RIPTA public transportation with your Brown ID during the course.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments; families should agree on communication expectations before arrival.

    What happens after Human Behavior and Addiction?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn a digital certificate after successful course completion.

    Build a foundation for further psychology and sociology study.

    Explore connections with public health and medicine.

    Develop evidence-based reasoning about treatments and drug policy.

    The course is non-credit; a Course Performance Report requires a longer in-person course.

    Where does Human Behavior and Addiction take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Summer@Brown check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and commuter students receive RIPTA transportation access through their Brown ID.

    Families arrange transportation to and from campus; Brown Pre-College does not coordinate travel assistance.

    Human Behavior and Addiction FAQs

    You will study substance use disorders, drugs’ effects on the brain and behavior, risk and protective factors, treatments, and drug policy. Scientific evidence is central to comparing different explanations and interventions.

    Introductory knowledge of psychology and statistics is preferred but not required. The course includes background readings to help students engage with peer-reviewed research.

    The listed section meets Monday-Friday from 12:15 to 3:05 p.m. Eastern. Summer@Brown expects at least two to three hours of homework daily, so students need to manage substantial independent work around class.

    Rachel Cassidy is the instructor listed for section 10135. Students can use instructor office hours and broader campus academic support resources.

    No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not carry formal grades. Participation in Brown’s non-credit Pre-College Program does not produce a university transcript.

    Successful completion earns a digital certificate of completion. This one-week course is shorter than the minimum length required for an in-person Course Performance Report.

    Commuters attend the campus course and receive one meal daily, access to campus resources and activities, and fitness facility access. They also receive RIPTA transportation access with their Brown ID, but no overnight room assignment.

    Residential staff provide support and require nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. Outside required commitments, students may explore Rhode Island independently, so families should discuss communication, personal responsibility, and boundaries before arrival.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Human Behavior and Addiction - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page checked

    • Course schedule reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Application deadline compared

    • Certificate criteria reviewed

    • Campus policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.