Application deadline
15 May 2026
Brown Pre-College's general application deadline.
In-person Program
Psychoactive Drugs: Brain, Body, and Society
Brown’s health science course connects neuroscience and public health through the study of psychoactive drugs, combining lectures, group research, and a class presentation.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Psychoactive Drugs at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Students completing grades 9-12
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$3,096; $3,748
Duration
1 week
Format
In-person
NeuroscienceSocial Sciences
Accommodation: Single, double, or triple residence rooms
Meals: Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily
Certificate / Outcome: Non-credit digital certificate of completion
Sessions / cadence: 5 x 2h50m; 2-3h daily homework
Class times: Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern
Tutors / faculty: Guillaume Pagnier; Seneca Scott
Campus experience: Libraries, activities, fitness center, pool
Psychoactive Drugs summary
Brown’s course connects the biological effects of psychoactive drugs with public health and society, making it a focused introduction to neuroscience.
Expect lectures, interactive projects, independent reading, and small-group research leading to a class presentation.
It suits students who want to connect scientific mechanisms with social questions and test their interest in college-level study.
What is Psychoactive Drugs: Brain, Body, and Society?
Psychoactive Drugs: Brain, Body, and Society is a Brown University Pre-College course that combines neuroscience and public health. It examines neuronal transmission, the history of psychoactive drugs, and the biological mechanisms of substances including cocaine, amphetamine, marijuana, nicotine, opiates, and caffeine.
The on-campus class uses lectures, group work, interactive projects, and independent reading to introduce material typical of an introductory college course. Students research and present a chosen drug’s societal and neurobiological effects in small groups, while also exploring medicines used for addiction and neurological or mental health conditions.
Why Succeed highlights Psychoactive Drugs
Combining neuroscience with public health gives students a way to connect drug mechanisms with wider societal questions.
The small-group research presentation adds active investigation and communication to lecture-based learning.
Coverage includes both common psychoactive substances and medicines used to treat neurological and mental health conditions.
College-level study without formal grades lets students focus on understanding and subject exploration.
Who is Psychoactive Drugs for?
Best for
Students curious about neuroscience or public health who enjoy connecting biological explanations with social questions and collaborating on research.
Not ideal if
You want academic credit, clinical experience, or a lightly scheduled summer activity; this course involves daily classes and independent work.
Is Psychoactive Drugs worth it?
The strongest reason to choose this course is its focused academic question: how psychoactive drugs affect both the brain and society. The combination of introductory theory and group presentation can help you decide whether neuroscience or public health deserves further study.
Its value depends on how much you want that subject exploration and campus experience relative to the fee. The course is non-credit, and its short format limits the depth of investigation; Brown also makes clear that Pre-College is not a route to preferred undergraduate admission.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$3,096; $3,748; includes One on-campus course, Residential: housing and three meals daily, Commuter: one on-campus meal daily, Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access, Program activities and excursions, Digital certificate upon successful completion.
Accommodation
Single, double, or triple residence rooms
Meals
Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily
Supervision or safety information
Trained student life staff support residence halls, and staff are on call around the clock. Residential students must check in face to face at 10 p.m. and remain on their floor until 6 a.m.; students have independence outside scheduled attendance touchpoints.
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.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Psychoactive Drugs need?
Effort level
Intensive introductory study.
Best started
Begin four to six weeks before a future application deadline, allowing longer for language testing and travel planning.
Main challenge
Connecting neural mechanisms with societal analysis while coordinating group research.
Typical preparation
Review basic cell biology and how neurons communicate.
Gather current and previous academic-year grades and draft the application essay.
Arrange any required English proficiency testing and allow time for results.
Plan independent travel and a family communication routine before arrival.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in neuroscience or public health.
What do students do on Psychoactive Drugs?
You connect introductory neuroscience with public health through lectures, interactive projects, and independent reading. Small-group research gives you the opportunity to explain both the biological and societal aspects of a chosen psychoactive drug.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Learn the basics of neuronal communication and drug interference.
- 2
Explore psychoactive drug history, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses.
- 3
Research a chosen drug with a small group.
- 4
Present its societal and neurobiological aspects to the class.
Psychoactive Drugs dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
22-26 June 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College application opening.
Registration opens
20 January 2026
Course enrollment begins for admitted students.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
Final decisions sent to applicants.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 22-26 June 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Registration opens | 20 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete grades 9-12.
Be aged 14-18 by June 14 in the 2026 cycle.
Have familiarity with basic biology.
Have a strong interest in the subject.
Demonstrate strong English language proficiency.
Submit required English testing results when applicable.
Gain Brown Pre-College admission and complete separate course enrollment.
How much does Psychoactive Drugs cost?
Residential program fee
$3,748 — 2026 one-week total, including housing and meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $3,096 — 2026 one-week total, including one daily meal.
- Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; application fee waivers have eligibility restrictions.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required after admission; generally nonrefundable.
- Scholarships: Sibley or PPSD scholarships — Separate application and eligibility requirements apply.
What's included
One on-campus course, Residential: housing and three meals daily, Commuter: one on-campus meal daily, Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access, Program activities and excursions, Digital certificate upon successful completion
How to apply to Psychoactive Drugs
- 1
Create one applicant account in Brown’s Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the Brown Pre-College application form and 250-500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades and any required English proficiency results.
- 4
Pay the application fee or complete the applicable fee-waiver process.
- 5
Monitor the portal for missing-material requests and your admission decision.
- 6
After admission, confirm course eligibility and availability before submitting the deposit.
- 7
Complete separate course enrollment and the required student and family forms.
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What does Psychoactive Drugs cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Neuronal communication
Learn introductory neuronal transmission and how drugs interfere with communication in the brain.
Psychoactive drug mechanisms
Study the biological mechanisms of cocaine, amphetamine, marijuana, nicotine, opiates, and caffeine.
Drug history and society
Explore drug history and societal factors that influence whether substances are legal or illegal.
Therapeutic drugs
Examine psychoactive medicines used for addiction, depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.
Group research presentation
Research and present the societal and neurobiological aspects of a chosen psychoactive drug with classmates.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Psychoactive Drugs?
A typical day during the program.
Course meetings
Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern Time, combining lectures and active coursework.
Independent work
Plan at least two to three hours for reading, research, group projects, or presentation preparation.
Campus activities
Choose optional workshops, activities, and events around academic responsibilities.
Residential check in
Check in face to face at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Psychoactive Drugs?
Guillaume Pagnier and Seneca Scott are listed as instructors for the course section. Summer@Brown students can use instructor office hours to discuss course content, ask questions, and seek assignment guidance.
Where do students stay on Psychoactive Drugs?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Furnished rooms include an extra-long twin bed, desk, storage, wireless internet, and air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown’s all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Student life support: Trained residential staff provide support, required nightly check-ins, and access to 24/7 on-call staff.
- Activities and recreation: Program activities, excursions, and fitness, athletic, and aquatics facilities are included.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter participation: Attend the same on-campus course with access to campus resources and activities, without a housing assignment.
- Daily dining access: One dining-hall meal daily is included, with additional meals available to purchase.
- Local transportation: Commuters receive free RIPTA access using their Brown ID during the course.
Rooms may be single, double, or triple occupancy; roommate requests are not honored, and students should bring their own bedding and towels.
What happens after Psychoactive Drugs?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Build a foundation for further neuroscience or public health study.
Practice communicating scientific and societal findings through a group presentation.
Receive a digital certificate after successful course completion.
Develop independent study and campus time-management habits.
This non-credit course does not produce an academic transcript; its one-week length does not qualify for a Course Performance Report.
Where does Psychoactive Drugs take place?
The course takes place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Students check in at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and commuter students can use their Brown ID for RIPTA transportation during the course.
Families coordinate travel independently; Brown Pre-College does not provide transportation or travel assistance.
Psychoactive Drugs FAQs
The course combines neuroscience and public health, covering neuronal communication, psychoactive drug mechanisms, drug history, societal influences on legality, and drugs used to treat neurological and mental health conditions.
There are no explicit course prerequisites, but you should understand basic biology and have a strong interest in the subject.
You will have the opportunity to research a chosen psychoactive drug in a small group and present its societal and neurobiological aspects to the class.
This is a non-credit course without formal grades. Successful completion qualifies students for a digital certificate of completion.
Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one on-campus meal daily, campus activities, and access to fitness, athletic, and aquatics facilities. Commuter students are not assigned campus housing.
Summer@Brown expects at least two to three hours of homework daily, which may include reading, group projects, research, writing, and presentations.
Trained student life staff support residence halls, and staff are on call around the clock. Residential students must check in face to face at 10 p.m. and remain on their floor until 6 a.m.; students have independence outside scheduled attendance touchpoints.
Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions. Completing a course can demonstrate subject interest, but should not be treated as a promised admissions advantage.
Alternatives to Psychoactive Drugs
Compare these options if you want broader psychology study, online learning, or a medicine-focused introduction.
Alternatives to Psychoactive Drugs
In-person study of psychology and neuroscience
Neuroscience
Deadline: Not announced
From $3298
14-18
New York
In-person
Best for
Students comparing brain science with psychology
Online Psychology Course
Upcoming
Online psychology study with related neuroscience subjects
Psychology
03 Aug 2026
From £2895
13-24
Online
Online
Best for
Students who prefer studying from home
Online introduction to medicine
Medicine
Deadline: Not announced
From $3200
14-17
Online
Online
Best for
Students considering medicine as their next subject
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
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
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
- Psychoactive Drugs: Brain, Body, and Society - 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)
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Instructional dates reviewed
Application deadline compared
Residential and commuter fees checked
Eligibility and prerequisites reviewed
Certificate criteria checked
Campus welfare 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.
Psychoactive Drugs: Brain, Body, and Society
by Brown Pre-College Programs
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