Full house Students taking Biobehavioral Health 45 at University Park learn how even moderate drinking can damage their bodies. Carol Gold, instructor for the alcohol awareness course, said papers the students write indicate that many do examine their attitudes about alcohol consumption as a result of what they learn in the class. Those pictures were effective. Like Ritter, most students are taking Biobehavioral Health 45 to fulfill a general education requirement in the health sciences and physical education, but that doesn't bother course instructor Carol Gold, a faculty member in the Department of Biobehavioral Health. No matter what their reasons are for signing up, she still wants them to examine their attitudes toward drinking and help them become more aware of their adult responsibilities.
Gold believes they do listen, citing the thoughtfulness of their reaction papers as proof.
For instance, one assignment included a scenario requiring them to choose between going to a party and studying for a test. Some indicated they would go to the party and not drink while others said they would stay home and study. She guides students through the semester with readings, videos, exercises and speakers, including students who are recovering alcoholics and physicians. The course, which is offered each semester, helps them understand how alcohol affects families and communities, and allows them to recognize the signs of alcohol abuse and how to get help. I'm happy to have had this impact on these students.