We facilitate a for-credit student-run class (DeCal) at UC Berkeley. This DeCal aims to give students a survey knowledge of the growing field of Psychedelic Science, including neurobiological, psychological, and anthropological perspectives, weaving our discussion into the history and culture of psychedelics across the globe. We are so lucky to welcome renowned experts in the field each week to lecture and discuss these topics with us.

Our class is for anyone from psychedelic experts to curious newcomers; we hope to offer material that will interest anyone, whether you are passionate about understanding the brain, promising mental health treatments, criminal justice reform, or philosophy of mind. We are offering a list of readings on current research in the field, the history of psychedelics in the West, indigenous cultures’ use of psychedelics, and more. As we get to know each other and learn together we will get to hear from expert guest lecturers on their research, practice, and experiences. Our goal is to create an intentional and meaningful learning environment open to anyone who is curious, where we can safely share in the exploration of this new, exciting field.

We are currently holding our seventh iteration for the Fall 2023 semester. We are happy to announce that we will be holding our eighth iteration for the Spring 2024 as well.

Special thanks to our faculty sponsor Dr. Presti for his continued support and guidance over the years, and to all of the wonderful and inspiring individuals who have guest lectured for us over the years.

Here is the link to the Spring 2024 Application (due 1/31 by 11:59 pm): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbjhUZOGFGR9VVYUGatULhYzt_66fLr6-U8SxSJCjOSqM0TA/viewform

Click the link below to view this semester’s syllabus:

(Coming soon)

Past Syllabi:

Fall 2020 Syllabus

Fall 2021 Syllabus

Spring 2022 Syllabus

Fall 2022 Syllabus

[Spring 2023 Syllabus](Spring 2023 Syllabus)

Fall 2023 DeCal Syllabus

Recordings

Due to COVID-19, our first two semesters were in the Zoomverse and their recordings are free and accessible to all on our Youtube.

[Fall 2020] Introduction to Psychedelic Science

[Spring 2021] Introduction to Psychedelic Science