Therapeutic Molecules and Sustaining Health

An exploration of therapeutic molecules and sustainable approaches to development of medical care, medicines, vaccines, and healthful practices will be undergirded by discussion of both historical innovations and current events in public health. Molecules of medicine will be evaluated at a molecular level through in-class activities. The body's ability to differentiate between even subtle differences in molecular structure, such as the different actions in the human body of a pair of enantiomers, will be explored. Topics will range from finding new medicines to combat resistant pathogens to promotion of good health through the molecules we eat. No prior knowledge of chemistry is required.