CHEM 1040 - Sex, Drugs and Organic Chemistry

An elementary knowledge of structure and bonding in organic chemistry will lead to an understanding of important biomolecules and some fundamental processes in the body. This knowledge will be used to study the mode of action of important classes of drugs such as birth control drugs, antibiotics and some illegal drugs. The course will finally focus on critical evaluation of scientific claims in the popular media (e.g. newspaper, world wide web). Related to this, students will learn to make a rational evaluation of the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. Case studies (e.g. phen-fen, olestra and St. John's Wort) will illustrate the important issues. Ultimately students will become better informed consumers of scientific and psuedo-scientific information.