CPHYS 2047 Life Chemistry: Drugs in Our Lives
A "drug" is broadly defined as any chemical agent that affects living processes. While the subject of pharmacology is quite extensive this course is a survey of important classes of drugs (both legal and illegal) and food additives in common use in the United States. The central focus is on the biochemical mechanisms by which drugs interact with our human physiology to produce beneficial as well as deleterious effects. Topics include: physical and chemical properties of drugs; biochemical/physiological effects; mechanisms of action; the body's absorption and metabolism of drugs; toxicology; disease physiology; and therapeutic and recreational uses of drugs. In addition students will examine ethical and legal issues faced by education social services as well as illegal drugs.
Prerequisite
Any laboratory science course