The Science of Smell

(3 Credits)

Of all our senses, why is smell the most neglected yet the most emotionally explosive? Is scent a mere luxury, or is it the primary architect of our memories, social boundaries, and cultural identities? This interactive, discussion-based course explores the chemistry behind our sense of smell and its emotional, cultural, and psychological impact. The course makes immediate the invisible molecules of scent around us by examining the molecular basis of smell, olfactory biology, perfume composition, and scent’s role in memory, culture, identity, and politics. Students will map the topography of everyday scents and trade routes across the UAE, decode perfume structures, and even create their own fragrances. No prior science background required—just a curious nose and an open mind.