Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

6 credits · Graduate School

This course explores the fundamental principles of pharmacology that underlie much of biomedical research, spanning molecular to systems approaches. It demonstrates how basic research advances lead to improved understanding and treatment of disease, while also serving as a blueprint for future studies. The course centers around three main areas: (1) foundational aspects of pharmacological targets, including receptor theory, enzyme kinetics, and cell signaling pathways; (2) pathophysiology and pharmacology of representative diseases, highlighting key concepts in therapeutic strategies; (3) core aspects of in vivo pharmacology and drug discovery, with a focus on the transition from basic research discovery to early clinical development. The course is taught by a team of faculty members with expertise in basic research, complemented by faculty with real-world experience in drug discovery. In addition to lectures and guided readings, students will engage in active learning exercises designed to strengthen their understanding of recent developments in disease research. A capstone paper is developed in stages during the course and defended at the end of the course. FALL [6]