BIOL4810 - Drug Discovery and Development

This course provides a thorough interdisciplinary overview of the modern drug discovery and development process. Building on foundational life sciences and molecular science courses, this course demonstrates how basic scientific concepts are applied to real-world challenges in drug discovery and development.
The course begins with a history of medicines in society and the evolution of the modern pharmaceutical and biotech industry. It then covers a wide range of topics, including the identification of novel therapeutic targets, the molecular design of safe and effective drugs, considerations related to the final clinical formulations, clinical trial design and execution, regulatory pathways for drug approval, and post-market safety and efficacy monitoring.
The curriculum is led by experienced researchers, biotech innovators, and professionals from both academia and the biopharmaceutical industry. It covers essential disciplines that are vital to drug discovery and development. In addition to core subjects such as physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, the course also explores related fields, including organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, materials science, and biotechnology. Students will also investigate in silico methodologies, explore applications of AI in drug discovery and development, and learn about advanced biomanufacturing processes. By the course's end, students will understand the various challenges, opportunities, and career paths available within drug discovery, the pharmaceutical sector, and the broader biotechnology industry.