Natural Science 0114 - Ivermectin: (mis)Truth and consequences

The COVID-19 pandemic has created divisions in society regarding the origins of the virus, the best response to the pandemic, and the difference between truth and belief. How did drugs like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine come to reside in the middle of these divides? We will explore drug discovery and mechanisms of action. We will also explore the disconnect between how information is disseminated among scientists versus information flow through greater society. Each student will choose one drug to explore in detail over the course of the semester. Students will be responsible for participation in class discussions, two presentations, small weekly writing assignments, and one final paper. Keywords: biomedical research, pharmacology, diseases, media

Media and Technology Students should generally expect to spend 8 hours a week on work outside of class time.