Since the dawn of history, humankind has strived to alleviate the suffering of the sick and cure diseases by searching for compounds with therapeutic effects on the human body. This process began with the extraction of natural substances from plants and other sources, and with the advancement of scientific knowledge, it has evolved into a controlled field of synthetic drug development.

This in-depth course offers an opportunity to explore the world of pharmaceuticals from a comprehensive chemical-molecular perspective. We will characterize the molecular components of therapeutic compounds, familiarize ourselves with organic molecules and their unique properties, and examine the essential criteria for defining a substance as a pharmaceutical agent.

Subsequently, we will investigate the two main groups of drugs – synthetic and natural. We will present several examples of medicinal plants, understand the methods of extracting active compounds from them, and explore the variety of therapeutic mechanisms that may exist.

The focus of the study will be on synthetic drugs, as we review the main groups according to their effects on the body, concentrating on the molecular structures and specific mechanisms of selected drugs. We will expand our understanding by learning the principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, trace the drug's pathway in the body, address the issue of desired dosage, and discuss potential side effects.

Towards the conclusion, we will transition from theory to practice and gain insight into the research and development arena of new drugs, including generic medications.

This multidisciplinary course will provide tools for understanding the molecular and biological implications of drug therapy, from the research and development stage to clinical treatment, integrating chemical, biological, and medical aspects into a comprehensive framework.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.