Course Description

This is an Osher Online course, created and offered through the Osher National Resource Center.  These courses are different from our regular OLLI at Emory program.  These are six-week courses and live attendance required.  You must also have an active OLLI at Emory membership and to register. Currently all classes are limited with 13 seats.

This class is supported by the NRC and participation details can be found on our website.

Pharmaceuticals and Poisons: Chemistry at the Edge (Lecture)

Some substances heal, others harm—and some do both. This chemistry-rich (but non-technical) course explores the fine line between pharmaceuticals and poisons. We will examine drug development, venom-inspired medicine, and the history of FDA regulation shaped by scandal and reform. From aspirin’s industrial roots to Gila monster hormones, participants will uncover the fascinating, sometimes unsettling chemistry behind what we choose to swallow.

Your instructor: Johnnie Hendrickson, PhD

Johnnie Hendrickson, PhD, is a Teaching Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University. He holds a PhD in chemistry and is the author of the textbook Chemistry in the World. His academic work centers on science communication and the reciprocal relationship between science and society.

Class Dates and Time: Thursdays, January 22 through February 26

11am Alaska | 12pm Pacific | 1pm Mountain | 2pm Central | 3pm Eastern

Each session is 90 minutes. 

Class schedule: Live lectures will take place on Thursdays via ZOOM

Thursday, January 22

Thursday, January 29

Thursday, February 5

Thursday, February 12

Thursday, February 19

Thursday, February 26

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.