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Good Brain, Bad Brain

Drug Origins

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is aimed at anyone with an interest in finding out where the drugs that keep us healthy come from. To take the course, the only experience you need is to have taken a drug - even just a throat lozenge. You can use the hashtag #FLbraindrugs to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

What is meant by the term “drug”
What do we need drugs for
How drugs are discovered: from natural substances to rational drug design
What factors have to be considered when developing the chemical molecule with therapeutic potential into a drug that patients can take
How is the safety of the drug tested and monitored

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Reviews summary

Understanding drug origins simply

According to learners, this course offers a clear introduction making complex topics easy to understand, even for those without a science background. Many found the subject of drug origins fascinating and felt they gained a solid foundation. While highly recommended as a good starting point, some reviewers noted that it is a broad overview and lacks depth for those seeking advanced scientific or technical details.

Provides a solid foundation for beginners.

"As an introduction, it serves its purpose well. Great insights..."

"I felt I gained a solid foundation without being overwhelmed by jargon. Perfect for someone new..."

"It's definitely aimed at beginners, so don't expect advanced scientific concepts."

"Good introductory material. Covered the main points about how drugs are found and tested."

Explores the intriguing world of drug origins.

"Found the material fascinating and easy to follow. It truly is a 'Good Brain' course!"

"A very informative course covering the journey from natural sources to finished drugs."

"Absolutely loved this course. The content on drug discovery and testing was particularly interesting."

"It was really eye-opening to learn about the history and process of drug development."

Makes complex topics easy to understand.

"The lecturers did an amazing job breaking down complex topics into digestible parts."

"I have no science background, but found the material fascinating and easy to follow."

"Absolutely loved this course... Explanations were very clear."

"The explanations were so clear, making a potentially difficult subject accessible to everyone."

May not cover advanced technical details.

"It gives a broad overview but doesn't go into much depth on the chemistry or biological mechanisms."

"It's fine if you're just curious, but not enough if you need technical details."

"It's definitely aimed at beginners, so don't expect advanced scientific concepts."

"It's a broad survey, good for general knowledge, but definitely not deep dive."

Career center

Learners who complete Good Brain, Bad Brain: Drug Origins will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 44 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Good Brain, Bad Brain: Drug Origins.

Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of...

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Considered the 'bible of pharmacology,' this comprehensive text provides an in-depth understanding of the principles of drug action and their clinical applications. It is an essential reference for graduate students and working professionals, offering detailed information on a wide range of therapeutic agents and their mechanisms. is invaluable for solidifying a deep understanding and is commonly used in academic and professional settings.

Good Brain, Bad Brain

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Understanding drug origins simply

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Reading list

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