Prereq: Solid knowledge of basic biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology techniques. This course explores the drug discovery process from initial decision on which disease pathways to pursue to the evaluation of potential drugs. Methodologies used to identify and validate drug targets will be described with emphasis on biotechnology-based assays and techniques. This course will also cover different types of therapeutics and the options available to drug developers. Emphasis will be placed on the issues and challenges faced in identifying appropriate drug targets and devising studies that accurately validate these targets.