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The process of developing new medicines for humans involves tremendous effort across many scientific disciplines. Science has been the driving force behind numerous groundbreaking medicines discovered over the past century. Equally fascinating are the ongoing debates about the true value of medicines in relation to patients' quality of life. This First-Year seminar explores both the scientific and non-scientific aspects behind our medicines through a discussion-driven format. Some of the key questions to be addressed in this course include: How are medicines discovered and developed? How has science influenced the discovery of new treatments? Why does it take so much time and money to bring a new medicine to market? Who decides the price of a drug? Who actually pays for your medicines? Are new medicines really as expensive as they seem? By examining multiple sources of information and engaging in thoughtful discussions, students will develop their own informed opinions on these issues, rather than simply accepting what they see in the media at face value.