Molecules

The Molecules Program is a graduate-level certificate program that provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to studying psychoactive substances.

  • 50 Enrolled
  • All levels
  • Last updated Nov '23
  • English
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Course Description

The Molecules Program is a graduate-level certificate program that provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to studying psychoactive substances. This unique, transdisciplinary program is designed for academics, health practitioners, and the general public. The course offers a diverse range of knowledge and practices from different disciplines and professions.

In the Molecules Program, participants will build a strong foundation in the history, effects, potentials, and harms of psychoactive substances, as well as cultural and scientific traditions around these drugs. They will gain an overview of the main substance classes and a basic understanding of neurobiology, neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy.

In addition, participants will learn how to assess, understand, and manage drug-related emergencies with critical care protocols and algorithms used by first responders such as paramedics, anesthesiologists, and emergency doctors. They will be trained in skills and perspectives that could contribute to someone’s survival.

The course also covers the pharmacological effects of various substance classes and how they modulate activity in different neuronal networks. Participants will gain state-of-the-art knowledge about these substances on a biochemical and neurobiological level.

Finally, the program offers a deep dive into the exciting and promising substance class of psychedelics. Participants will learn about the medical, anthropological, psychological, legal, and clinical applications of these fascinating molecules through a combination of different perspectives.

The course consists of four modules, each with eight lessons. The course hopes to offer 7 CE/CME credits per module.

You will learn:

  • What is Bwiti?
  • Roles in Bwiti initiation/treatment
  • Instruments in Bwiti: ngombe, mogongo
  • What is an Nganga
    • Maboundi/Yombo
    • Maboundi/Yombo
  • Sustainability/reciprocity

You will learn:

  • History of the Fang tradition
  • Dissumba vs. Dissumba Fang
  • Ombwiri/Mbumbayano Fang
  • The kambo
  • State of Fang Bwiti in Gabon
  • Impact of Westerners coming to work with the sacred wood

You will learn:

  • History of the Missoko tradition
  • Various branches of Missoko initiation:
    • Miobe/Mioba
    • Ngonde Na Dipuma
    • Sengedia
  • The impact of logging on the tradition
  • What the future of Bwiti could look like in Gabon

You will learn:

  • History of Dissumba
  • Various branches of Dissumba initiation:
    • Abanji/Mabanji
    • Ilombo
    • Ombwiri
    • Ombudi
    • Loro
  • The ngombe (sacred harp)
  • Healing rituals involved in her tradition
  • Training to serve the wood
    • What does it involve?
    • How long does it take?

instructor-image

Tatayo

Instructor

About Instructor

Tatayo (“Fruit of the Wind”) first arrived in Gabon in 1971 at the age of 21 and became a Gabonese citizen. In 1979, he became the first white person to be initiated into the Bwiti Fang tradition in Gabon. In 1994, he was initiated into the Misokko tradition. As a guide for numerous expeditions and missions, including those of National Geographic, the BBC, and others, Tatayo is considered to have “opened the door” to westerners in Gabon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for start and finish dates/times. This course is currently being offered live and dates/times will change throughout the year.

€495

$249

Low income/Student discount

This course includes

  • Lectures 32
  • Duration 34 Hours
  • Skills All levels
  • Language English
  • Availability Always
  • Certificate CE
Molecules Course Image