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Open Classroom – Scent and Sensibility:

The Ultimate Power of Smell In-Person

How important is our sense of smell in today’s world?

As our oldest sensory system, smell once played a critical, life-saving role—helping humans detect dangers such as fire or spoiled food. With modern advancements, however, our dependence on smell has diminished, making it easy to overlook—until it is lost. Despite this perception, the olfactory system remains essential. It contributes significantly to how we experience taste, shapes our sense of comfort in environments (from our homes to our clothes), and influences how we present ourselves to others through hygiene and fragrance. This presentation will begin with an overview of the olfactory system and how we perceive different smells. It will then introduce several causes of smell loss or distortion and discuss recovery methods, including smell training. Smell training is a structured, evidence-based approach in which individuals repeatedly expose themselves to a set of distinct scents (commonly floral, fruity, spicy, and resinous) over time. A mini-smell training will also be provided for attendees. The focus will then shift to perfumes; their composition, their effects on memory, mood, and physiology (such as heart rate). Key concepts such as fragrance layers (top, middle, and base notes), fragrance families and commonly used materials will also be explored. Guidance will be provided on how to evaluate and select a new perfume.

This series is a collaboration between the Farquhar Honors Program and the Alvin Sherman Library.   Each lecture highlights pressing topics from today's headlines, providing in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives. Tailored for undergraduates and lifelong learners, these lectures foster critical thinking and informed discussions on current events shaping our world.

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