| Module code | BOT 365 |
| Qualification | Undergraduate |
| Faculty | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
| Module content | The module will include a review on the discovery and use of plant medicines and phyto-therapeutically important molecules obtained from plants. Certain aspects of natural product chemistry i.e. the biosynthesis, ecological role and toxicity of the three main classes of secondary compounds; terpenoids, phenolics, and alkaloids are discussed. An introduction to the principles and applications of metabolomics are presented. The role of these natural products in defence against microorganisms and herbivores is reviewed during the module. The basics of alternative medicines such as homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture etc. are also discussed. Practical sessions on drug discovery approaches using chromatographic techniques for phytochemical analysis of secondary metabolites such as tannins, alkaloids, sterols and saponins are conducted. Bioassays on micro-organisms are also done during the practical sessions in order to develop the skills for the potential discovery of new antibiotics. Visits to several pharmaceutical laboratories are arranged. |
| Module credits | 18.00 |
| Programmes | |
| Service modules | Faculty of Education |
| Prerequisites | BOT 161 or TDH |
| Contact time | 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week |
| Language of tuition | English |
| Academic organisation | Plant and Soil Sciences |
| Period of presentation | Semester 2 |
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