Module Details

Module Code: CHEO8002
Title: Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry
Long Title: Pharmacognosy and Phytochemist
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The main aim of this module is to investigate therapeutic functions and interaction of plant chemicals and the metabolic pathway leading to their biosynthesis. Plant constituents organised into chemical groups and functions will be described with examples derived from medicinal plants with outline of their properties and activity.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Recognise molecular structures of main classes of phytochemicals and of their derivatives
LO2 Explain metabolic pathways leading to biosynthesis of various classes of natural products.
LO3 Perform extraction and characterisation of main phytochemicals
LO4 Discuss the therapeutic actions of main classes of phytochemical and their interactions with other herbs or drugs.
LO5 Critically evaluate the use of plant and plant products as medicinal agents
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Classes of Phytochemicals
Description of main class of phytochemicals and of their derivatives. Molecular structures and functional groups. Their main medicinal properties.
Plant secondary metabolism
detail of secondary biosynthetic pathways, their regulation, interdependances and links to the primary metabolism. Chemotaxonomical considerations.
Therapeutic applications and quality of herbal drugs
therapeutic actions of main classes of phytochemical and their interactions with other herbs or drugs. Adulteration and risk associated with product loss of quality.
Methods of phytochemistry
Extraction of plant material. Fractioning, separation and isolation of phytochemicals. Characterisation of natural compounds.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Poster on description of a class of phytochemcial with therapeutic applications and adverses effects
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Experimental laboratory work and interpretation of data
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Practical Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact self learning work Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Heinrich, M. et al. (2004), Fundamentals of pharmacognosy and phytotherapy, Churchill Livingstone, [ISBN: 0443071322].
  • William Charles Evans ,. (2009), Trease and Evans' Pharmacognosy, [ISBN: 9780702029332].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Anne E. Osbourn (Editor), Virginia Lanzotti (Editor). (2009), Plant-derived Natural Products, [ISBN: ISBN:0387854975].
  • John T Amason. (2013), Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plants, Springer, [ISBN: 978-148991780].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SHERB_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Herbal Science 6 Mandatory