Module Details

Module Code: CHEA7002
Title: Chemistry of essential oils
Long Title: Chemistry of essential oils
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2010/11 ( February 2011 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4218 - Biotechnology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module aims at introducing students to the molecular structure, extraction and chemical analysis of essential oils from plant biomasses. Applications of essential oils into therapeutic preparations will be described
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 recognise the molecular structure of essential oils components.
LO2 describe metabolic steps and regulation of the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds
LO3 identify plants containing therapeutically active aromatic compounds
LO4 apply techniques of extraction, purification and characterisation of essential oils
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
Molecular structures
Description of chemical nature of components of essential oils. Molecular struture, functional groups and implications on the chemistry of the oils.
Terpens metabolism
Detailed review of the metabolic biosynthetic pathway of terpens and of its regulation. Taxonomic distribution and organ specific expression of terpens metabolism
Method of extraction, purification and characterisation
Comprehensive description and practical application of methods routinely used in essential oils chemistry
Therapeutic preparations
Uses of essential oils in herbal preparations. Principles of emulsions: oil in water, water in oils and complexes emulsions systems. Role of emulsifiers and stabilisers
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
monograph of an essential oil.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Method used in essential oils chemistry
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
Lab report
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact No Description Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • S. L. Price. (1995), Aromatherapy for Health Professionals., Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. [ISBN: 9780443101342].
  • M. Lavabre. (1990), Aromatherapy Workbook, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VE. USA, [ISBN: 0892816449].
  • Tisserand and Balacs. (1995), Essential Oil Safety, Churchill Livingstone. [ISBN: 0443052603].
  • Sue Clarke; foreword by Robert Tisserand. (2002), Essential chemistry for safe aromatherapy, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, [ISBN: 0443064857].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Dr. Andreas Herrmann. (2010), The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles, Wiley, [ISBN: 978-0470777787].
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