Medicinal and Value-Added Uses of Plants: A Biochemical and Multicultural Perspective

H480/ H580

Human civilization is impossible to conceive of without plants. Through photosynthesis and oxygen production, plants are the major producers of biomass and constitute the base of the food pyramid. Plants also have an astounding diversity of form, size, shape, color, and smell, mediated by chemical and biochemical processes. This structural and chemical diversity has been put to innumerable uses by people, from hunter gatherers to scientists in search of a cure for cancer.

Medicinal and Value-Added Uses of Plants is a 3-credit course offered at the 400/500 level, and is designed to provide an in-depth interdisciplinary overview as well as a broad long-term perspective on the value-added uses of plants. Readings will include current scientific resaerch papers, traditional textbook material, and various popular books, including selections from Jared Diamond's Pulitzer Prize--winning Guns, Germs, and Steel. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the chemical diversity of medicinal compounds in plants, and their effect on humans as well as their biological role in the plant. More than a conventional lecture class, this interdisciplinary course is supplemented with lively discussions, demonstrations, field trips, and an option international internship immediately following final exams. This course is designed to demonstrate the importance of medicinal and value-added plants in our society through active student participation.

Prerequisites: Biology/ Botany (BY 103, BZ 120 or BZ CC120) and Chemistry (CCC 107, CCC 108, CCC 111, CCC113, or BC 351)