LAS1033 - Herbal Science: From Field to Consumer

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 1

4 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Evening

This Unit gives an insight of how herbs occur in the environment (wild or cultivated), how these are treated to prepare valuable products and then how these are used as medicines, food supplements and cosmetics. With an increase in media sources, the distinction between these three categories is becoming more and more complicated. The Unit will tackle the historical, legal and scientific aspects of herb use. The botanical characterisation of plants and plant parts, the phytochemicals that are stored and potential effects will be discussed.

Method of Assessment

Assessment Component/s

Weighting

Assignment

100%

Main Reading List

Heinrich M. et al. Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy; Churchill Livingstone, 2004. 309 p. 0-443-07132-2.
Lecture notes.

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This micro-credential is offered as part of the programme for the Liberal Arts and Sciences and will only be offered subject to a minimum number of applications received. More information can be found on the PLAS website.

Information for International applicants

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Study-unit Aims

This Unit aims at helping students develop essential skills to understand and identify essential information on a herbal product and judge whether the product is safe or not. The student will recognise the importance of collecting or cultivating the right herb, using the right means and understanding the value of the finished product. This not simply an appreciation Unit, but a unit that combines the sociological and economic aspects to the science of herb use.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to:

Understand the origins (history) of herbal use; food, medicine and cosmetic uses in particular;
Name and describe the main families of the Plant Kingdom in particular Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Fabacaea, Lilaceae, Cucurbitacae amongst others;
Identify the different plant parts of a plant and understand how these contribute to the preparation of herbal products;
Distinguish between substances that are produced via primary and secondary metabolism;
Compare and contrast metabolites falling under different phytochemical classes. This will be explained in simple terms;
Distinguish between in vivo (cultivation) and in vitro (micropropagation) practices for typical plants;
Distinguish between in situ and ex situ conservation and recognize the importance of herbaria;
Understand different forms of alternative therapies that are significantly practised within Europe and Asian countries.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the Unit the student will be able to:

Apply the principles of ethnobotany;
Identify plants and plant parts, and describe their macroscopic characteristics;
Classify any simple compound as a primary or secondary metabolite;
Devise a rational understanding of ways plants can enhance their metabolite activity;
Plan and organise a herb garden for demonstration purposes and map a herb biotope in nature;
Provide a reasonable explanation of the different forms of therapy with herbal products.

Non EU Applicants:

EUR180

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Micro-credentials offer the possibility of providing flexible learning pathways to respond to evolving needs and new developments, thus enabling students to tailor their studies to their needs. Micro-credentials may be combined or transferred into larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees, provided that the relevant programme requirements are met. Applicants wishing to transfer micro-credentials to a programme of study are encouraged to seek the advice of the relevant academic entity.

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