A study of medicinal plants of Hawai‘i, their characteristics, plant extraction, isolation and identification of their chemical constituents for possible uses in pharmaceuticals or in their natural state, and bioproduct manufacturing. This course is designed to train students for careers in plant and medical biotechnology. Lecture and laboratory/fieldtrip course.
Recommended Preparation
High school biology, chemistry and math.
Prerequisites
Credit for or registration in any of these courses: BOT 101, BOT 105, BOT 130, MICR 130, MICR 140, BIOL 172/172L, CHEM 152/152L or consent of instructor.
Course Outcomes
- Discuss theories and principles in the study of medicinal and nutritious plants.
- Discuss ethics, intellectual property rights and conservation of traditional knowledge.
- Perform Laboratory activities: plant extraction, distillation, bioassay tests, analysis of chemical constituents for possible uses in pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical products.
- Produce lab reports using the standard scientific format.