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SL52134: Research topics in natural products

[Page last updated: 15 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EXOB 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EXOB 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this Unit the student should be able to: Evaluate critically the topics covered and be able to discuss, with appropriate examples, the scope and limitations of natural products as chemical and biological leads in drug discovery and as pharmacological tools. Evaluate the role of higher plants and animals in the causation of disease. Interpret modern spectroscopic data in elucidation of the chemical structures of simple natural products.


Synopsis: In this unit you will explore current areas of research interest in the field of biologically active natural products and their derivatives, and how these impact the Pharmaceutical Sciences. You will evaluate critically the scope and limitations of natural products in drug discovery and will analyse spectroscopic data to determine the chemical structures of simple natural products.

Content: Selected topics based on the research interests of several members of staff, such as: poisonous and/or psychotropic plants. animal toxins and venoms. natural anti-oxidants. natural anticancer agents. diterpenoids of diverse structures and biological activity. modern techniques of structure elucidation.

Course availability:

SL52134 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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