2023-2024 / BOTA0320-1

Botanical introduction to pharmacognosy

Duration

15h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

 Bachelor in pharmacy3 crédits 

Lecturer

Gabriel Castillo Cabello

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

2 h are dedicated to algae (evolutionary aspects, practical importance of their mucilage and toxic blooms).

90 minutes are dedicated to Bryophyta and Pteridophyta (origin and diversification of higher plants, toxic ferns).

90 minutes are dedicated to Gymnosperms and to the origin of wood and seeds.

The remainder of the course (10h) is dedicated to the Angiosperms with a short introduction to their morphology and anatomy (mainly during the practical exercises), followed by the presentation of the main families, with a focus on those whith plants presenting high concentrations of pharmacologically active compounds.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course prepares students for the 3rd year pharmacognosy course by introducing them to the principal characteristics of the vegetal world and by presenting the scientifically and economically essential groups. The focus is on the higher plants relevant for the pharmacist, because of their toxicity or therapeutic use. It should be noted that fungi will be presented in the part B of the course.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

1st year biology concepts.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The exercises allow the students to get acquainted with organography and anatomy in preparation of the 3rd year course. They also teach determination with a flora and recognition of the main toxic plants regarding which the pharmacist may be queried.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Lectures (theory):
1. Introduction. Algae.
2. End of algae, beginning of Bryophytes.
3. Bryophytes and Pteridophytes, origin of Gymnosperms.
4. Gymnosperms, origin of Angiosperms.
5 to 10. Angiosperms.

Practical Exercises:
1. Stem anatomy.
2. Root and stem (end) anatomy.
3. Leaf anatomy.
4. Epiderms (hairs and stomates) and secretory system.
5. Fruits.
6. Determination with the flora
7. Determination with the flora



Advice as to the acquisition of drawing materials and a hand lens will be provided during the course.

Adaptation of educational commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic according to the color code.

- Theoretical course will be given face-to-face if the allocated room allows the preventive measures imposed by the color code in force to be met. Otherwise, the course will be given as a podcast on myUliège and I will be available to answer your questions by email (g.castillo@uliege.be) during the time slots provided for the courses. 

- For practical course no manipulations will be possible. Introductions to practical courses will be given in person if the preventive measures imposed by the color code in force. Otherwise, podcasts on myUliège will be available.

Recommended or required readings

Notes are available on e-campus.
It is essential to own a copy of Flore écologique de Belgique, by Jacquemart & Descamps, . Edition érasme, UCLouvain et Jardin botanique de Meise is useful.

The information for the acquisition of one of these book will be given during lab sessions.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )


Additional information:

The written exam counts for 90% of the final grade. The evaluation includes the material from the theoretical course and that from the practical work. The average of the year's work accounts for 10% of the final rating. 

 

In the event of a second session, the written evaluation counts for 100% of the final mark


 

Adaptation of educational commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic according to the color code.



Knowledge required


- PPT and course notes on ecampus, and podcasts on muUliège. The theoretical introduction of the practical course on fruits.

- No questions about the practical sessions on plant anatomy.

Evaluation


The student will have to answer a QCM of 30 questions

Exam time: 30 minutes

To succeed, you need a minimum of 10/20

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

* One or two tutoring positions for last year students.

Contacts

Institut de Zoologie (bat : I1), quai Van Beneden. 4020 Liège. G. Castillo, Lecturer, 04.366.50.05, e-mail: G.Castillo@ulg.ac.be

Association of one or more MOOCs