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BOTA0320-1

Introduction to pharmacognosis through botany, partim A: notions of systematics

[ version française ]

Duration :15h Th, 15h Pr
Credits/ECTS :
2nd "candidature" in pharmaceutical sciences3
Holder(s) :Vincent Demoulin
Course contents : 90 minutes are dedicated to algae (evolutionary aspects, practical importance of their mucilage and toxic blooms). This topic will be studied in depth during the 4th year of the degree.
90 minutes are dedicated to mushrooms: presentation of yeasts (tools in experimental biology and biotechnology), moulds (antibiotics and mycotoxins), pathogenic and toxic mushrooms. It is a short introduction to the biotechnological part of the course and the 4th year optional course.

90 minutes are dedicated to bryophyta and pteridophyta (origin and diversification of superior plants, toxic ferns).

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

The remainder of the course 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 which feature high concentrations of pharmacologically active compounds.
Course objective : 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 superior plants with pharmacological applications, because of their toxicity or therapeutic uses.
Prerequisites : 1st year biology concepts.
Workshops : The exercises allow the students to get acquainted with organography and anatomy in preparation of the 3rd year course. They also teach determination of flora and recognition of the main toxic plants regarding which the pharmacist may be queried.
Organization : Lectures (theory):
Wednesday from 8.45 to 12.00 pm - Ancien Institut de Botanique (MLE), rue Fusch, 3 - 4000 Liège (Rotonde classée, côté rue Courtois).

The first course takes place on the first Wednesday after the beginning of the 2nd semester.
1. Introduction. Algae.
2. Mushrooms.
3. Bryophyta and pteridophyta.
4. Gymnosperms.
5 to 10. Angiosperms.

Practical Exercises:
Wednesday from 2.00 to 4.00 pm - Ancien Institut de Botanique (MLE), rue Fusch, 3 - 4000 Liège (Rotonde classée, côté rue Courtois).

The first session takes place on the first Wednesday after the beginning of the 1st semester.

1. Stem anatomy.
2. Root and stem ending anatomy.
3. Leaf anatomy.
4. epiderms (spines and stomas) and testas, secretor system.
5. Fruits.
6. Determination with flora and visit of the medicinal plant garden.
7. Determination with flora and visit of the medicinal plant garden.
8. Determination with flora and visit of the medicinal plant garden.
Signing up for the exercises is done at the first session. Bring 7.5 euros and a photograph. Advice as to the acquisition of drawing materials and a magnifying glass will be provided during the course.
Written notes : Partial notes will be provided during the exercises.
It is essential to own a copy of Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du G.-D. de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines, by J. Lambinon and others., ed.5, 2004. Eléments d'organographie des Angiospermes, 1969, by J. Lambinon is useful.
These books can be bought during lab sessions (approx. 40 euros for the first book, approx. 3 euros for the second one).
The UD Botanique has several other interesting works, but they are not necessary for the course.
Assessment : Oral exam (1/2 of the final grade) and a two-part exam on the practical exercises: anatomy (1/6 of the final grade) and using flora (1/6 of the final grade). The grade average for essays and exercises during the year represents 1/6 of the final grade.
Contacts : On Wednesdays, rue Fusch 3. Other days at the Département de Botanique, B22 (P70), Sart Tilman.
V. Demoulin, Professeur ordinaire 04.366.38.53, e-mail: V.Demoulin@ulg.ac.be
G. Castillo, tutor 04.366.38.62, e-mail: G.Castillo@ulg.ac.be
R. Gago, technician 04/366.38.64
Remarks : * One or two tutoring positions for last year students.
* Possibility of a training course during the 4th year to study the recognition of toxic mushrooms (linked to the alogology and mycology optional course).
* Research possibility in collaboration with the Service de Pharmacognosie (Professeur Angenot). Please contact him first.




ULg : Students and Studies Administration - Academic Affairs
Contact : Monique Marcourt, direction A.E.E.
Date of data : 8/04/2005
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