The following curriculum is required for master's degree-seeking students only.
Pharmacognosy
Pharmacognosy is the study of natural product compounds that have been used for their medicinal, ecological, chemical and other uses. Concepts in this course will include but are not limited to understanding the source of natural products from the different kingdoms including plants, fungi, bacteria and marine organisms. This course will discuss the scientific disciplines that Pharmacognosy unifies such as Social Sciences as Ethnobotany; Chemistry and Pharmacology such as drug discovery, medicinal properties of natural products; Clinical Pharmacy, Medicine and Toxicology such as bioactivity; and Molecular Biology and Genetics such as the genetic manipulation of organisms and Microorganisms.
Plant Biochemistry
Understanding the fundamentals of molecular mechanisms, genetics and physiology among the plant world. Concepts will include but are not limited to understanding plant biological functions (photosynthesis, energy production), and applications of specialized (secondary) plant metabolites. Exploration of plant derived vitamins, minerals, hormones and their influences in food and animal health.
Natural Products Seminar I
The main objective of this seminar series is to illustrate the past, present, and future of Natural Products Sciences and Research (NPSR). This task will be accomplished by combining weekly readings of milestone scientific papers, as well as inviting known scientists in this area of research for seminars and discussion on the recent development of natural products and drug discovery. This seminar series is designed to educate and disseminating the knowledge of NPSR. This series will include, but is not limited to the following areas of interest: Chemistry of Bioactive Natural Products, Medicinal Chemistry, and/or Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy.
Natural Products Seminar II
The main objective of this seminar series is to illustrate the past, present, and future of Natural Products Sciences and Research (NPSR). This task will be accomplished by combining weekly readings of milestone scientific papers, as well as inviting known scientists in this area of research for seminars and discussion on the recent development of natural products and drug discovery. This seminar series is designed to educate and disseminating the knowledge of NPSR. This series will include, but is not limited to the following areas of interest: Chemistry of Bioactive Natural Products, Medicinal Chemistry, and/or Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy.
Natural Products Seminar III
The main objective of this seminar series is to illustrate the past, present, and future of Natural Products Sciences and Research (NPSR). This task will be accomplished by combining weekly readings of milestone scientific papers, as well as inviting known scientists in this area of research for seminars and discussion on the recent development of natural products and drug discovery. This seminar series is designed to educate and disseminating the knowledge of NPSR. This series will include, but is not limited to the following areas of interest: Chemistry of Bioactive Natural Products, Medicinal Chemistry, and/or Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy.
*Please Note: In addition to the core curriculum, students will be required to complete coursework from their concentration and choose at least 2 courses 9-credits from the following programs or other approved CUW courses:
Toxic Natural Products
Natural products have great medicinal, spiritual, and cultural value; however, the natural defense systems of many plants, animals, and fungi have strong central and peripheral toxic effects that can cause great harm to those that threaten them. The misconception that “natural equals safe” has been responsible for countless instances of illness and death for centuries and continues to this day. In this course, we will examine the mechanisms that different organisms use to protect themselves from harm. We will discuss the ways in which organisms cause damage to various organ systems, highlight some key examples of organisms that contaminate products, and determine strategies for overcoming those toxicities.
A Historical Perspective on Natural Products in the Marketplace
The progression of natural products from traditional medicine sources to drug identification to commercialization is presented. Both successful and unsuccessful examples are presented, along with principles of product development.
Natural Products from Microorganisms: Bacteria, Fungi, Algae
The microbiome has been a rich source of biotherapeutic products, and presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to exploit. Discovery, identification, and production techniques are discussed.
Research Design, Methods, and Ethics
The course will introduce graduate students to the processes involved in research design. This class will introduce the approach to generating a research question, conducting scientific inquiry (i.e. Literature Review), choosing a research design methodology that adequately addresses the research question, data collection and management methods, sound approaches to optimize the reproducibility of research and reporting relevant to basic pharmaceutical sciences, social/behavioral, and health services research. We will also discuss the purpose of review bodies such as IRB and IACUC. Lastly, we will discuss guiding principles of conducting ethical research. At the end of the course, each student should develop a research proposal that must be approved by a faculty mentor and evaluated by the course coordinators.
