Login Create Account

Back to Course Catalog

CHM318Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Natural Product Chemistry I

This course provides a foundational understanding of natural product chemistry. It explores the nature, types, and chemical properties of natural products, including terpenes, steroids, and alkaloids. The course covers biosynthesis, classification, extraction, and applications of these compounds. Students will learn about the importance of natural products in various fields and their biological activities.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

75h

Study Time

13

Weeks

6h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

TerpenesSteroidsAlkaloidsBiosynthesisExtraction

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Terpenes: Biosynthesis and Classification

2

Steroids: Nature and Synthesis

3

Alkaloids: Properties and Extraction

4

Mevalonic Acid Pathway

5

Non-Mevalonate Pathway

6

Steroidogenesis

7

Applications of Natural Products in Medicine

Total Topics7 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Organic Chemistry

Introductory Biology

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Pharmaceutical Chemist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Natural Product Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Quality Control Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Drug Discovery Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Medicinal Chemist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Pharmaceutical IndustryCosmetics IndustryFood and Beverage IndustryAgricultural IndustryResearch and Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Terpenes

2h

Unit 1: Biosynthesis of Terpenes

2 study hours

•Define terpenes and terpenoids.
•Understand the history behind terpenes.
•Describe the biosynthesis of terpenes, including the mevalonic acid and MEP/DOXP pathways.
•State the form in which terpenes occur naturally.

Week

2

Module 1: Terpenes

2h

Unit 2: Classification of Terpenes

2 study hours

•Understand the various classes of terpenes.
•Know the distinguishing features of all classes of terpenes.
•Give examples of each class of terpenes, including acyclic, monocyclic, and bicyclic monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterpenes, and triterpenes.

Week

3

Module 2: Steroids

3h

Unit 1: Nature of Steroids

3 study hours

•Describe the structure of a steroid, including the four fused rings.
•Give various categories of steroids, such as animal steroids, plant steroids, and fungus steroids.
•Discuss the biosynthesis of steroids, including steroid synthesis and steroidogenesis.
•Understand the metabolism of steroids.

Week

4

Module 3: Alkaloids

3h

Unit 1: Nature of Alkaloids

3 study hours

•Know what alkaloids are and their basic structure.
•Understand the properties of alkaloids, including their solubility and basicity.
•Know modes of extraction of alkaloids from natural sources.
•Comprehend the applications of alkaloids in human endeavor, including medicine and agriculture.

Week

5

Module 3: Alkaloids

3h

Unit 2: Classification of Alkaloids

3 study hours

•Understand the diversity of alkaloids.
•Know the major classes of alkaloids, including true alkaloids, protoalkaloids, polyamine alkaloids, peptide alkaloids, and pseudoalkaloids.
•Give examples of alkaloids in each group.
•Understand the classification based on nitrogen heterocycles.

Week

6

Module 1: Terpenes

4h

Unit 1: Biosynthesis of Terpenes

2 study hours

•Review the biosynthesis of terpenes, focusing on the mevalonic acid and MEP/DOXP pathways.
•Practice identifying different types of terpenes based on their structures.
•Discuss the importance of terpenes in various biological processes.

Unit 2: Classification of Terpenes

2 study hours

•Review the classification of terpenes, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes.
•Identify examples of each class of terpenes and their distinguishing features.
•Discuss the applications of terpenes in essential oils and other products.

Week

7

Module 2: Steroids

4h

Unit 1: Nature of Steroids

4 study hours

•Review the structure of steroids, including the four fused rings and functional groups.
•Discuss the different categories of steroids, such as cholesterol, sex hormones, and corticosteroids.
•Understand the biosynthesis of steroids from lanosterol and cycloartenol.

Week

8

Module 3: Alkaloids

6h

Unit 1: Nature of Alkaloids

3 study hours

•Review the definition of alkaloids and their basic nitrogen-containing structure.
•Discuss the properties of alkaloids, including their basicity and solubility.
•Understand the extraction methods for alkaloids from plant materials.

Unit 2: Classification of Alkaloids

3 study hours

•Review the classification of alkaloids based on their chemical structure and biogenetic origin.
•Identify the major classes of alkaloids, including pyrrolidine, tropane, and pyridine derivatives.
•Discuss the applications of alkaloids in medicine, agriculture, and as psychoactive drugs.

Week

9

Module 1: Terpenes

4h

Unit 1: Biosynthesis of Terpenes

4 study hours

•Practice problems on terpene biosynthesis pathways.
•Work through examples of terpene classification and structural identification.
•Prepare a summary of the importance of terpenes in plant physiology.

Week

10

Module 2: Steroids

4h

Unit 1: Nature of Steroids

4 study hours

•Analyze case studies involving the role of steroids in hormonal regulation.
•Compare and contrast different types of steroids and their functions.
•Prepare a presentation on the medical applications of steroids.

Week

11

Module 3: Alkaloids

4h

Unit 1: Nature of Alkaloids

4 study hours

•Research and present on the extraction and purification of alkaloids from natural sources.
•Discuss the biological roles of alkaloids in plants and their ecological significance.
•Prepare a report on the use of alkaloids as pharmaceuticals and psychoactive substances.

Week

12

Module 1: Terpenes

12h

Unit 1: Biosynthesis of Terpenes

6 study hours

•Review all course materials.
•Focus on key concepts and definitions.
•Prepare for the final examination.

Unit 2: Classification of Terpenes

6 study hours

•Review all course materials.
•Focus on key concepts and definitions.
•Prepare for the final examination.

Week

13

Module 2: Steroids

12h

Unit 1: Nature of Steroids

6 study hours

•Review all course materials.
•Focus on key concepts and definitions.
•Prepare for the final examination.

Unit 1: Nature of Alkaloids

6 study hours

•Review all course materials.
•Focus on key concepts and definitions.
•Prepare for the final examination.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed concept maps linking the biosynthesis pathways of terpenes, steroids, and alkaloids.

2

Practice drawing the structures of key natural products and their derivatives.

3

Review the different extraction methods for alkaloids and their underlying principles.

4

Focus on understanding the structure-activity relationships of natural products in medicine.

5

Solve practice problems related to the classification and identification of terpenes, steroids, and alkaloids.

6

Memorize key reactions and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of natural products.

7

Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments.

Related Courses

Other courses in Sciences that complement your learning

Physical Chemistry Iii

Colour Chemistry And Technology

Software Engineering

View All Sciences Courses