Skip to main content
CHM422Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Natural Products Chemistry Ii

This course on Natural Products Chemistry aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of organic compounds produced by living organisms. It explores the chemical composition of plants, focusing on primary and secondary metabolites, and macromolecules. The course also covers the isolation, structure determination, and biosynthesis of natural products, emphasizing their importance in medicine and ecological roles. Students will gain insights into plant metabolism and the applications of natural products.

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Natural ProductsMetabolitesTerpenesAlkaloidsBiosynthesis

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
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Primary and Secondary Metabolites

2

Terpenoids and Steroids

3

Alkaloids

4

Polyketides and Fatty Acids

5

Phenylpropanoids

6

Isolation and Structure Determination

7

Biosynthesis of Natural Products

Total Topics7 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

CHM321

Organic Chemistry I

CHM322

💡 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)

Self-Assessment Exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

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

Phytochemical Analyst

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: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3h

Unit 1: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3 study hours
  • Read the introduction to understand the scope and objectives of natural products.
  • Differentiate between primary and secondary metabolites.
  • Understand the historical background and significance of natural products.
Week
2

Module 1: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3h

Unit 2: Terpenes

3 study hours
  • Define terpenes and terpenoids.
  • Study the isoprene rule and its application in terpene classification.
  • Learn about the isolation and properties of terpenes.
Week
3

Module 1: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3h

Unit 3: Alkaloids

3 study hours
  • Understand the occurrence, nomenclature, and isolation of alkaloids.
  • Study the chemical tests for alkaloids.
  • Learn about the classification of alkaloids based on their heterocyclic ring system.
Week
4

Module 2: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3h

Unit 1: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3 study hours
  • Study the general methods of extraction, including aqueous and organic-solvent extraction.
  • Understand the process of fractionation and its importance in isolating natural products.
  • Learn about different chromatographic techniques such as TLC, GC, and HPLC.
Week
5

Module 2: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3h

Unit 1: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3 study hours
  • Study the characterization of natural products using NMR, MS, IR, and UV-Vis techniques.
  • Understand the stages involved in structure elucidation.
  • Differentiate between isolation and characterization.
Week
6

Module 2: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3h

Unit 2: Biosynthesis

3 study hours
  • Understand the biosynthesis of some plant metabolites, including alkaloids, chlorophyll, and carotenoids.
  • Study the metabolic pathways of these compounds.
  • Learn about other natural products of pharmaceutical importance such as prostaglandins and antibiotics.
Week
7

Module 2: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3h

Unit 2: Biosynthesis

3 study hours
  • Continue studying the biosynthesis of plant metabolites.
  • Focus on the biosynthesis of vitamins and flavonoids.
  • Understand the role and importance of these compounds in plants and pharmaceuticals.
Week
8

Module 1: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3h

Unit 1: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3 study hours
  • Review the types of compounds found in plants, focusing on primary and secondary metabolites.
  • Practice distinguishing between different classes of natural products.
  • Prepare notes on the history and background of natural products.
Week
9

Module 1: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3h

Unit 2: Terpenes

3 study hours
  • Review the classification of terpenes and terpenoids.
  • Practice applying the isoprene rule to identify terpene structures.
  • Study examples of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes.
Week
10

Module 1: Types of Compounds Found in Plants

3h

Unit 3: Alkaloids

3 study hours
  • Review the properties and chemical tests for alkaloids.
  • Practice classifying alkaloids based on their heterocyclic ring system.
  • Study examples of pyrrolidine, piperidine, and quinoline alkaloids.
Week
11

Module 2: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3h

Unit 1: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3 study hours
  • Review the methods of extraction and fractionation of natural products.
  • Practice identifying appropriate solvents for different extraction methods.
  • Study examples of chromatographic techniques such as TLC and HPLC.
Week
12

Module 2: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3h

Unit 1: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3 study hours
  • Review the characterization techniques for natural products.
  • Practice interpreting spectroscopic data such as NMR and MS.
  • Study examples of structure elucidation of natural products.
Week
13

Module 2: Isolation and Structure Determination of Natural Products

3h

Unit 2: Biosynthesis

3 study hours
  • Review the biosynthetic pathways of plant metabolites.
  • Practice outlining the steps involved in chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis.
  • Study examples of alkaloids, vitamins, and flavonoids.

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 different classes of natural products (terpenes, alkaloids, etc.) to their biosynthetic pathways.

2

Practice interpreting spectroscopic data (NMR, MS, IR) to identify key functional groups and structural features of unknown compounds.

3

Focus on understanding the mechanisms of key reactions involved in the biosynthesis of major natural product classes.

4

Review the different extraction and fractionation techniques, focusing on the principles behind each method and their applications.

5

Solve practice problems involving structure elucidation of natural products using a combination of spectroscopic data and chemical reactions.

Related Courses

Other courses in Sciences that complement your learning