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Courses
PLSOILIN
280 Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants (3 credits) (Spring)
Introduction to the growth, culture, and science related to the production
and use of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. Emphasis on plants used in
the home with discussions on bioactivity of plant extracts. Laboratory
practice in seeding, growing, oil extraction, and utilization of these
plants. Examinations, project and identification of selected herbs.
Lecture, lab. Lyle Craker
PLSOILIN 297B -
Traditional Herbal Medicine Systems Part I(1 credit) (Fall)
The botanical wisdom accumulated by indigenous
people has provided humankind with herbal drugs used in human healthcare
for thousands of years. Systems of
herbal medicine have evolved around the world, many with overlapping
medical practices and theories of health and disease. In this course, we will study the history
and practices of traditional medicine systems from around the world
including traditions from Africa, South America,
China, India, and North
America. To better
understand how and why certain medicinal plants are used in healthcare, we
will study medicinal plant chemistry, plant taxonomy, and plant
geography. Lecture. No prerequisite. Nazim Mamedov
PLSOILIN 297C -
Traditional Herbal Medicine Systems Part II (1 credit) (Spring)
An examination of indigenous medical
systems in the world to understand the choices of herbal medicines used by
traditional healers and the similarities and differences in the approach of
treatments. Discussions on herbal
medicines used in various societies in the fight against afflictions such
as diabetes, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders. An assessment on medicinal plants that
possess antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and immune enhancing activity. A look at herbal medicines used around
the world for improving men’s and women’s health. Lecture.
No prerequisite (Part I of this course is not necessary for
understanding Part II). Nazim Mamedov
PLSOILIN 297J Clinical Herbalism:
Part II (1 credit) (Fall)
PLSOILIN 297K Clinical Herbalism:
Part II (1 credit) (Spring)
Taught by a practicing clinical
herbalist, these courses will cover the traditional understandings of human
physiology, health, and sickness, according to Western, Native American,
and Chinese health philosophies. We
will discuss how herbal medicine can be used to maintain or restore health
and balance within the context of the different health philosophies. The courses will include a survey of
commonly used medicinal plants, understanding the chemistry of the plants
and the actions of the plants in human systems. A major focus of the courses will be the
appropriate preparation and applications of different types of medicinal
plant extracts. Lecture. No
prerequisites (Parts I and II of this course can be taken independent of
each other). Chris Marano
PLSOILIN
397A Ethnobotany I: The Shaman’s Pharmacy
(1 credit) (Fall)
Explore traditional, plant-derived medicines among various world cultures,
backed by first-hand knowledge from field research. Learn about beneficial
compounds in plants, and medicinal plant preparation. In The Shaman’s
Pharmacy, you’ll see, touch, smell, and taste herbal potions.
You’ll view extraordinary slides from the Amazon, India, China, and other cultures, and
learn about environmental preservation, shamans, medicine men and women,
and nature’s bounty of beneficial plants. Lecture. Chris Kilham
Independent study in Medicinal Plants (1-5 credits)
PLSOILIN 396,
396H, 496 or PLNTSOIL 596
Students
interested in the agricultural production, medicinal utilization, or social
aspects of medicinal plants are encouraged to consider an independent study
project. Students may pursue their
own research interests or study under the guidance of a researcher in the
Medicinal Plant Program. Lyle Craker
Courses of interest in the Department of Plant, Soil & Insect
Sciences
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PLSOILIN 102
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Intro Botany
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4 credits
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PLSOILIN 120
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Organic Farming and Gardening
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3 credits
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PLSOILIN 265
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Sustainable Agriculture
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3 credits
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Courses of interest in other Departments
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ANTHRO 312
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Medical Anthropology
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3 credits
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BIOCHEM 205
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Intro to Biochemistry
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3 credits
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BIOLOGY 103
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Plant Biology
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4 credits
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BIOLOGY 426
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New England Flora
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3 credits
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CHEM 110
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General Chemistry
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4 credits
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CHEM 261
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Organic Chemistry
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3 credits
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EXERSCI 200
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Human Anatomy
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3 credits
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EXERSCI 205
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Human Physiology
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3 credits
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FOODSCI 101
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Food and Health
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3 credits
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FOODSCI 102
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World Food Habits
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3 credits
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FOODSCI 120
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Food Preservation - Why & How
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3 credits
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FOODSCI 150
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The Science of Food
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3 credits
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FOODSCI 190A
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The Nature of Food
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3 credits
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MICROBIO 160
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Biology of Cancer & Aids
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3 credits
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MICROBIO 520
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Mycology
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4 credits
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Students are encouraged to review the course catalogs of Hampshire College,
Smith College,
Amherst College,
and Mt. Holyoke College
for related courses. The Five College Course Catalog can be found here.
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