Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
4 hours100% online
How it works
Natural Products: Harnessing Nature’s Resources for a Better World
Unleash the potential of bioactive natural products in a sustainable world
Living sustainably is personally rewarding and ensures that future generations can enjoy a healthy, thriving planet.
On this course, you’ll discover how bioactive natural products can transform your approach to health, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
Explore how these natural compounds, found in everything from food to cosmetics, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting a circular bio-economy.
Explore the impact of natural products on sustainability
By diving into the world of natural product development, you’ll understand the importance of biodiversity and how it contributes to the production of these valuable resources.
You’ll gain insights into how the circular economy and sustainable living practices can be supported by natural materials, leading to healthier ecosystems and reduced environmental impact.
Develop skills for a circular bio-economy
You’ll explore the opportunities and challenges of bioactive natural products in a circular bio-economy, learning how to leverage these resources for sustainable growth.
You’ll be guided through the biological effects of natural products, helping you appreciate their role in promoting ecosystem health and resilience.
Contribute to a sustainable future
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions about the use of bioactive natural products in your personal and professional life.
You’ll recognise the potential of these natural compounds to drive sustainability and support the transition to a more circular economy.
With a focus on the interdependency of natural products, climate, and biodiversity, you’ll be ready to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Syllabus
Week 1
Bioactivity in Natural Products
Introduction to Week 1
Welcome to this course on natural products.
Bioactive Natural Products in Food and Medicine
We will explore the sources of natural products as well as bioactivity in food and medicine.
Bioactive Natural Products in Cosmetics, Biotechnology, Agriculture and Environmental Management
We will describe the role of bioactivity in cosmetics as well as the management of land and animals.
Reflecting on Week 1
We will reflect on what we have learned over the first week of the course.
Week 2
Natural Products: Opportunities and Challenges
Introduction to Week 2
We will introduce the topics to be discussed in Week 2.
Natural Product Knowledge Informing Development
We will look at how deepening knowledge of the science behind natural products can lead to innovations in the development of new products.
Challenges in Natural Source-based Product Development
We will examine the challenges that may arise when developing natural source-based products.
Week 2 Reflections
We will reflect back on what we have explored over the course of Week 2.
Week 3
Natural Products and Sustainable Development
Introduction to Week 3
We will introduce the topics that we will be exploring over the course of Week 3.
Natural Products and Sustainability
We will explore how natural products interconnect with sustainable development frameworks such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Natural products and the Bioeconomy
We will explain the concept of the bioeconomy and the role played by natural products.
Reflecting on Week 3
We will look back and review what we have learned over the course of Week 3.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe how nature provides us with an abundance of compounds and products that provide us with useful biological effects
- Explore the importance of healthy, biodiverse ecosystems for natural product production, applications and future discoveries
- Discuss the consideration of natural products as part of a circular economy
- Explore the pursuit of opportunities to introduce sustainability in the use and production of natural products
- Explain the potential mutual benefits of refinements and developments in natural products to well-being, the environment and the economy
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for individuals interested in natural product development and sustainable living.
Whether you’re new to bioactive compounds or work in natural product production, no prior knowledge is needed—just a passion for sustainability and the circular economy.
Who will you learn with?
Maria is a research pharmacist and Head of Science at NatPro in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Trinity College Dublin.
Helen is adjunct Professor and Fellow Emeritus at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, TCD. She Academic Founder and Director of NatPro, the TCD Centre for Natural Product Research.
Fabio is an Associate Professor in Pharmacognosy, Assoc. Academic Director of NatPro and Director of Global Engagement in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Trinity College Dublin.
Gaia is a health science professional with experience in industry and academia. She is the Executive Director at NatPro in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Trinity College Dublin.
John is an Associate Professor in Pharmacognosy and Associate Director of the NatPro Centre in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Trinity College Dublin.
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
---|---|---|---|
Choose the best way to learn for you! | $54/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 4 Mar 2025 |
Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 4 Mar 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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