• Trinity College Dublin
  • IKC3 Logo
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Natural Products: Harnessing Nature’s Resources for a Better World

Discover the power of bioactive natural products, learn sustainable practices, and explore their role in the circular bio-economy.

Earth with forests growing on the left side

Natural Products: Harnessing Nature’s Resources for a Better World

  • 3 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

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.

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Bioactivity in Natural Products

    • Forest with sky above

      Introduction to Week 1

      Welcome to this course on natural products.

    • Woman shopping at pharmacy

      Bioactive Natural Products in Food and Medicine

      We will explore the sources of natural products as well as bioactivity in food and medicine.

    • Cows in field with mountains in the background

      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.

    • Green tea plants

      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

    • Snow-covered field

      Introduction to Week 2

      We will introduce the topics to be discussed in Week 2.

    • Scientist looking through microscope

      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.

    • School of barracuda swimming in ocean

      Challenges in Natural Source-based Product Development

      We will examine the challenges that may arise when developing natural source-based products.

    • People having a meeting around a desk

      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

    • Latin woman harvests green beans in a field in Latin America

      Introduction to Week 3

      We will introduce the topics that we will be exploring over the course of Week 3.

    • Two African toddlers playing with the water that flows from a rural faucet on the outskirts of their village

      Natural Products and Sustainability

      We will explore how natural products interconnect with sustainable development frameworks such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

    • Biogas tanks on a biogas plant

      Natural products and the Bioeconomy

      We will explain the concept of the bioeconomy and the role played by natural products.

    • Footprints in the sand on a beach

      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 Pigott

Maria is a research pharmacist and Head of Science at NatPro in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Trinity College Dublin.

Helen Sheridan

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 Boylan

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 Scalabrino

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 Walsh

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.

Who developed the course?

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s highest ranked university. It promotes a diverse, interdisciplinary environment to nurture ground-breaking research, innovation, and creativity.

IKC3 Logo

IKC3

IKC3, Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate and Community Action, providing education for the transition to a low carbon economy.

NatPro Logo

NatPro

NatPro, the Trinity Centre for Natural Products Research based at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Trinity College Dublin.

Endorsers and supporters

funded by

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funded by

Higher Education Authority Logo

funded by

Human Capital Initiative Logo

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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.

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