about Natural Products an Alternative Medicine Department

Introduction

The department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine is engaged in the study of natural products of plant, marine, animal and microbial origins used in medicine and pharmacy.
The department focuses on the production, classification, chemistry study, biological actions and uses of natural product as well as their derivatives and improvement the microbial production of bioactive agents through physiological optimization and genetic manipulation.
The department deals with the latest developments in the area of evidence-based herbal medicine as one of the different domains of alternative medicine. Moreover, the department introduces and implements advanced research topics aimed to drug discovery from natural resources.
The department of Natural Products is engaged in the study of natural products of plant and animal origin and their use in medicine and pharmacy. The department is interested in the production, classification, chemistry, biological actions and uses of natural product as well as their derivatives. It also covers the different aspects of complementary and alternative medicine. The department deals with the latest developments in the area of evidence-based herbal medicine as one of the different domains of alternative medicine. Also, the department is interested in the study of pharmaceutical microbiology, immunology, genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Natural Products is to serve the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the world through discovery, learning and engagement that integrates the basic knowledge in the field of natural products, particularly medicinal plants and their derivatives for the improvement of human health. It also advances pharmaceutical science in the fields of natural products by performing drug-related research through evidence-based herbal medicine.
The department works alongside the other departments of the faculty in order to provide graduates capable of working with the other members of the health team in order to afford distinguished medical services, taking advantage of the tremendous knowledge in the field of medicinal plants regarding their chemistry, biological activities, toxicity, and drug-herb interactions.
The department works also to create, preserve, and disseminate basic knowledge in microbiology, microbial genetics, immunology, and control of microorganisms. This will educate undergraduates to become considerate, moral, compassionate and competent health care professionals and creative biomedical scientists.
The department provides its student with an education that establishes a strong foundation and appreciation for understanding developments in the rapidly advancing field of industrial microbiology and biotechnology in order to develop the technical and critical thinking skills necessary for success in the field, to foster ethical behavior, and to promote outreach.

The Department supports the Faculty of Pharmacy's vision by:

• Being an internationally recognized department especially in Saudi Arabia with medical education, research, and service emphases.
• providing an excellent, relevant, principle-centered education in natural products, microbiology, immunology, genetic engineering, industrial microbiology and pharmaceutical biotechnology

 

Department's Objectives

1. To enable students to appreciate the use of natural products in the improvement of human health.
2. To appreciate the escalating worldwide increase of the use of alternative medicine in the treatment and management of human ailments.
3. To supply undergraduate and graduate students with up-to-date knowledge in the field of natural products.
4. To familiarize students with the biotechnological applications in the production of new natural products useful in pharmacy and medicine.
5. To expose the students to both pure and applied courses in microbiology and immunology , which satisfy the manpower needs of schools, institutions, industries and hospitals.
6. To permit the combination of the study of microbiology with subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Technology.
7. To encourage the independence and self-confidence in the students so that they can make meaningful contributions in whatever professional activity they may engage in.
8. To combine theoretical principles with a realistic approach to the problems and needs of the Kingdom.
9. To equip graduates with sufficient knowledge that enable them undertake postgraduate work in microbiology, immunology, genetic engineering, industrial microbiology and biotechnolo.