Ethnobotany I

Paper Code: 
BOT 421B
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
  • To acquaint the student about traditional knowledge of plants and their use, role in curing various human diseases.
  • To acquaire knowledge on various types of drug preparation
  •  To understand the various phytochemical involved in therapeutics
  •  To gain knowledge of traditional and allopathy medicines
  • To study certain important plant involved in home remedies

 

 

Learning outcome (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

1)Be able to discuss patterns of cultural evolution with plants, Nutrition from plants and evolution of food processing, Patterns of human plant selection for food, medicine, poison, ritual and religion

2)Understand important interactions between cultural practices, ecosystems, and modern science.

3)Know the major areas of human interactions with plants / environments:

4)Know specific plant taxa used by people:

5)Know characteristics of plant taxa used by people: Physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of useful plants

6)Know commonly used qualitative research methods:

7)Demonstrate use of common qualitative research methods:

oUse methods to test hypotheses

oWrite research study report based on work conducted

8)Know and/or identify important plant species.

9)Have a knowledge of the sectors in which these plants are used and utilize the same to earn a livelihood.

 

 
  • Class lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Group discussions and Workshops
  • Question preparation

 

 

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

8.00
Unit I: 

Ethnobotany and Ethnic Groups : Aims, Objectives and scope, methods of study of Ethnobotany.Ethnobotany of Rajasthan and India. Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan. Ethnic groups of Rajasthan.  Major tribes – Meena, Bhil, Garasia, Saharia, Dhanka, Kalbelia, Nut, Banjara, Koli, Naika and their life style.

10.00
Unit II: 

Economicethnobotany: Jhoom and shifting cultivation, consequential damage to forest eco-system. Traditional use of plants as Food, Fodder, Fencing, Decoration and Adornment, Dyes, Timber, Intoxicants and Masticatories.

9.00
Unit III: 

Medicoethnobotany: Plants and their parts used for curing various ailments found in human beings and animals. Detailed study about the mode of use and application of following important medicinal plants : Aloe, Bacoppa, Barleria, Bombax, Calotropis, Catharanthes, Chlorophyton, Cissus, Commiphora, Convolvulus, Datura, Jatropha, Ocimum, Phyllanthes, Plumlbago, Ricinus, Sentella, Terminalia, Thespisia, Thevitia, Tinospora, Tribullus, Tylophora, Withania

9.00
Unit IV: 

Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts and initiatives to conserve biodiversity.  Biological production with particular reference to conservation of flora, windbreaks, heltter belt, afforestation and desert control measures.  Unexploited plants of potential economic value with special reference to Rajasthan.  Sacred groves. Strategies for conservation: in situ and ex-situ Role of Biotechnology in Biodiversity conservation: Causes of loss of Biodiversity

9.00
Unit V: 

Natural resources and their conservation: Resources, types, conservation, need for integration of Biodiversity with Science and Technology. Soil conservation, Desertification, Afforestation, World conservation and National Conservation strategies, voluntary agencies and non-government organizations. National research institutes participating in conservation of biodiversity such as CSIR, NBPGR, ICAR, CAZRI, BSI, DBT.                                                                                                

Academic Year: 
2018-2019
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