Anatomy of medicinal and food plants

Anatomy of medicinal and food plants
Reference Code EUG2_T2_1_0105
Host Institution UNS - University of Novi Sad
Description

The aim of the course is for students to become familiar with the anatomical structure of plant organs of medicinal and food plants, and to learn the structural basis of their medicinal and nutritional properties. The aim of the practical part of the course is to train students for work in an anatomical laboratory and to provide them with hands-on experience in sectioning and microscopy of plant organs.

Through a series of online lectures, students will gain fundamental theoretical knowledge of plant anatomy, with a focus on the structural features of medicinal and food plants. Special emphasis will be placed on secretory tissues, which produce medicinally important substances, and parenchyma tissues, which store food and nutrients and photosynthesize. Individual assignments will provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to problem-based tasks.

Following the theoretical component, students will participate in a two-day on-site workshop. At the Laboratory of Plant Anatomy, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, they will gain hands-on experience in plant organ sectioning, microtomy, and light microscopy. This practical training will enhance their understanding of the structural characteristics of medicinal and food plants, while also enhancing their skills in plant anatomy laboratory.

Number of ECTS: 4

Course syllabus

Course program

Period 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 — 23 Nov 2025 14:00:00
Duration Up to 1 month in length
Mode Blended
Type of activity Course
Target groups Undergraduate students
Location Novi Sad, Serbia
WP WP 2
ISCED Fields of Study 051 - Biological and related sciences, 0511 - Biology
Contact Person Nataša Hrabovski
natasa.hrabovski@uns.ac.rs
Content and Methodology

Course content


Lectures:



  • Root anatomy. Anatomy of storage roots and underground metamorphosed shoots of food plants.

  • Stem anatomy. Wood anatomy and its relation to tree vigor and fruit tree productivity.

  • Leaf anatomy. Anatomy of medicinal plant leaves, including types and distribution of secretory tissues.

  • Fruit and seed anatomy of medicinal and food plants.

  • Structural adaptations of plant organs in relation to their function and medicinal properties.


Practical work (On-site, Laboratory of Plant Anatomy, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad):



  • Learning techniques of sectioning and microtomy of different plant organs.

  • Training in light microscopy techniques.

  • Observing and analyzing microscopic sections of various plant organs from medicinal and food plants.

  • Identifying different plant tissues and conducting comparative analysis of organ structures.


Student assignments:



  • Individual problem-based tasks, applying theoretical knowledge.

  • Presentation of findings, group discussion and evaluation of student work.

Recognition Transcript of records - ECTS
Language English
Funding by EUGLOH budget Funded in full
Recruitment of Participants Qualitative Assessment
Number of open spots 20
Call for Applications
Open
Current call
3 Jun 2025 — 15 Jul 2025 Apply now