Graduates of this course will be expected to demonstrate a strong theoretical understanding of the relevant concepts of general, organic chemistry and biochemistry, including principles of chemistry, the scientific method, principles of measurement, experimental quantities and margins of error; the structure and behavior of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and reactions, solutions and solubility, concepts of pH, acids, bases, salts, ions, and electrolytes; the structure and reactivity of functional groups, different structures and characteristic reactions of organic molecules including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and the structures, functions, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and enzymes in the human body. Students will critically examine the principles and methods of analytical chemistry as they apply to medicinal plants and herbal extracts. Students will be expected to employ chemistry theory to complete projects, practical experiments and labs, and to critically evaluate the efficacy of botanical herbal medicine. Students will also formulate an experiment to prove a hypothesis of their design, analyze their results and present them in a format recognized by the science communities.
Analyze the roles of general, organic, and biochemistry as they relate to holistic health and nutrition to convey strong theoretical understanding.
Formulate chemical structures as a function of human body metabolism.
Evaluate results of chemical reactions to convey understanding of their properties.
Interpret the chemical properties of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids to influence health.
Compare and contrast oxidation and reduction and how these relate to the structure and function of the human body.
Apply the scientific method in order to study body processes.
Basic types of chemical reactions and how to balance simple equations.
Concepts of pH, acids, bases, salts, and their typical reactions.
The fundamental processes of oxidation and reduction, and how these relate to the structure and function of antioxidants in the human body.
Principles of concentration, solutions, solvents, solubility, and extraction relevant to the understanding of herbal extracts and products.
Principles of chemical analysis applicable to herbal products.
The basic classes of organic compounds: hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, etc.
Structure and function of the major kinds of biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes) in the human body.
How to propose a hypothesis, design a study, complete an experiment using the scientific method and compose the analysis in a format used by scientific research journals.
Required Course Pack:
Required Textbooks:
View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.
Total Course Price:
View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping online here.
Last updated 12/7/22
View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.
Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Candidates must submit official transcripts directly from the issuing institution along with one professional letter of recommendation. All applicants must be recommended for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping.
5005 S. Macadam Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST
800-487-8839
503-244-0726
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PST
