Details of LS4211 (Spring 2026)
| Level: 4 | Type: Theory | Credits: 4.0 |
| Course Code | Course Name | Instructor(s) |
|---|---|---|
| LS4211 | Chemical Ecology | Radhika Venkatesan |
| Preamble |
|---|
| Organisms are constantly communicatingjust not in the way we typically think. Instead of words and sounds, they use chemistry to send signals, solve problems, and survive in a competitive world. The Chemical Ecology course explores chemically mediated interactions between organisms and reveals how chemistry drives ecological relationships. In this course, students will learn to decode such interactions and obtain a fascinating glimpse into natures secret language one that we are only beginning to understand. |
| Syllabus |
|---|
| Syllabus
Role of Chemistry in Ecology: Function and Significance of Natures Chemicals in Organismal Interactions Plant Secondary Metabolites: Biosynthesis, Mechanism, Regulation, and Impact on Herbivores Chemical Communication in Organisms: Specificity and Chirality Volatile Chemical Signaling: Floral and Vegetative Plant Odors in Attracting/Repelling Insects Trophic Interactions: The role of Chemistry in Long-Distance Signaling, Evolution of Chemical Defence and Communication Basic Insect Biology: Pheromone Chemistry, and Adaptation Mechanisms Analytical Methods: Chromatographic Separation Techniques, Extraction and Analysis Methods General Principles of Mass Spectrometry: Sample Collection Techniques in Chemical Ecology. GCMS and LCMS Methods: Organic Molecular Identification and Quantification, Derivatization Methods Applications of Chemical Ecology: General Introduction, Agricultural Applications Field visits: To Experience Promising Applications of Chemical Ecology |
| Prerequisite |
|---|
| References:
Ecological Biochemistry, JB Harborne, Elsevier Publications. Chemical Ecology, Eds, T. Eisner & J. Meinwald, National Academy of Sciences. Analytical Chemistry, DA Skoog, DM West & FJ Holler, Harcourt Publishers. Bioanalytical Chemistry, Eds. A. Manz, PS Dittrich, et al, Imperial College Press. Plant Secondary Metabolism, DS Siegler, Kluwer Academic Publications. |
| References |
|---|
| References
1. Ecological Biochemistry, JB Harborne, Elsevier Publications. 2. Chemical Ecology, Eds, T. Eisner & J. Meinwald, National Academy of Sciences. 3. Analytical Chemistry, DA Skoog, DM West & FJ Holler, Harcourt Publishers. 4. Bioanalytical Chemistry, Eds. A. Manz, PS Dittrich, et al, Imperial College Press. 5. Plant Secondary Metabolism, DS Siegler, Kluwer Academic Publications. |
Course Credit Options
| Sl. No. | Programme | Semester No | Course Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IP | 2 | Elective |
| 2 | IP | 4 | Elective |
| 3 | MP | 2 | Elective |
| 4 | MP | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 5 | MR | 2 | Elective |
| 6 | MR | 4 | Elective |
| 7 | MS | 10 | Elective |
| 8 | MS | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 9 | MS | 6 | Not Allowed |
| 10 | MS | 8 | Elective |
| 11 | RS | 1 | Elective |
| 12 | RS | 2 | Elective |