核心能力
Core Competencies

課程摘要
Course Description

       生命孕育生命，並不斷多樣化——這是大自然的奇蹟，賦予地球無數資源，包括毒素與毒液。這些生物活性分子在不同文化中有著各種名稱——毒、 racun、bisa 等等，經過數百萬年的進化，達到驚人的精準性與功能。作為自然界最成功的生化武器之一，毒素與毒液幫助無數生物進行捕獵、防禦，並最終確保了它們的生存。

       對人類而言，毒素與毒液既令人畏懼又充滿著無限的魅力。應該懼怕，還是愛戴？它們的致命潛力既能帶來傷害，也能促進治癒，編織     一個跨越人類歷史的複雜生命與死亡的故事。從古代獵人將毒素塗在箭上，到現代醫生使用它們治療病患，這些非凡的物質已深刻影響了我們的世界。然而，除了它們致命的名聲，毒素與毒液也成為探索、創新，甚至是拯救生命的工具。

       在這門課程中，我們將探索毒素與毒液的起源，揭開這些天然化合物微觀世界的奇妙。我們將解剖它們的雙重性質：既是無聲的殺手，也是拯救生命的良藥。你將了解早期的遊牧獵人如何精確地利用毒素捕獲獵物，古代醫者和現代科學家如何利用毒物來解開人體的奧秘，還有這些物質如何滲透到日常生活中——從農場中的害蟲防治到癌症、糖尿病、心臟衰竭、中風等眾多疾病的突破性治療。

       然而，科學僅僅是故事的一部分。幾個世紀以來，毒素與毒液深植於神話、藝術和陰謀之中。蘇格拉底、克麗奧佩脫拉等知名人物的傳奇死亡事件都與這些致命物質密不可分。歷史上的暴君、間諜和刺客經常將毒物作為首選武器，為政治陰謀和戰爭蒙上了神秘與恐懼的面紗。本課程也將深入探討這些引人入勝的故事，揭示毒液與毒物如何塑造歷史與文化的進程。 在我們穿越這個常被忽視但又充滿魅力與神秘的領域時，你將更深入地欣賞這些大自然的禮物，每一種都講述著進化、生存和適應的引人入勝的故事。橫跨科學、歷史與藝術的領域，你將不僅看到它們作為自然界的奇蹟，還將其視為可爲人類應用的工具。到課程結束時，你將理解毒物和毒液背後的真正複雜性，既致命又優雅。

內容提要
Synopsis

Life begets life, and diversifies—such is the wonder of nature, filling the Earth with an abundance of resources, including poisons and venoms. Known by different names across cultures—毒, racun, bisa, and others—these bioactive molecules have been honed by evolution over millions of years, achieving remarkable precision and function. As one of nature’s most successful biochemical arsenals, poisons and venoms have enabled countless organisms to hunt, defend, and ultimately ensure their survival. 

To humans, poisons and venoms evoke both fear and fascination. To fear, or to love? Their lethal potential has the power to harm and heal, weaving a complex narrative of life and death throughout human history. From ancient hunters applying toxins to their arrows, to modern physicians using them to heal patients, these extraordinary substances have left an indelible mark on our world. Yet beyond their deadly reputation, poisons and venoms have served as instruments of exploration, innovation, and even salvation. 

In this course, we will explore the origins of poisons and venoms, uncovering the microscopic marvels of these natural compounds. We will dissect their dual nature: as silent killers and life-saving medicines. You’ll learn how early nomadic hunters used toxins with precision to bring down prey, how ancient healers and modern scientists have utilized poisons to unravel the mysteries of the human body, and how these substances have permeated everyday life—from pest control on farms to breakthroughs in treating cancer, diabetes, heart failure, strokes, and many more. 

But science is only part of the story. Poisons and venoms have permeated myth, art, and intrigue for centuries. The infamous deaths of Socrates, Cleopatra, and many others are inextricably tied to these substances. Tyrants, spies, and assassins throughout history have wielded poison as a weapon of choice, wrapping political plots and warfare in layers of mystery and fear. This course will also delve into these captivating stories, where venoms and poisons have shaped the course of history and culture. 

As we journey through this often overlooked but fascinating, enigmatic field, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for these gifts of nature, each with its own compelling tale of evolution, survival, and adaptation. Spanning science, history, and the arts, you’ll see them not only as wonders of the natural world, but also as tools of human invention. By the end of this course, you will understand the true complexity behind what makes a poison or venom both deadly and elegant, and often, surprisingly beneficial. 

Overall aim: The course aims to instil knowledge and awareness in students regarding the importance of natural poisons and venoms. 

Learning objectives: At the end of the course, the students are expected to: 

教學方法
Teaching Methods

The following topics or activities will be covered: 

指定用書
Required Textbook 

參考用書
References

課程人工智慧使用規定
Course Policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI)