http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-443831/University-homoeopathy-degrees-gobbledygook-claims-Professor.htmlDegree courses in homeopathy are gobbledegook disguised as science, a university professor has warned.
David Colquhoun, a professor of pharmacology, accused institutions that award a BSc in homeopathy of promoting myths and magic.
Writing in the journal Nature, he said three universities - Central Lancashire, Salford and Westminster - were running science degrees in the subject, while many others teach it as part of other courses.
Homeopathy, which is publicly supported by Prince Charles, claims to prevent diseases by using dilute forms of plants, minerals and other materials that in higher concentrations could produce the symptoms of the condition itself.
Treatments include arnica, a plant-based remedy used to treat cuts and bruises, and malaria nosode - anti-malaria tablets made from African swamp water, rotting plants and mosquito eggs and larvae.
Despite homeopathy's popularity, there is little evidence that it works, other than as a panacea, making people feel better simply because they are receiving care and attention.
There are even fears that the discipline could be dangerous, with the sick putting their faith in pills and potions based on "magic" rather than science.
However, the subject, and other branches of complementary and alternative medicine, are widely taught, with 16 British universities now offering 45 degree courses ranging from homeopathy to aromatherapy and reflexology.
Professor Colquhoun, of University College London, accused them of lying by "teaching gobbledygook as though it were science". And he added: "Homeopathy is more like religion than science.
"The least one can expect of a BSc is that the subject of the degree is science."
Spokesmen for Salford and Westminster universities said that students are encouraged to think critically about homeopathy.
Salford University added that its students are also taught anatomy, physiology and psychology. The row follows concern among doctors that lives will be put at risk by a new law that allows homeopathic medicines to make "scientific" claims.
The Government's safety watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, said the change will give patients clearer information.
AOA Forum
Author
Logged
