- Docente: Fabiana Morroni
- Credits: 3
- SSD: BIO/14
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Health Professions of Prevention Sciences (cod. 8878)
Learning outcomes
The student has an understanding of the principles and methodologies of risk assessment concerning exposure to toxic agents in both the general and occupational populations.
Course contents
Toxicology and Society.
General characteristics of the toxic responses.
Classification of toxic agents.
Spectrum of adverse effects.
Dose-response relationship.
Mechanisms of toxicity: Tissue necrosis, apoptosis, fibrosis, mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, teratogenesis.
Risk assessment: hazard identification, dose-response assessment, risk characterization.
Limit values and methods of definition.
Case studies: heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, algal toxins, endocrine disruptors, persistant organic pollutants.
Readings/Bibliography
The teaching materials provided on the dedicated website and the notes taken during lectures are essential for exam preparation.
As a reference, students may explore the topics in greater depth using the following texts:
Casarett & Doull – Essentials of Toxicology (edited by Hrelia P. and Cantelli Forti G.), Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milan, 2013
C.L. Galli, E. Corsini, M. Marinovich – Toxicology, Piccin, Padua, 2016
Teaching methods
Lectures and case study discussions.
Class attendance is essential for the learning process of the course.
Assessment methods
The final exam aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives:
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understanding the general principles that govern toxicity related to the presence of xenobiotics in the environment;
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understanding the mechanisms of toxicity and the toxic effects of the main classes of chemical agents, for the purpose of risk assessment related to their exposure.
Learning assessment for the TOXICOLOGY module is conducted through an oral examination.
Teaching tools
Teaching materials: The materials presented during lectures will be made available to students in electronic format via the internet.
To access the teaching materials: https://virtuale.unibo.it
Office hours
See the website of Fabiana Morroni
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.