47951 - Food Toxicology

Learning outcomes

The course provides advanced knowledge on the toxicity (including toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics) of the main classes of substances, of natural or anthropogenic origin, present in food, as well as on the role of the food chain as a vehicle and potential route of accumulation of toxic substances present in the environment.

Course contents

General principles on the risk analysis from food substances.

Role of the food chain as a vehicle and potential route of accumulation of toxic substances present in the environment.

Rules on food safety. Natural toxins. Toxic compounds from technologic processes. Radioactive contamination. Pesticides, food additives, veterinary drug residues, food contaminants.

GMO.

Regulation of xenobiotics in the food. Presentation of specific toxicological databases. Use and processing of data on online databases to calculate the risk associated with the presence of environmental and / or food contaminants.

Readings/Bibliography

Casarett & Doull's Toxicology: The basic science of poisons (by C.D. Klaassen), Mc Graw-Hill.

Wallace Hayes A. Principles and methods of Toxicology, CRC Press

Teaching methods

Traditional. This course includes classroom exercises.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist in a written test aimed at assessing the student's understanding and knowledge of the topics set out during the course.

The written test consists of:

-30 multiple choice questions. Each right answer will be awarded with 1 point, while wrong answers will be given -0,25 points.

Examples and details will be shown during the lessons.

Students have up to 40 minutes to complete the written test.

During the exam, the use of textbooks, notes, computer aids is not permitted.

To check exam dates, students can access AlmaEsami.

The exam registration list closes one week before the exam date.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used as a supportive tool for individual study, for example to facilitate further exploration of course topics, prepare summaries, or develop self-assessment activities. However, the use of AI during in-person examinations is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized use of AI during an examination constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University Office for Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). The Office will assess their needs and propose appropriate accommodations. Requests for examination accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the examination date. The lecturer will evaluate the requested accommodations, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Slides are usually used to enhance clarity during courses. The materials used will be uploaded to the website https://virtuale.unibo.it

Username and password are reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna.

Office hours

See the website of Carmela Fimognari

See the website of Giulia Greco