37361 - Physiology Applied to The Environment

Learning outcomes

At the end of the programme, the student will have knowledge on general principles of organism-environment interactions and the theoretical and practical skills necessary to measure and predict the effects of human activities on living organisms at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels. Based on this knowledge, they will be able to apply environmental quality indicators.

Course contents

Principles of organism-environment interaction; emerging contaminants (endocrine disruptors, drugs, plastics, and additives); main effects of contaminants on humans and animals; mechanisms of action at different levels of biological complexity (molecular, cellular, and organism); mechanisms of action of natural hormones and endocrine disruptors; effects on key physiological functions. Biomarkers as early warnings of changes in environmental quality. Biomonitoring of marine waters and drinking water in accordance with international guidelines.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific papers, reports, and international guidelines on the application and improvement of environmental biomonitoring strategies and environmental and health risk assessment.

Teaching methods

Module 1: Lectures, discussion of scientific papers and seminars.

Module 2: Practical laboratory activities

Assessment methods

The final exam aims to assess the achievement of the learning objectives: organism-environment interactions; emerging environmental contaminants; the main effects of contaminants on humans and animals; mechanisms of action at different levels of biological complexity; and effects on key physiological functions. The relationship between environmental factors and human pathologies. Environmental biomonitoring using biomarkers. Integration of chemical and biological analyses to assess the quality of water intended for human consumption. The written exam will consist of 3-4 specific questions on the various topics covered. These questions are open-ended and students will be asked to provide concise but relevant answers. One of the questions will focus on the practical laboratory activities completed in Module 2.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Power point slides, scientific articles

Office hours

See the website of Paola Valbonesi