B8453 - Principles of Toxicology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student gest familiar with the general principles of veterinary toxicology and the aetiology and dynamics of toxic substances of veterinary interest. In particular, the student: knows the different types of toxicity; is familiar with the various categories of toxic substances of veterinary interest and their mechanisms of action; possesses the basic knowledge needed to perform a differential diagnosis of intoxication.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “Pharmacology, Toxicology, Anaesthesiology, Laboratory Animals, and Bioethics”.

The integrated course aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of veterinary pharmacology and toxicology, the responsible use of drugs, and the development and application of a balanced anaesthetic protocol in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in the fundamental principles of biomedical research, including anatomy, physiology, breeding, and welfare of laboratory animals, in compliance with the Culture of Care and the 3Rs.

The Integrated Course "Pharmacology, toxicology, anaesthesiology, laboratory animals and bioethics" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.10, 1.12, 1.17, 1.21, 1.26, 1.27, 1.31, 1.32.

To better understand the topics covered in this course, students are advised to have already acquired knowledge in the following areas: anatomy and physiology of the species of veterinary interest.

The course program is structured as follows:

Theoretical Lectures

• General part
• Metals
• Toxic plants
• Domestic products

Practical Sessions

• Labels and Safety Data Sheets
• Toxicological Risk Assessment

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale learning platform (virtuale.unibo.it).

For further insights, the following texts are recommended:

• Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles, 3rd Edition (Ramesh C. Gupta), Academic Press

• Small Animal Toxicology, 3rd Edition (Michael E. Peterson, Patricia A. Talcott), Elsevier

Teaching methods

The course includes theoretical lessons and classroom exercises.

Attendance at lectures and practical classes is compulsory, as required by the relevant regulations. Students must attend at least 60% of the scheduled hours. Absences of up to 40% of the total scheduled hours are permitted. Attendance will be recorded and certified through the rps.unibo.it platform.

Given the activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance in this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the e-learning health and safety training for study environments.

Assessment methods

To be eligible to sit the examination, students must have passed and officially registered the prerequisite course units specified in the Degree Programme Regulations, available here.

The assessment for the Integrated Course “Pharmacology, Toxicology, Anaesthesiology, Laboratory Animals, and Bioethics” consists of two parts:

• First part: an Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) comprising three stations, designed to assess specific practical skills in anaesthesiology and pharmacology. The time allotted varies by station and will be specified at the beginning of each station. Each station is worth a maximum of 1 point. A minimum score of 0.5 points in each station is required to pass the OSPE and be admitted to the second part of the examination. The OSPE score will be communicated to the student immediately after completion of the examination.
• Second part: a 90-minute written examination consisting of 60 multiple-choice and short-answer questions covering all topics included in the component courses of the Integrated Course and designed to assess students’ comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. The questions are distributed as follows: 6 questions on Course B8432, 6 on Course B8450, 12 on Course B8430, 24 on Course B8452, and 12 on Course B8453. Each correct answer is worth 0.5 points. No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions.
  To pass the written examination, students must obtain at least 7 correct answers out of the 12 questions relating to Courses B8432 and B8450 combined, at least 7 out of 12 for Course B8430, at least 15 out of 24 for Course B8452, and at least 7 out of 12 for Course B8453.
  The results of the written examination will be published on the AlmaEsami platform by the designated course contact within five working days. If a student does not pass the written examination, both the OSPE and the written examination must be retaken.
  No supplementary materials or electronic devices, including calculators, tablets, smartwatches, and computers, may be used during the examination unless explicitly authorised by the examiner. The use of AI tools during the assessment is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

The final grade is determined by the sum of the scores obtained in the two parts of the examination. Unsuccessful examination attempts are not assigned a numerical grade but are recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic record on AlmaEsami and do not affect the student’s academic record.

The final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform within five working days of the date of the examination.

Students may reject the final grade once by informing the designated course contact via email within five working days of its publication.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Andrea Barbarossa.

Students may register for examinations through the AlmaEsami platform. Examination sessions are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available to students beyond the standard duration of the Degree Programme.

Students with specific learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are invited to contact the relevant University office as early as possible (site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students). Requests for examination accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the examination date. The lecturer will assess the appropriateness of the proposed accommodations, taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations

WooClap platform

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Barbarossa