89936 - Environmental and Toxicological Chemistry

Learning outcomes

After a short review about the history and scope of toxicology and toxicological chemistry, the definition and concept of toxic substances, the different types of toxic responses, the factors affecting toxic responses, during the course students will be introduced to the mechanistic aspects of the main toxic substances. Furthermore, an overview of different aspects playing a role in the field of environmental toxicology will be provided. Students are expected to gain a sound knowledge and understanding of important aspects of both environmental toxicology and toxicological chemistry, including: the concepts and terminology; kinetics of chemicals in the environment; sources and types of environmental pollutants; the interaction with the different biological targets and the mechanical aspects of the toxic compounds, the basic principles governing fate and effects of toxic substances on the homeostasis of biological systems and ecosystem processes and stability; the relevance of compound, ecosystem and organism characteristics for the consequences of environmental contamination; environmental biomonitoring; environmental risk assessment.

Course contents

1) Introduction to inorganic and organic chemistry

2) Introduction to biochemistry

3) Metabolic processes

4) Oxidations

5) Introduction to toxicology

6) Metabolic reactions of xenobiotic compounds

7) Toxic elements

8) Toxic inorganic compounds

9) Solvent toxicity

10) Toxic Organic Compounds

11) Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs)

12) Microplastics

13) Toxic Natural Products

14) Bioremediation

To undergo the examination, the students have to provide proof that they have attended and passed at least one of the on-line courses available on the "Learning Toxicology through Open Educational Resources" European Poject website, https://www.toxoer.com

Readings/Bibliography

S.E. Manahan
Fundamentals of Environmental and Toxicological Chemistry: Sustainable Science, Fourth Edition
CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2013
ISBN: 978-14-6655-316-3

C.D. Klaassen (Editor)
Casarett & Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, Ninth Edition
McGraw-Hill Education, Columbus, 2018
ISBN: 978-12-5986-374-5

R.C. Baselt
Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, Twelfth Edition
Biomedical Publications, Seal Beach, 2020
ISBN: 978-05-7857-749-4

Teaching methods

Traditional. This course does not include laboratory training.

Assessment methods

The examination will consist in a written test (close-ended, multiple choice) aimed at assessing the student's understanding and knowledge of the topics set out during the course.

To undergo the examination, the students have to provide proof that they have attended and passed at least one of the on-line courses available on the "Learning Toxicology through Open Educational Resources" European Project website, https://www.toxoer.com

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slides are used to enhance clarity during the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Mandrioli