Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Toxicology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Questions will be resolved before or after class, during video conference sessions or by appointment. The theory professor (agargallo@uic.es) or the course coordinator (abistue@uic.es) can be contacted by email.
Introduction
Toxicological insults affect our everyday life. Secondhand smoke, pesticides, sewage in drinking water, toxic substances potentially present in food and phytotoxins are just some of the health threats to which humans are exposed. Throughout the centuries, toxicologists have engaged with other scientific and cultural disciplines to provide information that has shaped and guided society. Historically known as “the science of poisons”, toxicology has now evolved to be a discipline in its own right. Modern toxicological science has built up a dedicated conceptual framework, while drawing upon advances in biology, chemistry, medicine and pharmacology.
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisite course required; however, knowledge of the concepts of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, genetics and anatomy from the previous modules is recommended.
Objectives
This course familiarizes students with contemporary principles of toxicology including toxicological risks, their sources and relevance at the clinical and nutritional level. It aims to provide a view of basic toxicology and ecotoxicology, including how toxic substances are absorbed in organisms, distributed, bio-transformed and excreted, how they react with biomolecules and the downstream consequences for the organism. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and communication skills in addition to acquiring knowledge of basic principles and specific aspects of toxicology.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
Have a comprehensive view of the mechanisms at the biochemical, molecular, and cellular scale by which toxins affect human health.
Recognize basic concepts from different fields related to biomedical sciences.
Recognize the aspects that govern the pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
Explain the basic principles of toxicology and its application to public health.
Apply rigorous design of toxicology studies that incorporate principles of laboratory science.
Predict toxic responses of representatives from major classes of chemicals with respect to target organs, physiological processes, and molecular mechanisms of toxicity.
Apply toxicology to risk assessment of environmental and occupational hazards.
Communicate toxicological findings in writing using standards of peer-reviewed journals, including descriptions of design, results, and interpretation.
Develop the capacity for analysis and synthesis as well as problem solving.
Interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
Gather and interpret relevant data to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Upon completion of the course, the student shall:
Be able to relate the nature and mechanisms of the action of chemicals with their effects and manifestations in humans.
Have a comprehensive knowledge of sources, levels and mechanisms of action for toxic substances, including exposure, uptake, metabolism, distribution and excretion of toxicants.
Have a thorough understanding of the effects of toxic substances at the molecular and cellular levels, on individual health and on natural populations and communities, including the use of biomarkers.
Be able to analyze and interpret complex data sets in toxicological research as well as formulate hypotheses, collect and critically evaluate toxicological data.
Understand, critically evaluate and know how to use sources of clinical and biomedical information to obtain, organize, interpret and communicate scientific and health care information.
Develop critical thinking, creativity and constructive skepticism with a focus on research within professional practice.
Syllabus
Introduction to toxicology, basic principles of toxicology
2. Toxic substances
Industrial pollutants
Pesticides
Toxins present in plants, animals and fungi
3. Phases of toxicity: from exposure to effects
Environmental toxicology
Toxicokinetics
Toxicodynamics
4. Toxicity assessment
Analytical toxicology
Experimental toxicology, methods to determine toxicity
Toxicological risk assessment. Quantitative toxicology. Dose-Response
Food toxicology
5. Medical toxicology
Diagnostics
Treatment of intoxications
Antidotes
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: 50-minute presentation of a theoretical topic by the teacher.
Clinical cases or case methods (CM): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher intervenes actively and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge.
Virtual education (VE): Online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time which will contribute to individual learning of concepts related to the subject.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
First sitting:
Final exam: 80%
Case methods 20%
Second sitting and following ones: the mark will be saved. However, if they wish, students will be able to repeat their attendance for the different methodologies and obtain a new mark.
To be able to obtain your average, you must obtain a minimum grade of 5 in the final exam.
Attendance at case methods is mandatory. Non-attendance for not justified reasons will substract 0.25 points from the final grade of the subject.
The exams will be multiple choice with 4 answer options, calculating +1 for correct answers and -0.33 for wrong answers.
Bibliography and resources
Material presented and provided in class.