ID:
510010
Duration (hours):
24
CFU:
3
SSD:
CHIMICA FARMACEUTICA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Semestre (01/10/2025 - 30/01/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Phytopharmaceutical chemistry is an important field to understand the science and technology behind the use of pesticides and plant protection agents. The educational objective of the course is to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge regarding agrochemicals, with a focus on essential chemical aspects.
The main objectives of the course may include:
1) Understanding the chemical structure of agrochemicals: Students will learn the chemical structures of agrochemicals (pesticides), recognizing the various classes of compounds and how these structures influence their properties and modes of action.
2) Mechanisms of action: Students will learn the different mechanisms through which agrochemicals act on harmful organisms to crops.
3) Chemical and physical properties: Students will acquire knowledge about the chemical and physical properties of agrochemicals, including their stability, solubility, persistence in the environment, and potential chemical reactions.
4) Safety and regulations: Considerations about safety and responsible use of agrochemicals will be addressed, as well as the regulations and guidelines that govern their use.
5) Sustainable alternatives: An in-depth exploration of sustainable alternatives to traditional agrochemicals may be included, such as biological control methods or integrated pest management techniques.
By the end of the course, students should be able to apply this knowledge to make informed decisions regarding the use of agrochemicals and understand the critical role that chemistry plays in crop protection and food safety.
The main objectives of the course may include:
1) Understanding the chemical structure of agrochemicals: Students will learn the chemical structures of agrochemicals (pesticides), recognizing the various classes of compounds and how these structures influence their properties and modes of action.
2) Mechanisms of action: Students will learn the different mechanisms through which agrochemicals act on harmful organisms to crops.
3) Chemical and physical properties: Students will acquire knowledge about the chemical and physical properties of agrochemicals, including their stability, solubility, persistence in the environment, and potential chemical reactions.
4) Safety and regulations: Considerations about safety and responsible use of agrochemicals will be addressed, as well as the regulations and guidelines that govern their use.
5) Sustainable alternatives: An in-depth exploration of sustainable alternatives to traditional agrochemicals may be included, such as biological control methods or integrated pest management techniques.
By the end of the course, students should be able to apply this knowledge to make informed decisions regarding the use of agrochemicals and understand the critical role that chemistry plays in crop protection and food safety.
Course Prerequisites
Some of the key prerequisites of knowledge for studying agrochemicals include:
Chemistry: An understanding of general chemistry is essential as agrochemicals are chemical substances used in agriculture. Knowledge of chemical reactions, chemical structures, and properties will help in comprehending the formulation, mode of action, and synthesis of agrochemicals.
Basic knowledge of biology is important to understand the interactions between agrochemicals and living organisms.
Additionally, a strong scientific background will help students critically analyze research findings and contribute to the responsible and safe use of agrochemicals in agriculture.
Chemistry: An understanding of general chemistry is essential as agrochemicals are chemical substances used in agriculture. Knowledge of chemical reactions, chemical structures, and properties will help in comprehending the formulation, mode of action, and synthesis of agrochemicals.
Basic knowledge of biology is important to understand the interactions between agrochemicals and living organisms.
Additionally, a strong scientific background will help students critically analyze research findings and contribute to the responsible and safe use of agrochemicals in agriculture.
Teaching Methods
The frontal lectures (3 CFU) are delivered through presentations (PowerPoint) and in-depth explanations (blackboard, materials available on the Kiro platform and Jove). All the educational material is made available on the Kiro platform.
For students with specific needs, who cannot attend teaching activities in person and who have applied for Inclusive Teaching Modality, adequate teaching material will be available for fruitful independent study. If requested, self-learning can be supported by tutoring or supplementary teaching activities, and by dedicated meetings, including online, with time flexibility depending on needs
The lectures may be supplemented with videos available on Jove. When and if appropriate, the "problem solving" approach will be adopted, encouraging active participation from the students during the lectures.
For students with specific needs, who cannot attend teaching activities in person and who have applied for Inclusive Teaching Modality, adequate teaching material will be available for fruitful independent study. If requested, self-learning can be supported by tutoring or supplementary teaching activities, and by dedicated meetings, including online, with time flexibility depending on needs
The lectures may be supplemented with videos available on Jove. When and if appropriate, the "problem solving" approach will be adopted, encouraging active participation from the students during the lectures.
Assessment Methods
Student’s knowledge will be assessed through a research paper that each student will prepare on one topic of his choice, within those traded during the course. The topic will be deeply investigated by the student (reading review papers and research articles) and the essay obtained will be discussed showing a power point presentation.
Texts
Kennet A. Hassall
The Biochemistry and Uses of Pesticides
Jose L. Tadeo
Analysis of Pesticides in food and Environmental Samples
Horace G. Cutler, Stephen J. Cutler CRC Press, 1999
Biologically Active Natural Products: Agrochemicals
The Biochemistry and Uses of Pesticides
Jose L. Tadeo
Analysis of Pesticides in food and Environmental Samples
Horace G. Cutler, Stephen J. Cutler CRC Press, 1999
Biologically Active Natural Products: Agrochemicals
Contents
Theoretical lessons (3 CFU)
Through theoretical lessons, students will have the opportunity to gain a well-rounded understanding of pesticides. The course will start from the history of pesticides. It will cover an overview of the main categories of pesticides based on their target pests, their modes of action, understanding how pesticides exert their toxic effects on target pests and exploring various modes of action, such as contact, systemic, ingestion, and repellents. Introduction to the chemical composition of pesticides, differentiating between carbon-based (organic) and inorganic pesticides. Definition and causes of pesticide resistance and strategies to manage and prevent resistance. Safe handling, storage, and application of pesticides. Reading and interpreting pesticide labels for proper usage and safety precautions. Emerging trends in pesticide research and development. Exploration of novel, environmentally friendly pesticide alternatives.
The course will emphasise the responsible use of pesticides
Through theoretical lessons, students will have the opportunity to gain a well-rounded understanding of pesticides. The course will start from the history of pesticides. It will cover an overview of the main categories of pesticides based on their target pests, their modes of action, understanding how pesticides exert their toxic effects on target pests and exploring various modes of action, such as contact, systemic, ingestion, and repellents. Introduction to the chemical composition of pesticides, differentiating between carbon-based (organic) and inorganic pesticides. Definition and causes of pesticide resistance and strategies to manage and prevent resistance. Safe handling, storage, and application of pesticides. Reading and interpreting pesticide labels for proper usage and safety precautions. Emerging trends in pesticide research and development. Exploration of novel, environmentally friendly pesticide alternatives.
The course will emphasise the responsible use of pesticides
Course Language
English
Degrees
Degrees
AGRI-FOOD SUSTAINABILITY
Master’s Degree
2 years
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