By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired knowledge of the toxicological risks associated with pesticide use and to understand the role of the sustainable use of agrochemicals in balancing production efficiency with respect for public and environmental health. The goal is therefore to increase student awareness of the need for increasingly sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of natural agrochemicals that are harmless to humans and the environment, including by learning from the plants themselves and their mechanisms.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of plant biochemistry and cell biology and elements of toxicology
Teaching Methods
Class lectures
Assessment Methods
A Power Point presentation on a topic discussed in class, plus a series of questions on the topics covered and discussed during the course.
Texts
Scientific publications in high impact factor journals that will be provided during the lessons or included in the slides
Contents
Definition of the agri-food system and the principles that support its sustainability • Role and impact of agrochemical toxicology on the future of the agri-food system • History of the use of agrochemicals in agriculture and evolution of substances and technologies used in crop protection. • Classification and mechanisms of action of toxic substances applied in agronomy and toxicological risks for humans and the environment • Environmental impact of agrochemicals and innovative technologies for reducing toxicity
