The primary objective of the course is to illustrate to the student the principles underlying toxicology, a discipline that studies the adverse effects of chemicals on humans (and more recently on the environment) and whose main goal is to estimate the risk to humans and the environment resulting from exposure to such substances in order to implement, if necessary, appropriate preventive and/or restrictive measures.
Course Prerequisites
No particular requirements are necessary.
Teaching Methods
Lessons will be combined with seminars on specific topics of relevance for the course.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination aiming to evaluate the toxicological skills acquired in relation to the contents of the course. The final mark will focus on the level of understanding and of oral exposure of the topics
Texts
Lesson Slides
Recommended text: Casarett & Doull's Elementi di Tossicologia Ed.Ambrosiana
Contents
Part 1. General principles of toxicology: history and scope of toxicology; mechanisms of toxicity; risk assessment; absorption, distribution and excretion of toxicants; biotransformation of xenobiotics; toxicokinetics. Non-organ directed toxicity: chemical carcinogenesis; genetic toxicology; developmental toxicology. Toxic agents: toxic effects of pesticides; toxic effects of metals; toxic effects of solvents and vapors. Food toxicology. Part 2. Role and functions of toxicological laboratory. Main toxicology tests on different biological matrices. Principal voluntary and involuntary intoxication from: drugs, chemical agents, animal toxins and mushrooms. Qualitative and quantitative research of xenobiotics. Methods of analysis in industrial toxicology. Examples of applications
