Introduction to how chemical properties and biological interactions govern the disposition and influences of toxicants.
Learning objective
The objectives are for the student to establish a framework for examining adverse effects resulting from exposures to toxicants by understanding key mechanisms that give rise to toxic responses and disease processes.
In the course "Introduction to Toxicology", the competencies of process understanding, system understanding, concept development, data analysis & interpretation and measurement methods are taught, applied and examined.
Content
This course will introduce mechanisms governing the chemical disposition and biological influences of toxicants. The course is geared toward advanced bachelors students in food science, environmental science, and related disciplines, such as chemistry, biology and pharmaceutical sciences. Examples of topics include: dose-response relationships and risk assessment, absorption, transport, and biotransformation of xenobiotic chemicals; Carcinogenesis; DNA damage, repair, and mutation; Immunotoxicity; Neurotoxicity; and modern toxicity testing strategies. These fundamental concepts in Mechanistic Toxicology will be integrated with examples of toxicants relevant to food, drugs and the environment.
Literature
Casarett & Doull's Toxicology, The Basic Science of Poisons. Seventh Edition. Editor: Curtis D. Klaassen, 2008, McGraw-Hill. (available on-line)
Prerequisites / Notice
Basic knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemistry is required.
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Method-specific Competencies
Analytical Competencies
assessed
Problem-solving
assessed
Personal Competencies
Critical Thinking
assessed
Self-awareness and Self-reflection
fostered
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course