Curricular Unit:			Code:
Ecology and Toxicology			1075ECTX
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Postgraduate	Ecology and Environmental Health	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
		Portuguese/English	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
Provide students with knowledge within Ecology and Toxicology areas about the environmental impact and effects on human health of major pollutants classes. The student should be able to integrate into his professional activity and/or research scientific work the knowledge acquired in this course.
Syllabus:
General concepts of Ecology. The flow of matter and energy. Contamination and Pollution. Ecological indicators, bioindicators, and sentinel species. Concentration-response relationship. Risk Assessment. Disposition of toxic compounds: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. General mechanisms of action (toxicodynamics). Target organ toxicity. Genetic toxicology, oncogenesis, Developmental and reproductive toxicology. Factors influencing toxicity. Introduction to environmental toxicology and Ecotoxicology. Aims, emerging issues, and current challenges. Characterization, transport, and the fate of environmental toxicants. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Major classes of environmental toxic agents and their mechanisms of toxicity. Metals. Organic compounds: Pesticides, Dioxins, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Endocrine disruptors, Solvents, and others. Environmental biomarkers: exposure, effect, and susceptibility. Ecotoxicity assays.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
Coherence between the syllabus and objectives of this unit is reflected in the segmented and oriented acquisition of various concepts and specific areas covered within the curricular unit, by encouraging the development of the student's critical thinking and ability to apply the knowledge acquired for solving ecological and toxicological issues.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Form of educational performance: (i) presentation and discussion of relevant theoretical concepts in the classroom, (ii) brainstorm on pertinent issues related to the matter exposed in the classroom, (iii) self-study orientation of students by consulting annotated bibliography, and (iv) presentation and discussion of case studies to reinforce the given theoretical knowledge. Assessment Methods: Assessment is based on the presentation of a seminar on an assigned topic.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The teaching methodologies are consistent with the objectives of the unit as they seek to provide students with knowledge related to fundamental concepts in Toxicology with regard to its scope, objectives, and appropriate analysis of potentially toxic compounds. With the presentation of case studies, it is intended that students develop critical thinking and reflective skills to acquire and upgrade and progress in science and its practical application. In addition to the essential reading listed herewith, each topic will be accompanied by specifically recommended readings in order to engage in a debate and discussion enabling a throughout comprehension of the matters and formation of a critical approach.
Reading:
1. Klaassen, C. D., & John B. Watkins, I. I. I. P. D. (2021). Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology, Fourth Edition: McGraw-Hill Education. 2. Foller, M.L., Hansson, L,O. (Ed). Human ecology and health: adaptation to a changing world. Ed Göteborg. Göteborg. 1996 3. May, R.M., Angela, R. McLean A.R (Ed.). Theoretical Ecology: principles and applications. 3rd Edition. Oxford University Press, New York, 2007. 4. Newman, M.C. Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology. 3rd Edition. CRC Press, 2009. 5. Principles and Methods of Toxicology. Hayes A.W., Kruger C.L. (Eds.). Sixth Edition. CRC Press, 2014. 6. Newman, M. C. (2020). Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology: The Science of Pollution: Taylor & Francis Group. 7. Roberts, S. M., James, R. C., & Williams, P. L. (2015). Principles of Toxicology: Environmental and Industrial Applications: Wiley.