Curricular Unit:			Code:
Toxicology			883TOXI
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Postgraduate	Ecology and Environmental Health	5 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
		Portuguese/English	65
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
Provide students with knowledge about the environmental impact and effects on human health of major pollutants classes. The student should be able to integrate in his professional activity and/or research scientific work the knowledge acquired in this course.
Syllabus:
General concepts of toxicology. Areas of toxicology. Concentration-response relationship. Risk Assessement. 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 fate of environmental toxicants. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Major classes of 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:
The syllabus is consistent with the objectives aimed at acquisition of segmented and oriented concepts of toxicology by encouraging the development of critical thinking and the student ability to apply knowledge acquired for resolving 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 the given theoretical knowledge. Assessment is based on 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 essential reading listed herewith, each topic will be accompanied by specific 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. (Ed.), Casarett & Doull´s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. 8th Edition. McGraw-Hill, N.Y., 2013. 2. Timbrell, J., Introduction to Toxicology. Taylor & Francis, London, 2002. 3. Williams, P.L. (et al.) Principles of Toxicology: environmental and industrial applications. 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, inc., 2000. 4. Walker, C. H.; Sibly, R.M.; Hopkin, S. P.; Peakall, D.B. Principles of Ecotoxicology, 4th Edition, CRC Press, 2012. 5. Newman, M.C. Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology, 3rd Edition. CRC Press, 2009.