Advanced Toxicology

Course goals

After completing the course the student will be able to
-    select the appropriate information, methods, tools and techniques to investigate the molecular and cellular basis of how agents disrupt biological targets, with emphasis on endocrine, neuronal and immunological targets;  
-    analyze data to quantify the potential risk of harmful agents on human health and the ecosystem;
-    apply AOP and IATA* approaches to understand the mechanistic basis of and to predict the effects of chemicals by integrating knowledge at different biological levels;
-    critically evaluate and communicate knowledge and conclusions on toxicological subjects in a professional and academic style.

Content

Period (from - till): 19 October 2026 - 06 November 2026 (BMS_P1_A)

Course description:
The Advanced Toxicology course will be based on a research-based teaching approach: lectures and (individual) assignments are related to current research at the Toxicology division of IRAS in the fields of immunotoxicology, neurotoxicology, endocrine toxicology and exposure assessment. The Adverse Outcome Pathway concept, which ranges from molecular disturbances at the level of genes and proteins to cellular alterations and the subsequent consequences for tissues, organisms, and the population will form the basis for understanding the main concepts of toxicology. Students will gain knowledge on experimental research with special attention for the reduction of animal testing in toxicological research. Students will work in groups on a theme and will present the highlights to other students. PhD students will present their current research in an interactive form.

Course coordinator:
Remco Westerink

Contact details: education.iras@uu.nl or r.westerink@uu.nl

Registration:
Registration only open to Health and Environment students who will automatically be enrolled.

Mandatory for students in Master’s programme:
Yes

Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
No