Toxicology - Food, environment and drugs

Content

TOXICOLOGY

Study points: 7,5                                                               Course Code: BMW32106
Coordinator: S. Lentz, MSc                                              Period: 1
Examiner: S. Lentz, MSc                                                  Timeslot: AD
Correspondence address: BSc.toxicology@uu.nl        Level: 3

Content:
We are exposed to potentially toxic compounds on a daily basis, varying from human medication to environmental pollutants or dangerous plants. The toxic potential of a compound does not only depend on the compound itself, but also on characteristics of the exposed individual. In addition to dosage and exposure route, individual characteristics as age, gender and nutrition are of importance. The mechanisms of action of a potential toxic compound are key in toxicology. When knowing the mechanisms of action, an exposure can be translated into a realistic estimate of the risk after which the risk can be communicated to the general public. Media regularly report on possible human risks of toxic compounds and include the opinion of a toxicologist, think of the PFAS contamination in soil, fipronil in eggs and microplastics in our living environment. 


Requirements for admission:
Basic knowledge of pharmacology, of cellular processes (e.g. signal transduction and gene transcription), of organs (kidney, liver) and of neuronal, immune and endocrine organ systems is required.

MBLS or Biology students can apply for this course by sending an email to BachelorBMW@umcutrecht.nl

Learning outcomes:
Knowledge
After following this course, the student is able to:

• use and apply various toxicological principles such as mechanism of action, dose-effect relationship;
• use existing knowledge of cellular and molecular processes to describe and explain the toxic effects in appropriate target organ (systems);
• recognize and mechanistically understand some of the most commonly occurring intoxications.

Skills
After following this course, the student is able to:

• understand, interpret and extract toxicological data from scientific literature;
• make a preliminary risk assessment of a toxic compound using current scientific literature;
• identify and communicate the uncertainties surrounding a risk assessment to society;
• express his/her opinion on a toxicological, societal issue and formulate arguments (pro/con) in a scientific discussion;
• write and present a toxicological profile of a chemical compound based on scientific knowledge, in collaboration with fellow students;
• provide honest and constructive feedback on the work of fellow students.

Teaching forms and contact time
Lectures and video clips will explain the toxicological principles, discuss adverse outcomes for the most prominent organ systems, and describe adverse effects of frequent toxins. Tutorials will focus on toxicology in relation to humans and the environment, with a mandatory attendance of the tutorials of at least 80%. Various subjects will be addressed by means of societal relevant cases, in which students are asked to apply their biomedical knowledge in answering societal challenges. In addition, students will work in small groups (3-5 students) on writing a toxicological profile on a specific chemical.

Examination:
Written exam (60%): there will be one written exam with open questions and multiple choice questions, minimal grade 5.5.

Toxicological profile (40%):
The written toxicological profile is assessed by instructors using a rubric. The accompanying presentation is evaluated by both peers and instructors, also based on established rubrics. In addition, collaboration within the group assignment is evaluated through a joint evaluation and reflection form. In this form, students assess both their own contribution and that of their group members. This evaluation form is also used to determine whether the minimum effort requirement has been met. A minimum contribution of 80% is required for the group work. If a student scores below this 80% threshold based on peer and self-assessments, the student will receive a failing grade for the group assignment.

Required material
Book: Casarett & Doull’s Essentials of toxicology, 4th edition, ISBN 1260452298; OR Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology, The Basic Science of Poisons, 8th edition, digitally available via the UU library
Handouts of lectures will be made available via Brightspace
Video clips and tutorial assignments will be made available via Brightspace