| Academic year: | 2009-2010 |
| Course code module | 1MBMW-K-024 |
| Semester: | 1st semester |
| Credits: | 6 |
| Study load (hours) | 168 |
| Theory (hours): | 30,00 |
| Practice/Exercises(hours): | |
| Other (hours): | 15,00 |
| Part-time program: | 1 |
| Instructor(s) | Luc Verschaeve
Adrian Covaci
Wim De Coen
Hugo Neels
Ingrid De Meester
|
| Language of instruction: | Dutch |
| Semester exam information: | exam in the 1st semester |
| Contract restriction information: | exam contract not possible |
1. Prerequisites
*Algemene competenties
-Knowledge of basic principles of biology, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology and genetic
-Sufficient knowledge of scientific English to be able to read and evaluate scientific papers.
*Sequentiality
None
Have followed the bachelor of Biomedical Sciences or the bachelor of Biology.
2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes)
Students will learn about the basic principles of the interaction of chemicals with cells and tissues and the methods that are used in environmental and human toxicological research in order to detect or identify harmful substances.
3. Course content
Effects of environmental chemical or physical agents on cells, organs and tissues. Emphasise is given on genetic toxicology, endocrine disruptors, reproduction toxicology etc.
-Toxicity: general aspects (L. Verschaeve; 2h)
-absorption, distribution, excretion, toxicity, detoxification, formation of free radicals.
-carcinogenesis via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
-introduction biomarkers
-Chemical classes, detection methods and analyses (A. Covaci; 6h)
-description of the major groups of toxic substances: structure, properties
-human exposure (organic pollutants, solvents, metals, industrial pollutants: PCB,
flame retardants, plasticizers.
-Detection methods and analyses: description of the most important analytical methods for detection of these toxicants.
-Genetic toxicology (L. Verschaeve; 8h)
-Different types of genetic effects, importance of a test battery
-Description of the main tests (on bacteria and mammalian or human cells)
-Application of these tests for product testing, human- and environmental monitoring
-Examples of chemicals with different mechanisms of action (base analogs, alkylating
substances, aneugens, …)
-Mutagenicity and antimutagenicity
Molecular Methods (W. De Coen, 10h)
-genomics
-proteomics
Liver toxicity (I. De Meester, 4h)
Above also includes:
-relationship between the chemical structure and the resulting toxicity
-Synergistic , additive or antagonistic effects of chemicals (interactions between chemicals and their combined effect on cells, tissues and organisms)
4. Teaching method
Direct contact: Lectures
5. Assessment method
Exam: Written, without oral presentation
6. Compulsory reading – study material
Course, lecture notes, hand-outs, scientific papers
7. Recommended reading - study material
-C.D. Klaassen (ed.) Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology, Mc Graw Hill Medical, New York, ISBN 978-0-07-147051-3 (2008)
W.W. Hughes. Essentials of Environmental Toxicology, Taylor and Francis, Washington, ISBN 1-56032-470-8 (1996)
http://www.greenfacts.org/
http://cdfc.rug.ac.be/HealthRisk/
8. Tutoring