Analytical Toxicology

Recommended Prerequisites

It takes adequate knowledge in the areas of Chemistry, Nalytical Vhemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Statistics, Biology, Ecology and instrumental methods of analysis

Teaching Methods

Presentation of the subject using slides; observation and execution of analytical techniques by the students, and respective discussion of the results obtained in the laboratory work; Study and analysis of some cases; Discussion of scientific articles.

Learning Outcomes

Know the basic concepts used in toxicology, namely toxicokinetics. Knowing the factors that influence toxicity, understanding the importance of interactions between substances in toxic phenomena, acquiring and correlating various key concepts about the main types of toxicity directed or not directed at target organs, correctly describing the phases of the toxic process, understanding the biochemical processes of transformation of toxicants in living beings, knowing the mechanisms of possible toxic interactions; understand the interest of Toxicology with regard to its multiple applications and areas, develop skills in analysing and understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of xenobiotics with clinical, occupational and forensic impact. Evaluate the toxic effects of substances and apply the most appropriate tests. Know how to use and apply the fundamental techniques and methods for toxicological analysis.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Theorical: General principles of Toxicology. Disposal of toxins. Biotransformation of xenobiotics. Toxic responses to xenobiotics. Mechanisms of toxicity. Toxic agents: drugs, pesticides, metals....Clinical Toxicology, Analytical/Forensic Toxicology. Environmental Toxicology/Ecotoxicology. Toxicity assessment. Risk assessment. Samples: collection, transport and storage, types, preparation (objectives and methods), analytical methods for identifying and quantifying toxicants.

 

Practical: Laboratory safety rules and regulations. Handling toxic substances. Preparation of biological and non-biological samples. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of toxicants (barbiturates, arsenic, hydrocyanic acid and cyanides, methyl alcohol, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, pesticides) in different samples. All these tests will be based on the application of analytical techniques acquired through extraction, spectrophotometry, titration, chromatography and colourimetry. Spot and screening tests.

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Rita Rebelo Ferreira Barbosa

Assessment Methods

Final assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Casarett and Doull's Toxicology - The basic science of poisons. Curtis D. Klaassen, Mary O. Amdur; John Doull. 6th ed. McGraw-Hill. New York, 2013

Jungreis, E., Spot test analysis: clinical, environmental, forensic and geochemical applications, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2ªEd., 1997

Frederik P.Smith, Jay A, Handbook of forensic drug analysis. Siegel Editor, Elsevier Academic Press, 2005

Flanagan, R.J., Taylor, A., Watson, I.D., Whelpton, R., Fundamentals of analytical toxicology, John Wiley & Sons, 2007

Moreau, R.L.M., Siqueira, M.E.P.B., Toxicologia analítica, Ciências Farmacêuticas, Editora Guanabara Koogan S.A., 2008

Repetto, M. y G., Toxicología Fundamental, Ed. Díaz de Santos, 4ªEd, 2009

Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira, Félix Dias Carvalho, Maria de Lourdes Bastos. Toxicologia Forense, Editora Pactor, 2015

Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira, Félix Dias Carvalho, Maria de Lourdes Bastos. Toxicologia Fundamental, Editora Lidel, 2018