Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis

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

The curricular unit has a theoretical component and a laboratory component. In lectures the contents are exposed using essentially visual media, promoting the interaction of students. In laboratory classes analytical methodologies are performed aiming at the isolation, identification and quantification of toxic agents, with emphasis on biological samples and their treatment. On the other hand, it is intended to experimentally illustrate some general concepts of toxicity.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of toxicology. In the end, the student should know the factors that influence toxicity, understand the importance of substance interactions in the toxic phenomenon, acquire and correlate several key concepts about the main types of target and non-target organ toxicity, correctly describe the stages of the toxic process, to understand the biochemical processes of toxic transformation in the living, to know the mechanisms of the possible toxic interactions; To understand the interest of Toxicology with respect to its multiple applications and areas, to develop skills in the analysis and understanding of 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 the fundamental techniques and methods for toxicological analysis / research, specifically in basic and analytical aspects.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Theoretical Program:

General Principles of Toxicology. Disposition of toxic compounds. Biotransformation of xenobiotics. Toxic response to xenobiotic. Mechanisms of toxicity: Toxic agents:drugs, solvents / vapors, pesticides, metals….Clinical Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology / Forensics.Environmental Toxicology. Toxicity assessment: Toxicity tests. Risk assessment.Biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility

Laboratory Program:

Standards and safety rules in a laboratory. Handling of toxic substances. Preparation of biological and non-biological samples. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of toxicants (barbiturates, arsenic, hydrocyanic acid and cyanides, methyl alcohol, fluorine, drugs, pesticides) in different samples. All of these tests will be based on the application of acquired analytical extraction, spectrophotometric, titration, chromatographic and colorimetric techniques. Spot and screening tests.

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Rita Rebelo Ferreira Barbosa

Assessment Methods

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.