Biochemical and Biophysical Toxicology

Recommended Prerequisites

Fundamental knowledge of Biochemistry and Physiology.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical concepts will be introduced by presenting experimental data (records, tables and graphs) from various literature sources. Students are asked to interpret the results, draw their conclusions and complement the information gathered in class with literature (scientific books and articles in scientific journals) suggested by the teacher or searched in the internet.

Learning Outcomes

The Toxicology in a biochemichal and biophysical perspective aims to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of natural or synthetic compounds. Students will develop the ability to: suggest biochemical tests for assessment of the risks resulting from exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals; predict the toxicity of a chemical compound taking into account their physico-chemical characteristics and the molecular targets affected in a given biological system; evaluate the factors that influence the toxicity of a compound, taking into consideration toxicodynamic and toxicokinetics aspects; propose or justify molecular mechanisms of toxicity and strategies to overcome the toxic effects of a substance. Due to the multidisciplinary character of Toxicology, students will develop the ability to understand and apply concepts and terms used in various scientific areas. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Relationships between Biochemical and Biophysical Toxicology and other areas of Toxicology and definition of its objectives.

2. Exposure pathways for human and other living beings to toxic compounds; bioaccumulation and biomagnification phenomena.

3. Disposition of xenobiotics in biological systems (absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion) and toxicokinetic parameters.

4. Risk assessment: dose-response relationships and indices of toxicity. Toxicity tests in vivo and in vitro. Structure-activity relationships of various groups of compounds and their relevance in Toxicology. The molecular epidemiology in predicting individual risk.

5. Molecular mechanisms of toxicity. Chemical carcinogenesis, toxicity produced by xenobiotics that induce oxidative stress, disturb mitochondrial bioenergetics or alter the membrane physical properties.

 

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Amália da Silva Jurado

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Discussion of scientific papers: 5.0%
Synthesis work: 7.5%
Presentation and discussion of relevant scientific papers: 7.5%
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Mini Tests: 10.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

1. A Textbook of Modern Toxicology, Hodgson, E. Ed., John Wiley & Sons, 4th edition, 2010.

2.Casarett and Doull´s Essentials of Toxicology, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., New York, 2nd edition, 2010.

3. Principles of Biochemical Toxicology, Timbrell, J.A., Taylor & Francis, London, 4th edition, 2009.

4. Mechanistic Toxicology: The Molecular Basis of How Chemicals Disrupt Biological Targets, Boelsterli, U.A., Taylor & Francis, London, 2nd edition, 2007.

5. Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine, Halliwell, B. and Gutteridge, J.M.C., Oxford University Press, 4th edition, 2007.