Biotechnology and Pharmacotoxicology

A.Y. 2019/2020
10
Max ECTS
88
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/14
Language
English
Learning objectives
The main objectives of this module are:
1. to provide notions for a correct characterization and interpretation of genotoxic, cancerogenic, immunotoxic and reproductive adverse effects of xenobiotics.
2. to characterize their molecular mechanisms of action.
3. to provide notions on preclinical toxicology for product development and the EU legislations concerning the following endpoints: genotoxicity, cancerogenicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Lectures will be dedicated to the introduction of the different topics and their toxicological evaluation, while the tutorials will be dedicated to the discussion of current OECD guidelines with a direct involvement of students.
Expected learning outcomes
Students must learn the basic principles of genotoxicity, cancerogenicity, reproductive toxicity and immunotoxicity and their assessment. The tutorials also aim to stimulate the student toward critical thinking and problem solving, promoting his/her attitude to growth and constant improvement (lifelong learning). At the end, to assess the actual learning of the student, an oral examination of approximately 30 minutes on the topics and issues related to the evaluation of these critical toxicity endpoints as discussed during lectures will be done.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Modern toxicology involves the study of structure and mechanism related to the toxic effects of chemical agents, and encompasses technology advances in research related to chemical aspects of toxicology. Toxicology is strongly multidisciplinary, spanning computational chemistry and synthetic chemistry, proteomics and metabolomics, drug discovery, drug metabolism and mechanisms of action, bioinformatics, bioanalytical chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular epidemiology. Integration of all this information is central to hazard identification and proper risk assessment. Among possible adverse effects, those affecting the immune and the reproductive system together with genotoxic effects and the development of cancer, are the ones that should arouse the greatest concern.
The main purposes of this module are:
1. to provide notions for a correct characterization and interpretation of genotoxic, cancerogenic, immunotoxic and reproductive adverse effects of xenobiotics.
2. to characterize their molecular mechanisms of action.
3. to provide notions on preclinical toxicology for product development and the EU legislations concerning the following endpoints: genotoxicity, cancerogenicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Lectures will be dedicated to the introduction of the different topics and their toxicological evaluation, while the tutorials will be dedicated to the discussion of current OECD guidelines with a direct involvement of students.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must have basic knowledge of anatomy, biology, physiology, and pathology.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and tutorials. To facilitate the acquisition of the necessary skills and abilities to work effectively in teams and to achieve objectives (i.e. autonomy, ability to plan and organize and manage information) working groups will be organized.
Teaching Resources
Suggested study materials:
- Casarett and Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons 8th Edition (Curtis D. Klaassen, Ed). Mc Graw Hill Education. 2013
- Recent reviews and OECD guidelines on the subjects will be made available during class
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed by an oral examination of approximately 30 minutes on the topics and issues related to the evaluation of these critical toxicity endpoints as discussed during lectures.
Biotechnology and Pharmacology
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 5
Lectures: 40 hours
Professor: Ciana Paolo
Shifts:
-
Professor: Ciana Paolo
Genotoxicology, Cancerogenicity, Immunotoxicology, Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 5
Tutorials: 16 hours
Lectures: 32 hours
Professor: Corsini Emanuela
Shifts:
-
Professor: Corsini Emanuela
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday 10:00-12:30 a.m.
Department of Health Sciences, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8
Reception:
By telephone or e-mail appointment
Dip. di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Via Balzaretti 9, Milano