Environmental toxicology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
Students will acquire knowledge on the most important mechanisms at the basis of the toxicity of xenobiotics and environmental pollutants on humans and on the environment. Additionally, some local and global environmental disasters and their mid- and long-term consequences will be analyzed
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge on the most common causes of environmental pollution and of their consequences on humans, animals and the environment. Detailed analysis of some of the most important classes of environmental pollutants. Students will also develop the ability to critically analyze data in scientific literature and mass media on some of the most important global environmental catastrophes
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will cover different topics:
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY;
2. EXPOSURE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING;
3. SEDIMENTARY BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES: PHOSPHORUS AND SULFUR CYCLES;
4. GASEOUS BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES: OXYGEN, CARBON AND NITROGEN CYCLES;
5. FRESH- AND SALT-WATER CYCLE: POLLUTION EVALUATION METHODS;
6. POLLUTION ASSESSMENT METHODS;
7. FOOD POLLUTANTS;
8. GLOBAL CONTAMINATION AND IN REMOTE AREAS: TRANSPORT MECHANISMS FOR PERSISTENT ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS;
9. EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL PRODUCTS IN PREGNANCY AND EFFECTS ON THE NEURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE OFFSPRING WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERATIONS IN THE NEURO-BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE DOMAINS;
10. ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION DURING THE FIRST YEARS OF LIFE AND EFFECTS ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN.
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY;
2. EXPOSURE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING;
3. SEDIMENTARY BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES: PHOSPHORUS AND SULFUR CYCLES;
4. GASEOUS BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES: OXYGEN, CARBON AND NITROGEN CYCLES;
5. FRESH- AND SALT-WATER CYCLE: POLLUTION EVALUATION METHODS;
6. POLLUTION ASSESSMENT METHODS;
7. FOOD POLLUTANTS;
8. GLOBAL CONTAMINATION AND IN REMOTE AREAS: TRANSPORT MECHANISMS FOR PERSISTENT ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS;
9. EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL PRODUCTS IN PREGNANCY AND EFFECTS ON THE NEURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE OFFSPRING WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERATIONS IN THE NEURO-BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE DOMAINS;
10. ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION DURING THE FIRST YEARS OF LIFE AND EFFECTS ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is meant for students at the third academic year with Knowledge in environmental chemistry.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and group activities.
Teaching Resources
All the needed documents and literature on specific topics used during the lessons will be provided by the professor on Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The learning tests will be performed by written exams with multiple choices questions and with an oral presentation of a paper on a topic covered during the course and agreed with the professor.
Professor(s)