Environmental Toxicology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims: i) to provide the basis for a correct characterization of the adverse effects of xenobiotics, by defining methods and approaches managed in the toxicological evaluation; ii) to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse effects, the organ toxicity and the toxic effects of different classes of chemicals, such as pesticides, metals, solvents, natural toxins.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have knowledge on the different approaches and methods to evaluate environmental contaminants from a toxicological point of view and will develop competences for their correct evaluation
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
· Introduction to Environmental Toxicology course (1 hour)
· Classification of toxic compounds (1 hour)
· Sources of toxic compounds (2 hours)
· Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic (6 hours)
· Mutagenesis, cancerogenesis, teratogenesis e reproductive effects (6 hours)
· Endocrine Disruptors: definition, effects and toxicity of Endocrine Disruptors (2 hours)
· Emerging Contaminants (3 hours)
· Toxicity testing (3 hours)
· Natural toxins (6 hours)
· Pesticides (8 hours)
· Metals and metalloids (4 hours)
· Industrial Toxicants (4 hours)
· Elements in Nanotoxicology (1 hour)
· Risk assessment (1 hour)
· Classification of toxic compounds (1 hour)
· Sources of toxic compounds (2 hours)
· Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic (6 hours)
· Mutagenesis, cancerogenesis, teratogenesis e reproductive effects (6 hours)
· Endocrine Disruptors: definition, effects and toxicity of Endocrine Disruptors (2 hours)
· Emerging Contaminants (3 hours)
· Toxicity testing (3 hours)
· Natural toxins (6 hours)
· Pesticides (8 hours)
· Metals and metalloids (4 hours)
· Industrial Toxicants (4 hours)
· Elements in Nanotoxicology (1 hour)
· Risk assessment (1 hour)
Prerequisites for admission
Toxicology is a multidisciplinary science that uses the knowledge and techniques of most branches of biology, biochemistry, physiology and medicine, chemistry, math and physics. A minimum knowledge of these subjects is necessary to be able to follow the course.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and question time for further information.
Teaching Resources
Didactic material is available on myAriel https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=2387
Textbook:
Casarett & Doull. Elementi di tossicologia di John B. III Watkins, Curtis D. Klaassen. Ed. CEA
Textbook:
Casarett & Doull. Elementi di tossicologia di John B. III Watkins, Curtis D. Klaassen. Ed. CEA
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview aimed to evaluate knowledge and understanding of the lectures' subjects.The test will be evaluated in thirtieths. The score will take into account the accuracy and the capacity to motivate the answers, as well as the capacity to explain the concepts acquired with appropriate and updated terminology. Number of exam sessions per Academic Year: six
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment via mail
Via Celoria 10 - Milano