Toxicological Chemistry

The course aims to introduce students to the close connection between chemical structures and their potential toxicity. Special attention will be given to the main narcotic substances, their potential for abuse, and their inclusion in the Tables required by law. The main methods for detecting drugs of abuse in non-biological and biological materials will be considered, including practical laboratory exercises. A module on environmental and occupational toxicology will be included, presenting substances of toxicological interest in living and working environments and the risk assessment of exposure to chemical agents. Environmental and biological monitoring of chemical agents will be covered, with some examples and analytical methodologies for their determination.

Upon completion of the course, students should understand the toxicity and abuse potential of the most common narcotic substances and the relevant legislation. They should also be familiar with the main hazardous chemical agents present in living and working environments. They should also be familiar with the main sampling and sample preparation techniques, and the most common analytical techniques applied in chemical-toxicological analysis and environmental and occupational monitoring.