| Code |
17239
|
| Year |
1
|
| Semester |
S2
|
| ECTS Credits |
6
|
| Workload |
PL(30H)/T(30H)
|
| Scientific area |
Biochemistry
|
|
Entry requirements |
Previous knowledge of biotoxicology or related areas of toxicology, clinical analysis, or analytical methods is required.
|
|
Learning outcomes |
• Acquire basic knowledge of Toxicology and the main factors that influence toxicity.
• Understand the importance of interactions between chemical substances in toxic phenomena.
• Become familiar with the main techniques used in Toxicology and their applications.
At the end of the course unit, the student should be able to:
• Demonstrate adequate knowledge of toxicological concepts.
• Correctly describe the stages of the toxic process.
• Understand the biochemical processes involved in the transformation of toxicants in living organisms.
• Assess the toxic effects of substances and select and perform the most appropriate tests.
• Understand the mechanisms underlying potential toxic interactions.
• Use fundamental techniques and methods for toxicological research, particularly in basic and analytical aspects.
• Understand and apply general tools and techniques of the scientific method.
• Use basic information sources related to Toxicology.
|
|
Syllabus |
Theoretical Programme: UP1- Introduction to toxicology; UP2- clinical and forensic toxicology and types of biological samples; disposition, biotransformation and toxicity of toxic and potentially toxic metals (UP3), solvents and vapours (UP4), pesticides (UP5), pharmaceuticals (UP6) and drugs of abuse (UP7); laboratory analysis and validation of bioanalytical methods (UP8). Laboratory Programme: T1: Determination of alkaloids and pharmaceuticals in urine. T2–3: Determination of heavy metals by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. T4: Determination of impurities in drugs of abuse. T5: Detection of paraquat in water. T6: Screening of toxic substances in clinical/forensic toxicology. T7: Determination of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in plasma by GC–MS/MS. T8: Determination of cannabinoids in over-the-counter products.
|
|
Main Bibliography |
Klaassen CD, Amdur MO, Doull J. Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. 9ª ed., New York, McGraw-Hill, 2019. Clarke EGC. Clarke’s Isolation and Identification of Drugs. 4ª ed., London, Pharmaceutical Press, 2011. Hayes AW, Kobets T. Hayes’ Principles and Methods of Toxicology. 7ª ed., Philadelphia, CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, 2023. Baselt RC. Disposition of Toxic Drugs & Chemicals in Man. 12ª ed., Foster City, CA, Biomedical Publications, 2020. Ellenhorn MJ. Ellenhorn’s Medical Toxicology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 3ª ed., Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins, 2014. Gisbert Calabuig JA, Villanueva Cañadas E. Medicina legal y toxicología. 6ª ed., Barcelona, Masson, 2004. Gallardo E, Queiroz JA. The role of alternative specimens in toxicological analysis. Biomed. Chromatogr. 2008;22:795-821. Jefferey GH, et al. Vogel: Análise Química Quantitativa. 6ª ed., Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara-Koogan, 2002.
|
|
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
The final grade for the course unit is calculated according to the following formula: Final Grade = (Factor A × 0.40) + (Factor B × 0.50) + (Factor C × 0.10). Factor A corresponds to the Practical Assessment, accounting for 40% of the final grade, with a minimum score of 9.5 required for approval. This component includes the assessment of knowledge acquired in practical classes (60%), laboratory performance evaluated through posture, autonomy and technical proficiency (35%), and punctuality (5%). Failure in this component results in failure of the course unit. Factor B corresponds to the Written Test, weighted at 50%, also requiring a minimum score of 9.5. This assessment is divided into three tests: UP1–UP3 (30%), UP4–UP5 (30%) and UP6–UP9 (40%), with the final theoretical grade calculated as their weighted average. Factor C corresponds to a group Written Assignment and Oral Presentation, weighted at 10%, focusing on a toxic substance referenced in an artistic work.
|
|
Language |
Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
|