Toxicology

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 of the course unit is calculated as: Final Grade = (Factor A × 0.40) + (Factor B × 0.50) + (Factor C × 0.10). Factor A corresponds to the Practical Assessment (40%), with a minimum mark of 9.5/20 required for approval. It includes evaluation of practical knowledge (60%), laboratory performance, attitude, autonomy and technical skills during tasks (35%), and punctuality (5%). Failure in this component results in failure of the course unit. Factor B corresponds to the Written Test (50%), also requiring a minimum mark of 9.5/20. It is divided into three assessments: UP1–UP3 (30%), UP4–UP5 (30%), and UP6–UP9 (40%), with the theoretical grade calculated as their weighted average. Factor C refers to a group written assignment and oral presentation on a selected toxic substance (10%). For the exam assessment, the same formula applies: Factor A (40%), Factor B – exam (50%), and Factor C (10%).
Language	Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.