Learning objectives
Students will acquire knowledge on the principles and the methods for risk evaluation in human population exposed to toxic compounds in food as well as the foodborne risk management based on metagenomes studies finalized to define the role of microbiomes in food systems and the connection with food quality and risk assessment.
Moreover, students will be addressed to use the risk analysis framework promulgated by international food safety authorities and in particular the risk management of food safety.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
• Food toxicology.
• Hazard identification Dose-response assessment. Exposure assessment.
• Risk characterization. Identification of effect levels. Significance and calculation of reference doses. Definition of chemical safety limits.
• Risk management of chemical risk.
• Case studies of xenobiotics in food.
• General Introduction the study of microbiomes: metagenomics, microbial ecosystems and microbiomes, types of metagenome studies
• NGS sequencing, second-and third-generation NGS platforms;
• bioinformatic analysis for a big data produced by metagenomic studies
• Foodborne risk management by modulation of microbiomes in food system
Full programme
- - -
Bibliography
Notes of lectures; scientific publications Notes of lectures; scientific publications, case reports.
Students can refer to:
Casarett and Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, by Curtis D. Klaassen, Mc Graw Hill ed, 9th edition.
Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology, Curtis D. Klaassen, John B. III Watkins, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2015.
Teaching methods
Face-to-face lectures, scientific seminaries, case studies
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA
Assessment methods and criteria
This course includes two modules “Evaluation of adverse health effects from human exposure to foodborne hazards” and " Innovative approach for risk assessment in microbiome food value chain”. Final grading of the entire integrated course is calculated as an average of the scores obtained in the two courses. The examination commission includes teachers of both courses.
Oral examination for “Innovative approach for risk assessment in microbiome food value chain” and written test with open questions for “Evaluation of adverse health effects from human exposure to foodborne hazards” will verify the theoretical and applicative knowledges of the student
Other information
Participation is not mandatory but highly recommended
