Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The main objective of the course is to provide the student with the tools necessary for an advanced understanding of the role of assessing the presence of toxic and genotoxic substances in the environment and in the clinical setting, with a view to preventing related diseases. Initially, basic notions of general hygiene will be provided. Concepts relating to pollution from toxic and genotoxic substances and the use of bioindicators for effective monitoring will then be explored. For a better understanding, students will be directly involved through the analysis of case studies.
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The didactic objective consists in obtaining the knowledge necessary for a critical analysis of the relationship between the environment and human health from a hygienic point of view. The topics covered during the lectures are also addressed through the analysis of scientific articles and case studies. This activity, which involves the active collaboration of students, is aimed at increasing not only their critical analysis skills but also their ability to apply the knowledge acquired both in the field of applied research and in the world of work.
AUTONOMY OF JUDGMENT
The course is aimed at increasing the ability to critically analyze the most current knowledge concerning the complex relationship between environment, risk and health
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The structure of the course includes classroom discussion activities aimed at developing students' aptitude to use the scientific skills acquired to support their arguments.
The critical analysis of scientific articles and case studies, both during lectures and during the oral exam, allows the student to develop communication skills both in a group context and on an individual level.
LEARNING ABILITY
The continuous evolution of scientific research, particularly in the field of risk assessment, requires a continuous updating of skills. For this reason, the course aims to provide the autonomy necessary for the achievement of a broader knowledge and for the alignment of skills to the progress of research in the field of applied hygiene.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
"Hygiene applied to Biotechnology" course aims to provide students with knowledge relating to the risk arising from exposure to toxic and genotoxic agents both in the environment and in the clinical setting. Issues relating to the use of biomarkers for the definition of toxic and genotoxic risk will be addressed. Particular attention will be given to the description of the mutagenesis tests used for the detection of the presence of genotoxic activity, in relation to the various national and international regulations that provide for the application of such tests. The analysis of case studies, deriving from international literature, will allow the acquisition of knowledge on different epidemiological and laboratory approaches for the assessment and prevention of the risk associated with exposure to pathogenic and / or toxic agents.
Full programme
1. - Introduction to applied hygiene, outline of epidemiology
2. Environmental toxicology
3. Spontaneous and induced epigenetic mutations and modifications: physical mutagens, chemical mutagens and xenobiotic metabolism
4. Evaluation of toxicity and genotoxicity: in vitro test with microorganisms; in vitro tests with mammalian cells; in vivo test; genomic and post-genomic analyzes
5. Regulations
6. Toxic and genotoxic pollutants in environmental matrices (air, water and soil)
7. Biomonitoring of human populations
8. The role of biomarkers in risk prevention
9. Applications in specific contexts: preventive medicine and public health; workplaces; natural and industrial environments; Power supply.
10. Analysis of case studies
Bibliography
W.Ricciardi, I.F.Angelillo, S.Brusaferro, M.DeGiusti, E. DeVito, U.Moscato, M.Pavia, R.Siquilini, P.Villari
“IGIENE per le lauree triennali e magistrali” Edizioni Idelson-Gnocchi – Sorbona
“Genomica e Mutagenesi Ambientale”
A cura di Lucia Migliore
Zanichelli
Teaching methods
The course will be conducted through lectures on specific topics, with the help of power point presentations. Some scientific papers and case-study about the problems faced will also be analyzed and discussed. The course material will be made available, it is nevertheless strongly recommended the use of specific books for study.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment will be done through a final oral exam. The exam will be carried out face to face or remotely in case of severe problems.
The oral examination will aim to test the knowledge and ability of understanding of the various topics covered during the lessons and to highlight the ability of the student to make connections between topics. With regard to scientific articles and case-studies analysed in the classroom, the students must also demonstrate their ability in analyse the scientific subject treated, their understanding of the experiments carried out, the results obtained and their interpretation. This examination will assess the students' ability to apply knowledge to specific problems, to connect the various acquired knowledge and to give a critical judgment and also their ability to communicate the knowledge learned.
Other information
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