Learning objectives
The course offers to students the tools to understand the effects on human health of the main environmental contaminants, and the pathways for exposure. Individual susceptibility will also be considered. Examples taken by the scientific literature will be considered.
Course unit content
The student will acquire knowledge on the interaction between environmental contaminants and humans at all levels; at the same time the student will acquire knowledge on innovative methodologies.
Full programme
Basic knowledge of animal biology: cells, tissues, organs, apparata
Exposure to environmental contaminants
Distribution of contaminant within the human body
Metabolism of contaminants: phase I, phase II, conjugation, drug metabolism
Elimination of contaminants
Individual hypersusceptibility in response to contaminants
Toxicity of environmental contaminants towards cell components, genotoxicity
Toxicity of environmental contaminants towards organ systems
Examples: hydrocarbons, metals, fibres and particles, animal and plant toxins
Bibliography
Material made available on the web site
