Basics of Toxicology
Code
11184
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Química
Credits
3.0
Teacher in charge
António Sebastião Rodrigues
Weekly hours
2
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
‐ basic knowledge on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism and toxicology as
well as the biological and chemical mechanisms of these phenomena.
‐ understanding the toxic biological effects due to exposure to environmental xenobiotics,
food xenobiotics or pharmacological agents.
‐ understanding the toxicological consequences associated with inter‐individual variations in
biotransformation enzymes and membrane transporters, genetic polymorphisms and
genetic variation in metabolism and drug transport.
‐ knowledge of practical examples of the application of these concepts in the clinics,
research and industry
‐ skills concerning analytical methodologies applied in pharmacology and toxicology studies
‐ knowledge on the national, European and worldwide regulations, their differences,
similarities and implications.
Subject matter
2. Principles of toxicology.
3. Drug Metabolism.
4. Strategies for the improvement of the absorption and distribution of drugs:
Prodrugs and drug delivery systems.
5. Membrane transporters and response to xenobiotics. Efflux and drug resistance.
6. Environmental Toxicology. Mechanisms of action of environmental toxic agents;
Drugs in the environment and toxic effects; Endocrine disruptors; Metals; Organic
industrial pollutants.
7. Pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics. Personalized medicine.
8. Methods in pharmacology and toxicology
9. Genetic Toxicology and cancer.
10. Risk evaluation
11. Regulatory aspects in Toxicology
Bibliography
Goodman & Gilman''s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12th Edition, Laurence L.
Brunton, ED
Pharmacology for chemists, ACS, Oxford University press, 1999, Joseph Cannon
Casarett & Doull''s Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, 6th Edition, Curtis D. Klaasen, Ed.
The bibliography will also consist of recent original scientific articles in specialized journals and
review articles (e.g., Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology).
Teaching method
Lectures and problem‐solving classes.
Evaluation method
Evaluation will include a written examination (70% of the final grade) and a group seminar (3 students) with 30 % weight in the final grade.