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187.610.01
Public Health Toxicology

Location
East Baltimore
Term
1st Term
Department
Environmental Health and Engineering
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2013 - 2014
Instruction Method
TBD
Class Time(s)
W, F, 3:30 - 4:50pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Background in chemistry (particularly organic chemistry) and biology useful.

Description
Students examine basic concepts of toxicology as they apply to the effects of environmental agents, e.g. chemicals, metals, on public health. We discuss the distribution, cellular penetration, metabolic conversion, and elimination of toxic agents, as well as the fundamental laws governing the interaction of foreign chemicals with biological systems. Students focus on the application of these concepts to the understanding and prevention of morbidity and mortality resulting from environmental exposures to toxic substances through a case study format.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the chemical properties and the biological processes which modulate the toxicokinetics of chemical agents of public health importance.
  2. Explain the significance of biotransformation reactions as a determinant of the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic activities of chemicals.
  3. Describe molecular, cellular and pathophysiological responses resulting from exposure to chemical agents relevant to human health.
  4. Identify underlying susceptibility factors which contribute to the ability of chemicals to elicit bioeffects which contribute to human disease.
  5. Explain the science underlying testing for the ability of chemicals to elicit adverse human health effects.
  6. Put into perspective the role of toxicology in the risk assessment process.