187.645.81 Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications

Prerequisite:

Introduction to Online Learning is required prior to participating in any of the School's Internet-based courses. 187.632 Molecular toxicology; Background in molecular and cell biology recommended

Description:

Familiarizes students with the novel concepts being used to revamp regulatory toxicology in response to a breakthrough National Research Council Report “Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy.” Presents the latest developments in the toxicology field: moving away from animal testing toward human relevant, high content, high throughput integrative testing strategies. Active programs from EPA, NIH and the scientific community work-wide illustrate the dynamics of safety sciences.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Debate and criticize the shortcomings of the current approach to hazard assessment
2. Evaluate the technologies entering the regulatory arena
3. Explain the challenges of toxicology 21st century to change the paradigm in toxicology
4. Explain mechanism of toxicity and toxicokinetics as the basis for testing strategies
5. Describe novel types of data and bioinformatics entering regulatory evaluations
6. Implement Tox21 (PubChem, Data Visualization and integration suites) and ToxCast (iCSS Dashboard) interactive web applications to mine and assess Tox21 and ToxCast high-throughput chemical screening data

Methods of Assessment:

Midterm 40%, Final exam 40%, Assignments 20% (two assignments where student will work on the home project with interactive ToxCast web application to learn how to mine high-throughput chemical testing data

Instructor Consent:

No consent required