Toxicology and Development

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AB_1026

Course Objective

After this course, students will:understand the basic concepts of toxicology, gain familiarity with dose-response relationships and will know the processes involved in the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolization and Excretion (ADME) of chemicals;have basic knowledge about analytical chemistry techniques used to prepare and measure potentially toxic chemicals in environmental and human samples;understand the principles and importance of human biomonitoring and chemical exposure assessment and how is it applied in different developmental windows;be able to describe toxic mechanisms and adverse outcomes relevant to human development, specifically early-life development;explain how mechanistic, toxicological, and epidemiological evidence can be integrated to inform human health risk assessment.

Course Content

This course studies the toxicological risks of substances in products that we use in our daily lives, focusing on reproductive and developmental toxicity. The course begins by exploring the impact of toxic substances on the developing embryo and foetus. We explore how the hazard of substances is assessed using the principles of toxic modes of action, also called toxicity pathways, which can be linked to human health and disease. You will learn about the methods used to evaluate the toxic effects of chemicals using in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, the course will provide you with an understanding of the factors which underlie species differences in response to potential developmental toxicants, as well as learn how exposure limits are derived. To determine risk
- which is a function of hazard and exposure to the hazard
- human exposure levels are assessed using analytical chemistry or exposure modelling methods. Here, current examples of human biomonitoring programs will be discussed and how we can use bioassays and approaches like effect-directed analysis (EDA) to detect toxic substances in our bodies and environment. Students will gain an insight into different environmental aspects that contribute to clinical and epidemiological findings. The societal impact in relation to appropriate health care measures will be discussed and an overview of the European risk regulation strategies for chemicals presented. The course is designed with subjects taught in lectures and then elaborated in working groups. We invite guest lectures to further explore the topics providing real-world examples. The course is assessed via an exam and presentation. For the presentation, students will work in a group of 3-5 people to review a scientific article using the themes and principles laid out in this course, which will then be presented to the group.

Teaching Methods

Lectures = 30x 1 hour Working groups = 3x 2hours Research project = home study followed by a presentation in a small group

Method of Assessment

Project presentation (30%), Written exam (70%) multiple choice and short answer questions For both the presentation and the exam, it is required to obtain a minimum grade of 5.5 to pass, and a final grade of ≥ 5.5.

Target Audience

Only students of VU Amsterdam can apply for the minor Biomedical Topics in Health Care. Students in Health and Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Natural Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences can apply. Of the Health and Life Sciences students, only those with Major Health Sciences and Biomedical Sciences can apply for this course.

Custom Course Registration

Via VUNET. Students are requested to register at least 3 weeks before the start of the course, so we can prepare for their participation. We would appreciate if students would let us know via mail if they will not participate.

Additional Information

This minor course requires a minimum of 20 participants to take place and there is a maximum of 65 students. Literature will be announced on CANVAS before the course starts