Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - BISC 313 D100

Environmental Toxicology: A Mechanistic Perspective (3)

Class Number: 1219

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2018
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students are introduced to general principles of toxicological action, testing, evaluation and assessment. The environmental fate and toxic mechanisms of action of several important classes of environmental pollutants in several organisms (including humans) will be examined at different levels of organization, from the molecular and biochemical to the function of organ systems and behavior.

COURSE DETAILS:

  1. Introduction to toxicology
    • Basic principles of toxicology: ADME of chemicals, chemical/chemical interactions, dose and dose response, mechanisms of toxic actions, toxic agents and antidotes
    • Toxic effects: introduction to organ toxicity
    • Organ system toxicology: lung, blood, nervous system, skin kidney, and liver
  2. Toxicity testing
    • The different toxicity testing methods (acute, sub-chronic, and chronic tests)
    • Gene mutation and toxicity tests
    • Chemical carcinogenesis - carcinogenicity and teratogenicity tests
    • Limitation of toxicity data
  3. An introduction to human health risk assessment: the methods used and case studies
  4. Toxic effects, chemical fate and transport of pollutants in the environment including
    • Pesticides
    • Organic solvents
    • Metals
    • Endocrine disrupting compounds
    • Chlorinated dioxins and furans
    • Food toxins
    • Natural toxins

Grading

  • Tutorials 15%
  • Midterms 35%
  • Final 50%

NOTES:

This is a tentative outline and is subject to change.  Please contact Dr. Kennedy for details.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS