Ateneo - UPO

Ecology: Introduction to Ecology; Ecological footprint; The concept of Ecological systems; Levels of Ecological organization; The role of animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms; Species interactions; Concepts of habitat, niche, time, space; Global warming and the human impact in the environment; adaptations to water; adaptations to light, energy and heat; adaptations to climate, water and soil; evolutionary biology; sex and evolution; family, society and evolution; ecology of populations; ecotoxicology; life histories of animals; vegetarianism and veganism; sustainable development; climate change; field work in Sesia river.
Toxicology: fundamental principles of general and applied toxicology, focusing on the mechanisms of action of toxic substances, their classification, and the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Dose-response relationships, toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, and factors influencing toxic response are discussed. Systemic toxicology is addressed by examining toxic effects on major organs and systems (liver, kidneys, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems), with examples of representative substances. Key topics include environmental toxicology with a focus on emerging contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS, and food toxicology covering natural and anthropogenic contaminants as well as chemical migration from food packaging and containers. The toxicology of drugs of abuse, including both stimulants and central nervous system depressants, is explored, with a focus on fentanyl and its analogues. The course also highlights the role of new “omics” disciplines (toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics) in toxicity assessment and biomarker identification. Practical application of acquired concepts is emphasized through case
studies, focusing on toxicological data interpretation and chemical risk assessment in environmental and food contexts.

Ecology: Economy of Nature, by Robert Ricklefs; Evolution, by Douglas Futuyma; Symbiotic planet, by Lynn Margulis; The selfish gene, by Richard Dawkins; Evolution in four dimensions, by Eva Jablonka; The origin of species, by Charles Darwin; What makes biology unique, by Ernst Mayr; Gaia, by James Lovelock.
Toxicology: Modern toxicology

Ecology: Introduce students to contemporary knowledge of natural ecology, molecular ecology, sustainable development, global warming, climate change, pollution, environmentalism, conservationism and ecologism.
Toxicology: The Toxicology course aims to provide students with a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education, with the following objectives: Understanding the fundamental principles of toxicology Learn the basic concepts of general and applied toxicology, including dose-response relationships, mechanisms of toxicity, and toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. Distinguish between different types of toxicity (acute, chronic, subchronic) and their assessment parameters. Knowledge of biological and molecular mechanisms Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of
chemicals. Explore the role of metabolic pathways and enzymatic systems (e.g., cytochrome P450) in toxicant biotransformation. Analyze the impact of toxic substances on organs and biological systems, with special emphasis on the liver, kidneys, nervous system, respiratory system, and endocrine system. Focus on specialized toxicology areas Develop knowledge in environmental toxicology, with emphasis on emerging contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS. Understand food toxicology, including the migration of chemicals from food contact materials and packaging.
Study the toxicology of drugs of abuse, including both stimulants and central nervous system depressants, with a focus on synthetic opioids
such as fentanyl. Understand the implications of new “omics” sciences (toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics) in elucidating toxic effects.
Toxicological risk assessment: Acquire the ability to read, interpret, and apply the principles of toxicological risk assessment. Understand how to translate experimental data into safety evaluations applicable to environmental, food, and industrial settings. Development of methodological skills: Become familiar with experimental in vitro and in vivo techniques used for toxicity assessment. Learn to use biomarkers and interpret data from toxicogenomics,
epigenetics, and proteomics. Develop skills to consult international scientific literature and use toxicological databases. Critical analysis and scientific communication skills: Be able to analyze complex case studies and critically evaluate the reliability and relevance of available data. Communicate effectively results, conclusions, and issues related to toxicological risk, using appropriate scientific terminology. Develop the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and actively contribute to scientific discussions. Professional and applied competencies: Prepare students to apply the acquired knowledge in professional contexts related to the food, environmental, pharmaceutical, and public health sectors.
Promote the attitude toward continuous learning in a field characterized by rapid scientific and regulatory evolution.
At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the general principles of toxicology, apply advanced knowledge to address complex
chemical safety issues, critically evaluate experimental data, and translate them into practical actions for risk prevention and management.

Ecology: none
Toxicology: To successfully follow the Toxicology course, students need a solid foundation of knowledge derived from fundamental disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences. These skills are essential to fully understand the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of chemicals, as well as to address practical applications in environmental, food, and biomedical fields.

Ecology: Theoretical classes; Watching movies; Field work; Group discussions about relevant and contemporary topics on Ecology; Article reading, interpreting and presenting.
Toxicology: Lectures supported by multimedia presentations, aimed at introducing the fundamental concepts of general and applied toxicology. Case study discussions on environmental contaminants, food safety issues, and drugs of abuse, fostering critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. Specialized seminars delivered by experts (e.g., environmental toxicologists, proteomics and epigenetics specialists) to provide updated
insights on emerging research and issues. Practical data analysis sessions (interpretation of toxicological results, critical reading of scientific papers, risk assessment exercises) designed to develop analytical and synthesis skills. Use of an e-learning platform to access teaching materials, scientific articles, self-assessment quizzes, and discussion forums. The methodology is designed to promote active student participation, encouraging critical reasoning, independent learning, and interaction with the instructor.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Ecology: Student performance is evaluated based on attendance, active participation in lessons, the depth of questions, and general interest in the class and its subjects. For the final assessment, students are required to choose and present an article on Ecology on the last day of the course. This presentation, which should last between 10 and 20 minutes, serves as the final exam. Evaluation criteria include the student's understanding of the article, the clarity of the presentation (covering the main aims, methods, and results), and the ability to answer questions posed by the professor and colleagues, demonstrating a true capacity to interpret the authors’ presented messages.
Toxicology: Multiple-choice exam with only one correct answer. There will be 33 questions. If the student does not achieve a passing grade, an additional oral exam will be required. It is possible to request an oral exam on the entire syllabus in place of the written exam (only on a voluntary basis). To achieve a passing grade, you must answer at least 18 of the 33 questions. Each correct answer will be worth 1 point, while unanswered and incorrect questions will be worth 0 points.

Ecology:
General Introduction; Basic knowledge in Ecology; Adaptations to Water; Adaptations to light, energy and heat; Adaptations to climate, water and soil; EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY; Life Histories; Ecology and diet; Sex and evolution; Family, Society and Evolution; Ecology of Populations; Species interactions (Part 1); Communities structures and Ecological Succession; Communities and Biodiversity (Part 2); Ecotoxicology.

Toxicology:
1. Introduction to toxicology; 2. General principles; 3. Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics; 4. Systemic toxicology; 5. Toxicogenomics, epigenetics, and proteomics; 6. Environmental toxicology; 7. Food toxicology; 8. Toxicology of drugs of abuse; 9. Toxicological risk assessment; 10. Case studies and practical applications.

Gender mainstreaming: approaches to grant equal benefits in actions and activities for women and mens and for eliminating gender inequalities.

Ecology: Provide basic knowledge about ecology and allow the students to acquire critical thinking on evaluating scientific works in ecology and contemporary issues on environmentalism.

Toxicology:
The aim is to provide foundational knowledge to understand toxicology in
its various aspects.
Assessment Criteria
• Basic Understanding:
o Students must demonstrate knowledge of fundamental toxicological
concepts and communicate them using correct scientific terminology.
• Average Grade:
o Students must relate basic concepts across different toxicological
aspects and communicate effectively.
• Highest Grade:
o Students must show thorough understanding and effective
communication of all course aspects.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course and passing the final exam, students should achieve the following objectives:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Fundamental Principles:
o Describe general and applied toxicology principles, including doseresponse
and toxicity types.
• Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics:
o Identify ADME processes of toxic substances.
Apply Knowledge and Understanding
• Risk Assessment:
o Apply toxicological risk assessment principles to case studies involving
environmental and food contaminants.
• Data Interpretation:
o Evaluate results from toxicological experiments, including exposure
studies.
Emerging Issues in Toxicology
• Discuss current issues, such as drug abuse and its health effects.
Communication Skills
• Technical Terminology:
o Use correct terminology for clear communication of analysis results.
• Data Summaries:
o Present conclusions understandably for both expert and non-expert
audiences.
Learning Skills
• Multidisciplinary Integration:
o Connect concepts from various scientific fields to solve complex
toxicological problems.
• Lifelong Learning:
o Stay updated on scientific and regulatory changes in toxicology.