DELETED: From Toxicity to SafetyLaajuus (4 - 6 cr)

Objective

After completion of the course, students are - Able to understand the concepts of drug safety, risk-benefit ratio of medicinal products, drug interactions and adverse effects. - Able to appreciate the global prevalence of chemical intoxications, use of fake medicines, and environmental harm due to chemicals. - Learn about the global practices in clinical management of chemical intoxications and poisonings. - Understand the basic concepts of chemical risk assessment. - Able to have an overview of environmental risk assessment concepts and methodologies. - Exposed to various toxicological assays through lab-work.

Content

The course comprehensively covers different aspects of human and environmental toxicology from a global perspective. The topics include mechanistic, descriptive, and regulatory toxicology, focusing on specific groups of chemicals in food, environment, and pharmaceuticals. The course focuses on addressing the current educational need related to improper production, use and/or disposal of chemicals leading to environmental and human health hazards. The course includes lab work related to different toxicological assays. It also provides opportunity to have international exposure through mobility to southern Africa.

Qualifications

It is recommended to have an understanding of human physiology, anatomy, pathology and biochemistry.

Materials

Lecture material and additional relevant materials will be provided through the learning platform.

Further information

Time: October 2024 - June 2025. Mobility from Zimbabwe and South Africa to Finland in March 2025 (7 days), and Finland to South Africa in June 2025 (7 days). Offering data: To Master's level and Doctoral level students of Health Sciences Campus: Kuopio Contact person: Jaana Rysä, jaana.rysa(at)uef.fi Office: Maiju Laitinen, maiju.laitinen(at)uef.fi

Execution methods

Multiform learning

Accomplishment methods

Study methods: The online part will comprise of compulsory lectures, independent studying and student presentations, group work and assignments. The lab part will comprise following demonstration, performing hands-on lab work following given protocols and writing reports including findings and conclusions based on lab works. It will be carried out within an exchange program within the participating universities (University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, Tshwane University of Technology (South Africa) and Harare Institute of Technology (Zimbabwe) Due to limited availability, only a select number of students will be chosen for the lab component. Selection criteria will be announced at the beginning of the course. Evaluation criteria: The online part will require compulsory attendance for all the lectures and active participation in the group work and timely submission of assignments. It will conclude with an online exam, which will be graded. Lab work will require active participation during lab sessions and submitting the lab reports.