Program Overview

ENVIRONMENTAL PATHOLOGY

Overview

The teaching of Environmental Pathology is an optional course for the Degree in Applied and Experimental Biology. It can be selected for students of the three curricula.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The course provides in-depth knowledge of the harmful consequences for humans of exposure to chemical and/or physical agents present in the environment or in the workplace, as well as of the pathogenic effects deriving from the alteration and deterioration of the environment due to anthropogenic activities (deforestation, intensive agriculture, industrial development, population growth).

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The in-depth study of the harmful effects and diseases that affect humans as a result of exposure to chemical and physical environmental agents allows the student to acquire solid knowledge and critical tools essential for understanding the relationship between health and the environment. Particular attention will be devoted to neoplastic pathology but also to pathologies that result from chronic exposure to major environmental pollutants.

Prerequisites

• Solid knowledge of human physiology and general immunology are needed to easily face the teaching.
• The knowledge of molecular basis of cell damage is preferential.

Teaching Methods

• 16 hours of lectures with multimedia presentations.
• Students will work independently reviewing literature on particular topics, followed by oral presentations.

Syllabus/Content

• Neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and necrotizing effects of toxins produced by algae and fungi contaminating food and water.
• Toxicity of poisons produced by animals and plants.
• Acute and chronic toxic action of pesticides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Pathogenetic mechanisms.
• Heavy metal toxicity (mercury, lead, and chromium).
• Pro-carcinogenic and pro-inflammatory action of atmospheric pollutants (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, benzopyrene, benzene).
• Atmospheric particulate toxicity.
• Occupational risks (asbestosis).
• Radioactive contamination (pathogenetic mechanisms of radiation damage).

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

Books and other materials will be provided/suggested during the course.

Teachers and Exam Board

• MARIAPAOLA NITTI
  • Office Hours: Anytime by appointment

Exam Board

• MARIAPAOLA NITTI (President)
• ANNA MARIA BASSI
• ANNA LISA FURFARO (President Substitute)

Lessons

Lessons Start

Second semester. For lessons start and timetable, please refer to the provided link.

Class Schedule

ENVIRONMENTAL PATHOLOGY

Exams

Exam Description

The examination method will take place with an oral test.

Assessment Methods

• During the oral test, the student must correctly answer 2 questions relating to the exam program.
• To pass the exam, a sufficient answer will be required for both topics covered by the questions.
• Any presentations made by the student during the course will be taken into consideration in the final evaluation.
• For the final evaluation, the commission will evaluate the following requirements: the level of knowledge of the topics covered by the questions, the acquisition of the specialized vocabulary, the ability to connect with other topics of the program.

Further Information

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework, and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando, the Department's disability liaison.