Course detail

Toxicology and Basics of Ecotoxicology

FCH-BC_TETAcad. year: 2025/2026

The science of toxicology. Terminology of toxicology, History. The explanation of the relation of dose - effec, mechamism of toxic effects, factors influencing toxic effects, characteristics of of toxic effects, basic principles. The chemical compounds interaction. Mechanism of chemical compounds penetrating to organism. Toxicologic kinetice (primary contact, absorption, transport, excrection). The biotransformation of toxic compounds, factors influencing the biotransformation. The causation of demage of cells, tissues, organism and species levels. The main types of toxic effects. The evaluation of toxicity. The summary of the toxicology of inorganic and organic elements, compounds. The overview of therapy, antidots. The classification of chemical compounds in CZ and EU, actual legislative. The source of information, the information system of toxicology.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Mgr. Helena Doležalová Weissmannová, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection (ÚCHTOŽP)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of general chemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry, biology.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Examination in written test form together with the oral part of the exam in the scope of lectures and recommended literature.
Attendance at lectures is recommended, but not controlled. For students in combined form of study are organized consultations on the topics for full-time students.
Consultations are also provided to full-time students on request.
An integral part of teaching and combined form of teaching is a e-learning tutorial course, divided into blocks, within which are available to students learning support including electronic textbooks, presentations, lectures, and other complementary materials.

Aims

The aim is to provide and explain the basic concepts in toxicology, to clarify the mechanisms of the effects of pollutants and toxic chemicals at different levels, to explain the factors affecting toxicity. In this course students will get acquainted with the toxic effects of selected inorganic and organic compounds and substances, current legislation and defining documents dealing with chemicals and safety.
Students will obtained new knowledge, understanding and knowledge in the following areas
1. Students will be able to use the terms in toxicology and other chemical sectors (environmental chemistry, etc.)
2. Students will obtain the knowledge of mechanisms of toxic effects on organisms and they will know the different types of toxic effects.
3. Students will understand the influence of factors (internal and external) on the toxicity of substances.
4. Students gain knowledge and experience toxic effects of inorganic and organic substances on the organism.
5. Students will understand the current legislative and regulatory documents defining the handling of chemicals.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Kočí V., Mocová K. Ekotoxikologie pro chemiky. VŠCHT Praha, Praha 2009. (CS)
Prokeš, J., Základy toxikologie, Galén, Praha, 2005 (CS)
Tichý, M., Toxikologie pro chemiky, skripta, Karlova Univerzita, Praha, 1998 (CS)

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Helena Doležalová Weissmannová, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. The concept of toxicology in the context of technical and natural sciences, definition of basic concepts, history. Contemporary concept of toxicology, history, division of toxicology, characteristics of disciplines.
2. Definitions of terms. Toxic substance and toxicity, toxicological indexes. Toxic effects (characteristics, expression).
3. Exposure, dose. Interactions between toxic substances. Factors affecting the toxic effect.
4. Interaction of the toxic substance at the molecular and cellular level.
5. Toxicokinetics, toxin interactions with the organism (primary contact, absorption, distribution and transport of toxic substances in the body, excretion). Basic principles of biotransformation.
6. Effects of toxic substances at the organ level (mechanism, mode of action, examples of substances).
7. Late-effect - mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic compounds.
8. Toxicity assessment (standard tests, alternative tests).
9.,10. Basic characteristics of the risk and toxicological properties of elements, inorganic compounds and organometallic compounds.
11., 12. Basic characteristics of the risk and toxicological properties of organic compounds.
13. Overview of poison therapy, antidote. Legislative regulations and documents defining the handling of chemical substances, occupational safety. Introduction to information systems and sources in toxicology.