Course Description
Topics will include developmental and reproductive processes; how chemical, biological, or physical agents disrupt normal processes; experimental approaches to evaluating suspected teratogens; and mechanisms for how exposure to agents results in reproductive or developmental abnormalities. Class will include a combination of lecture, case studies, and critical discussions of primary literature.
Athena Title
DEVELOP REPROD TOX
Prerequisite
PHRM(VPHY) 6910 or EHSC 4490/6490 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is intended for graduate students at any level with an interest in developmental and reproductive toxicology. By the end of the course, the students will be able to: - Describe the basic principles of how toxicants can adversely impact developmental and reproductive processes - Describe experimental approaches to evaluate agents for developmental and reproductive impacts - Discuss the significance, reliability and interpretation of developmental and reproductive toxicity studies in animals - Critically evaluate published/peer reviewed literature - Participate in open discussion about mechanisms, case reports and other special topics presented to class.
Topical Outline
Outline will vary according to the most recent scientific publications in the area of developmental and reproductive toxicology. The following is a summary for common topics to be covered each class offering. - Basic principles of developmental and reproductive toxicology - Mechanisms of abnormal development - Identification of birth defects and reproductive toxicants - Experimental design of reproductive and developmental studies - Endocrine disrupting chemicals - Chemicals that result in abnormal birth outcomes - Infections that increase birth defects - Predictors of abnormal birth outcomes: molecular biology, chemical structures/activity relationships, bioinformatics - Maternally- and paternally mediated effects on development - Developmental and reproductive toxicity risk assessment - Case studies in reproductive and developmental toxicants and agents