Bioquímica Ambiental

This discipline is directed to students who wish to initiate studies in Environmental Biochemistry through various approaches and concepts based on existing knowledge of biochemistry, cell biology and toxicology. In this discipline it is intended that students acquire the fundamentals of environmental biochemistry, including the f biochemical processes in the biosphere, environmental toxicology, the effects of toxic substances in organisms, metabolism of toxic substances, among others. But also to deepen some more recent information particularly in the area of human and environmental toxicology. Students must obtain knowledge on toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of xenobiotics. Thy must understand the main approaches and experimental design in environmental biochemistry studies. The toxicity mechanisms will be discussed as well as the processes of absorption, distribution and excretion. Emphasis will be given to the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic of xenobiotics and to biotransformation processes and ecotoxicology. Students will be familiar with the concepto of toxicological risks. Case studies on the various applications will be used to explain the general and specific concepts of environmental biochemistry. Through seminars prepared and presented by students, it is intended that students deepen specific parts of the course. The course will allow students to develop work in diverse areas related with environmental biochemistry.