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| Unit | INSTITUTE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES |
| BIOTECHNOLOGY (MASTER) (WITH THESIS) (INTERDISCIPLINARY) | |
| Code | BT568 |
| Name | Fundamental Mechanisms in Molecular Toxicology |
| Term | 2025-2026 Academic Year |
| Term | Spring |
| Duration (T+A) | 3-0 (T-A) (17 Week) |
| ECTS | 6 ECTS |
| National Credit | 3 National Credit |
| Teaching Language | Türkçe |
| Level | Yüksek Lisans Dersi |
| Type | Normal |
| Mode of study | Yüz Yüze Öğretim |
| Catalog Information Coordinator | Prof. Dr. GÜLÜZAR ATLI |
| Course Instructor |
The current term course schedule has not been prepared yet.
|
Course Goal / Objective
This course aims to explain how toxic substances affect cellular structures and the molecular-level cellular defense mechanisms activated in response to these effects. It explores the processes through which environmental toxicant exposure can lead to harmful effects on vital systems of the organism, including modeling acute and chronic exposures, interactions with metabolic pathways, and the impacts of reactive compounds on biomolecules. The course also evaluates the roles of genetic and epigenetic factors in these processes, explains the classification of toxic substances, and discusses toxicological approaches such as predicting individual susceptibility and the potential use of specific biomarkers as early warning signals.
Course Content
This course examines the harmful effects of various toxic compounds (including metals, pesticides, drugs, and their metabolites) on cells, as well as the resulting cell death, tissue damage, and cellular-level disruptions. Key topics include cellular injury, cell death, defense mechanisms (such as the p53 and Nrf2 pathways), mitochondrial toxicity, and immunotoxicity. The course also explores irreversible drug-biomolecule interactions, stress response pathways, cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxic effects, in vivo models used in toxicity studies, and analyses conducted using biochemical and molecular methods. Additionally, it covers the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of toxic substances in the body (toxicokinetics and pharmacokinetics).
Course Precondition
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Resources
Barile, Frank A. Principles of toxicology testing. CRC Press, 2008 Klaassen, Curtis D; Watkins III, John. Casarett and Doull’s: Essentials of toxicology. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2015, 3rd ed.
Notes
Ernest Hodgson. A textbook of modern toxicology,Wiley, 2010, 4th ed.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Order | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| LO01 | Explains the biological effects of environmental toxicants. |
| LO02 | Relates the genomic effects of these toxicants on gene expression and cellular functions. |
| LO03 | Describes cellular stress responses to environmental toxicants. |
| LO04 | Explains the role of DNA damage and repair in carcinogenesis induced by environmental toxicants. |
| LO05 | Describes xenobiotic biotransformation at a basic level. |
| LO06 | Demonstrates knowledge of the normal functioning of body systems, their adaptation to environmental factors, and the mechanisms affecting these systems. |
| LO07 | Identifies the fundamentals of specific biomarker analysis techniques and explains their applications in toxicology and environmental health research. |
| LO08 | Develops skills in speaking and written communication, as well as information research and management. |
Relation with Program Learning Outcome
| Order | Type | Program Learning Outcomes | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLO01 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Based on undergraduate level qualifications, they develop their knowledge at the level of expertise in the same or a different field. | 4 |
| PLO02 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Knows the ethical rules to be considered while obtaining biotechnological products. | |
| PLO03 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | To identifiy the interdisciplinary interaction of the field and to solve use of the methods. | |
| PLO04 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Interpret the knowledge gained in the field by integrating the information from different disciplines and creates new information | 3 |
| PLO05 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Develops new strategic approaches for solving complex problems that are encountered in applications related to the field. | |
| PLO06 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | To teach the social, scientific, cultural and ethical values during the collection, interpretation, implementation and announcement of the data related to the field. | 3 |
| PLO07 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | To solve the problems encountered in the field and cominicate by using research methods. | 4 |
| PLO08 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | Establishes functional interaction by using strategic decision-making processes in solving the problems encountered in the field. | |
| PLO09 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | He / she defends his / her original opinions in discussing the subjects in his / her field and establishes an effective communication showing his / her competence in the field. | |
| PLO10 | Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik | To gain the ability to develop and deepen the knowledge in the field of biotechnology | 4 |
Week Plan
| Week | Topic | Preparation | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction: The definition, scope, and importance of molecular Toxicology | Extraction of relevant book chapters on the topic | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma |
| 2 | Cellular response to toxic substances | Preparation of powerpoint slides on the topic | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 3 | Types of adverse effects (harmful effects) induced by xenobiotics | Summarizing relevant articles | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Gösteri, Soru-Cevap |
| 4 | Xenobiotic Biotransformation I | Preparation of articles and slides | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Tartışma, Gösteri, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 5 | Xenobiotic Biotransformation II | Summarizing book chapters on relevant subject | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma, Gösteri |
| 6 | Toxicity mechanisms of heavy metals and pesticides | Summarizing relevant articles | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Tartışma, Gösteri, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 7 | Cellular adaptation mechanisms (stress response pathways) to chemicals and reactive oxygen species | Extraction of relevant book chapters on the topic | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Tartışma, Gösteri |
| 8 | Mid-Term Exam | Review of articles and reviews on the topic | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Ödev, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
| 9 | Cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to toxic effects | Preparation of powerpoint slides on the topic | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Gösteri, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 10 | Mitochondrial toxicity and its effects on energy metabolism | Review of articles and reviews on the topic | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Gösteri |
| 11 | Immunotoxicity (Immune System-Mediated Toxicity) | Extraction of relevant book chapters on the topic | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Tartışma, Gösteri, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 12 | In vivo models used in toxicity research | Summarizing relevant book chapters and articles | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Gösteri |
| 13 | Cellular tests for evaluating stress responses and mitochondrial damage | Summarizing relevant book chapters and articles | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Tartışma, Gösteri, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 14 | Reversible and irreversible interactions of drugs with biological macromolecules | Preparation of powerpoint slides on the topic | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Gösteri, Soru-Cevap |
| 15 | Methods for measuring biomarker responses in toxicity mechanisms | Preparation of articles and their slides | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Gösteri, Tartışma |
| 16 | Term Exams | Review of course notes on the topic | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Sözlü Sınav, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
| 17 | Term Exams | Study of relevant articles on the topic | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Sözlü Sınav, Performans Değerlendirmesi |
Student Workload - ECTS
| Works | Number | Time (Hour) | Workload (Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Related Works | |||
| Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) | 14 | 5 | 70 |
| Assesment Related Works | |||
| Homeworks, Projects, Others | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) | 1 | 15 | 15 |
| Final Exam | 1 | 30 | 30 |
| Total Workload (Hour) | 162 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 (h) | 6,48 | ||
| ECTS | 6 ECTS | ||