Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/toxicology-21
In an era where scientific advancements are rapidly reshaping our understanding of health and safety, the Coursera course ‘Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications’ stands out as a beacon for those interested in the future of toxicology. This course is designed to familiarize students with the innovative concepts that are redefining regulatory toxicology, particularly in light of the groundbreaking National Research Council Report titled ‘Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy.’
The course is structured into seven comprehensive modules, each delving into different aspects of modern toxicology.
**Module 1** provides a broad introduction to the Tox21c field, summarizing the key ideas and principles that underpin this new approach to toxicity testing. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the subsequent modules.
**Module 2** focuses on practical applications of ToxCast and Tox21 technologies, highlighting the US EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program. This module illustrates how these advanced technologies are replacing traditional in vivo testing methods, thereby accelerating the regulatory process.
In **Module 3**, students are introduced to the Human Toxome Project, which emphasizes the use of omics technologies and discusses the concepts of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP) and Pathways of Toxicity (PoT). This module is particularly engaging as it showcases collaborative efforts between universities, industries, and research agencies.
**Module 4** dives into the concept of read-across and its significance for regulatory risk assessment, along with an exploration of organotypic cultures and in vitro models. This is a critical area of study as it highlights the shift towards more humane and efficient testing methods.
**Module 5** addresses the role of miRNA and epigenetics in toxicology and environmental health, providing insights into how these factors influence toxicity.
**Module 6** covers in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) and physiologically based biokinetic modeling, emphasizing the importance of biokinetics in toxicology. This module also introduces students to methods for analyzing big data, which is increasingly relevant in today’s data-driven research environment.
Finally, **Module 7** wraps up the course by discussing integrated testing strategies and their advantages over traditional testing methods. The concluding lesson, ‘beyond chemical,’ offers a forward-looking perspective on alternatives to animal testing, making it a fitting end to this enlightening course.
Overall, ‘Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications’ is a must-take course for anyone interested in the future of toxicology, regulatory science, or environmental health. The course not only provides a solid theoretical foundation but also equips students with practical knowledge and skills that are highly relevant in today’s scientific landscape. I highly recommend this course to students, professionals, and anyone passionate about advancing the field of toxicology in a humane and scientifically robust manner.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/toxicology-21