Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/toxicology-21
In an era where scientific advancements are reshaping our understanding of health and safety, the ‘Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications’ course on Coursera stands out as a beacon for those interested in the evolving field of toxicology. This course is designed to familiarize students with the groundbreaking concepts introduced in the National Research Council’s report, ‘Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy.’ It emphasizes the shift from traditional animal testing to innovative, human-relevant testing strategies that are high-content and high-throughput.
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 principles and ideas 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’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program. This module illustrates how these technologies have replaced traditional in vivo approaches, significantly accelerating the testing process.
**Module 3** introduces the Human Toxome Project, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of omics technologies, as well as the concepts of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP) and Pathways of Toxicity (PoT). This module is particularly insightful for those interested in the intersection of toxicology and genomics.
**Module 4** covers the concept of read-across and its importance in regulatory risk assessment, alongside a detailed exploration of organotypic cultures and advanced in vitro models, including organ-on-a-chip technologies.
**Module 5** dives into the role of miRNA and epigenetics in toxicology and environmental health, providing a modern perspective on how these factors influence toxicity.
**Module 6** emphasizes in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) and physiologically based biokinetic modeling, teaching students the significance of biokinetics in toxicology and how to analyze big data effectively.
**Module 7** wraps up the course with a discussion on integrated testing strategies, summarizing the knowledge gained and offering insights into future directions in alternatives to animal testing.
Overall, this course is a must-take for anyone interested in toxicology, environmental health, or regulatory science. It not only equips students with the latest knowledge and skills but also prepares them to contribute to the ongoing transformation in the field. The course is well-structured, informative, and engaging, making it suitable for both beginners and those with prior knowledge in toxicology.
I highly recommend ‘Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications’ for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of modern toxicology and its applications in regulatory science. Enroll today and be part of the future of toxicology!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/toxicology-21