The aim of the course is to mediate knowledge of how particles may affect human health. Particles of different origin such as atmospheric, indoor, workplace aerosols and engineered nanoparticles will be covered. The participants will learn how to assess exposures and effects of particles as well as relationships between particle properties and toxicological effects. The course will provide insight into the latest research in the field through lectures given by leading invited researchers.

Information about the course

Dates in 2023

• 30 January – 2 February
• 27 February – 3 March

The course is given in two segments where the first will give basic knowledge about health and particles and the second will go more into-depth of the subject. There will be lectures, discussions, demonstrations and a laboratory experiment. Between the two segments participants will work on a cross-disciplinary group task that will be presented the first day of the second segment. After the end of segment II the participants will work individually with a home assignment that will be reported in writing.

Aim

The aim of the course is to mediate knowledge of how particles may affect human health. Particles of different origin such as atmospheric, indoor, workplace aerosols and engineered nanoparticles will be covered. The participants will learn how to assess exposures and effects of particles as well as relationships between particle properties and toxicological effects. The course will provide insight into the latest research in the field through lectures given by leading invited researchers.

Content

• Basic lung physiology, basic toxicology (genotoxicity), inflammatory processes
• Basic aerosol physics and chemistry
• Techniques to measure exposure and characterize particles
• Known diseases associated with particles and ways to measure health effects
• Short- and longterm effects of particle exposure, population-studies
• Formation of particles, dispersion and transformation and deposition in the lung
• The occurrence of particles and their properties at various work places as well as in out- and indoors air
• Important sources such as combustion-derived particles, atmospheric particles
• Engineered nanoparticles / nanotoxicology
• Toxicological approaches based on cell, animal and humans exposures
• Particle interactions with proteins
• Aerosol drug delivery in pharmaceutical industry
• Electronic cigarettes
• Exposure assessment and risk assessment

Course elements

• Lectures
• Group discussions
• Cross-disciplinary group task/home assignment
• Laboration
• Demonstration
• Participation in the Workplace and Indoor aerosol conference
• Examination

Preliminary schedule

If needed the course will be given in English.

Examination

Including home assignment before and after the course 6 ECTS points. 

• Home assignment before course 0.5 week (0.75 points) 
• Lectures 1.5 week (2.25 points)
• Group task presented in writing and orally 1.5 week (2.25 points)
• Final home assignment 0.5 week (0.75 points)

The examination is based on approved home assignments and work task.

Good to know before applying to the course

Participants

The course is open for PhD-students and others who are interested in particles and health.

Cost

The course is free for PhD students affiliated at high schools and universities within the EES region. For non-PhD students there is a fee of 7500 SEK to attend. Participants cover the costs for travels, meals and accomodation.

Number of participants

Minimum 15 participants and maximum 25. The course will not be provided with less than 15 applicants.

Course location

Ingvar Kamprads Design Center (IKDC), Sölvegatan 26, Lund, Sweden