MSc in Toxicology

The programme consists of 6 taught modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits) as outline in the progamme specification. TAUGHT MODULES take place between October and May and are as follows: 1: Metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics: 20 credits Literature retrieval, computer data bases, communication skills. ADME; metabolic pathways, phase I and II reactions; polymorphisms; effect of age sex, genotype. Methods used to study drug metabolism including application of molecular biology techniques to drug metabolism and toxicogenetics. Metabolism and distribution as a basis for toxicity of xenobiotics. Drug transporters. 2: Pharmacological and clinical aspects of toxicology: 20 credits Principles and applications pf pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics. Safety pharmacology. Adverse reactions to drugs; drug development. Forensic toxicology; detection of drugs and toxins, post mortem investigations. Clinical toxicology; diagnosis, complications, management of poisonings. 3: Molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxicity and carcinogenesis: 20 credits Molecular mechanisms of toxicity; necrosis and apoptosis. Application of molecular and cell biology to toxicology; cDNA arrays, stress responses, reporter gene assays. Toxicogenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics. Receptor mediated toxicity. Mechanisms of carcinogenesis; genotoxic vs nongenotoxic. In vitro testing. Immunotoxicity. Nanoparticle toxicology. Computer assisted structure activity relationships. 4: Toxicology in Practice; safety assessment in industry and the environment. 30 credits Pathology of acute and chronic inflammation, degeneration, necrosis, neoplasia, atrophy and hypertrophy. Histology, Haematology. Respiratory toxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, reprotoxicity. Use of animals in toxicology. Safety and risk assessment. Statistics. Occupational, environmental and ecotoxicology: Environmental pollutants; land air and water contamination; monitoring, global effects. Pesticides in food. Ecotoxicology; biological effects and biomarkers from molecules to eco systems, examples and case studies including endocrine disruptors and PCBs. Occupational toxicology, epidemiology, risk assessment. Role of regulators such as HSE, FSA. Impact of REACH 5: Skills 10 credits Improves communication, IT, data handling and team working skills and is embedded throughout the programme. Exercises in literature searching/information retrieval, communication of findings in written, oral and poster formats. Experimental design, statistics, computational techniques including bioinformatics and DEREK. Risk assessment exercises. 6; Synoptic. 20 credits Consolidation and integration: time for directed, student-centred learning. Revision. RESEARCH PROJECT: 60 credits 3 months full time; carried out in an appropriate research environment. All modules are compulsory. In addition students are offered the option of completing Modules 1, 2 and 3 of the Home Office training course during the Easter vacation. The taught component is delivered by a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, computer exercises, practical classes and demonstrations and is supported by directed reading and course work. The programme specification gives details of learning and teaching methods and assessment methods along with knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes the students are expected to attain. Research projects are carried out over a 12 week period in May - August and are typically based in industry, research institutes, environmental agencies, hospitals and universities, in the UK and overseas. The project represents the major practical element of the course during which students have the opportunity to plan their work and analyse and interpret data. Some students opt for research projects that are literature or computer based but all give experience of current problems in toxicology.