PHAR30030 Toxicology

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module forms part of the core curriculum of the B.Sc. degree in Pharmacology. The focus of this problem based learning module is on students applying knowledge to solve toxicology problems. Students will develop an understanding of the principles of toxicology, the factors which affect the toxicity of compounds, and solve real life problems on the effects of a range of toxic materials on body functions in terms of the potential disruption of normal physiology, metabolism and behaviour. The course will also involve students developing their understanding of toxicity testing and risk assessment. Areas covered: General principles, Toxicity testing, Toxicokinetics, Genetic Toxicology & Carcinogens, Hepatic Toxicity, Blood Toxicity, Immunotoxicity, Lung Toxicity, Teratogenesis, Neurotoxicology, Renal Toxicology, Toxic agents (Pesticides), Reproductive & Clinical Toxicology.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of toxicology. 2. Analyse and interpret time-dose-response data, and determine associated statistics. 3. Critically evaluate the toxicological significance of the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of toxicants and the factors which affect their rates. 4. Analyse and discuss non-organ directed toxicity and target organ toxicity. 5. Classify toxic agents and demonstrate an ability to apply new knowledge of toxic substances. 6. Acquire relevant practical laboratory skills. 7. Develop information literacy skills for working on 4th yr and other projects. 8. Develop team work skills for 4th yr and employment.

Indicative Module Content:

General principles and mechanisms of toxicity.
Cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms by which chemicals exert toxic effects on living organisms.
Absorption, Distribution, and Excretion of Toxicants
Biotransformation of Xenobiotics
Toxicokinetics
Toxic agents
Target organ toxicity
Non-organ directed toxicity

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Small Group

25
Laboratories

9
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Total

109
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Active/Task based learning: includes laboratory practicals, and the group project to design a toxicology learning aid.
Peer and group work: Laboratory practicals and the group project involve working together with peers.
Critical writing: the individual project is a written critical analysis of an aspect of toxicology.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Lab Report: Laboratory Reports X 3 Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Group Project: Group assignment Week 7 n/a Graded No

30
Assignment: Individual assignment Week 12 n/a Graded No

30
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Full course coverage Week 12 n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students complete two projects over the course of the trimester. The first is a group project and there are a number of supervised group project sessions during which students (individually and as a group) receive feedback on designing and delivering their project prior to summative assessment. The second individual project is literature based and students receive individual feedback during the preparation of their submission, prior to final summative assessment. Laboratory practicals are assessed by laboratory reports which are corrected and annotated with feedback post-assessment (delivered online in Brightspace). During laboratory practicals students will also receive oral feedback on laboratory techniques.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Tara McMorrow Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Seema Nathwani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer