FP3S52 - Toxicology 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 5
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP3S52 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Toxicology | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Biological and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Mia Lambert | ||
| Module Team: | Rehana Karim, Hannah Minton, Paul Jones, Zi Mok, James Cruwys | ||
| First Intended Intake: | AUG 2016 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 6 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100388 - forensic science | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 5 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
To provide an understanding of the basic principles behind the toxicological effects of substances.
To develop the students' knowledge of the range and classification of toxic substances.
To develop the students' ability to assess the influencing factors of toxicity.
Content Summary
Introduction of terms in acute and sub-acute toxicology, toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics, qualitative and quantitative tests, acute and chronic toxicity, synergy, antagonism, dose-response curves. Dose-Response relationships, probit analysis and the determination of LD50. Other measures of toxicity and the conduct of test procedures to determine these values.
Biological and chemical factors that influence toxicity. Influence of route of administration on systemic toxicity. Threshold limit values (TLV), time-weighted averages (TWA) and short-term exposure limits (STELs).
Mechanisms of dealing with foreign chemicals, toxic responses. Distribution and Disposition. The Henderson-Hasselbach equation and its application to toxicologic studies. The blood-gut barrier, pKa and pKb. Volume of distribution (VD). Metabolism of toxic substances by animals, routes of exposure, contamination, accumulation and excretion. Phase 1 - the cytochrome P450 system. Phase 2 reactions - conjugation.
A review of the different classes of toxicant to include: toxic elements, inorganic compounds, organometallics, organophosphorus, organosulphur, organonitrogen and organohalide compounds.
The toxicology of natural products, illicit compounds and drugs. Clandestine preparation. Manipulation of the molecular structure of designer drugs and legal implications under the 'Misuse of Drugs Act'.
Systemic effects: toxicity at the cellular level, toxic responses of the blood and enzymes. Toxic responses of major organs and systems including kidneys, liver, CNS, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, skin and eyes.
Developmental toxicology, mutagenesis and teratogenesis highlighting specific agents including PAH's, thalidomide and alcohol.
Specific inactivation of enzymes and other proteins: disruption of acetylcholine esterase activity. Transthyretin binding and inactivation ' disruption of thyroid activity.
Practical Content
Examples of practical workshops which may take place over several sessions are:
1. Exercises on probit calculations of LD50.
2. Analysis of variance calculation of LD50 and NOAELs using SPSS.
3. Library based research exercise centred on the toxicological effects of selected agents.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 19 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 3 |
| Independent Study | 150 |
| Directed Study | 28 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Describe the toxic responses presented by various organs to different classes of toxicant. |
| LO2 | Determine and critically assess a variety of quantitative measurements of toxicity |
| LO3 | Critically review the toxicity of the range of toxic elements and substances. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report 2 | Classes of toxic substances, biological targets and metabolic pathways | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report 1 | Application of LD50 and ADME processes. | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | LO3 | |
| Report 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Report 1 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |