BSc Biotechnology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Toxins, Toxicants & Toxicity (E)

Course unit fact file
Unit code BIOL31602
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This unit provides an insight into the molecular mechanisms by which toxic molecules cause damage and death. You will develop an understanding of the ways in which exposure to xenobiotics can cause adverse health effects, of how the toxic properties of certain compounds can be exploited for clinical and/or research benefit, and of the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in the development of novel, safe therapeutic drugs. You will learn about the mechanisms of cell death, understand how toxic substances damage organs and body systems, be familiar with the concept of toxicity exploitation for beneficial reasons and understand the phenomenon of oxidative stress.

 

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Clinical Drug Development BIOL21302 Pre-Requisite Recommended

Aims

This course provides an insight into the molecular mechanisms by which toxic molecules cause damage and cell death. It will foster understanding of the ways in which exposure to xenobiotics can cause adverse health effects, of how the toxic properties of certain compounds can be exploited for clinical and/or research benefit, and of the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in the development of novel, safe therapeutic drugs

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, it is expected that students will be able to: • understand the concept of toxicity. • understand how reactive oxygen species are generated in living systems, and the consequences of oxidative stress. • describe the molecular mechanisms of cell death explain the mechanisms of action of example cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and toxic unwanted effects associated with their use. • understand the sensitivity of major body systems (the immune system, the nervous system and the cardiovascular system) and key organs (liver and kidney) to toxic molecules. • understand and be able to describe the concepts of Hazard and Risk from a toxicological perspective. • be familiar with the concept of the exploitation of toxicity for beneficial purposes.

Syllabus

• Free radicals and oxidative stress • Mechanisms of cell death • Toxicity towards major body systems (immune system, cardiovascular system and nervous system) • Toxicity towards organs (kidney and liver) • Cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents • Selective neurotoxins and their uses • Hazard and risk assessment

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Analysis of research papers in background reading. Online questions.
Oral communication
Students invited to answer and ask questions in lectures. Interactive feedback session in the final lecture.
Problem solving
Online short answer questions (not compulsory)
Research
Researching background information for essay plan; background reading in support of lecture material.
Written communication
Submission of detailed essay plan. Essay questions in exam.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 90%
Written assignment (inc essay) 10%

Coursework (essay plan) 10%

Exam 90%

Written exam paper is in two sections, each consisting of 3 essay titles. Students write one essay from each section.

Feedback methods

Students will receive individual feedback on assessed coursework via Blackboard. An online discussion forum / padlet will be available. Feedback from answers to non assessed online short answer questions will be provided via Blackboard.

Recommended reading

Hodgson (2010) A Textbook of Modern Toxicology (Hoboken John Wiley & Sons Inc.) Chapter 1. (Background)

Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology (10th Ed, 2024, Elsevier Churchill Livingston) Chapters 10 and 51-58 (Background)

Individual lecturers will provide reading lists to support the material covered in their lectures (recommended)

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2.8
Lectures 18
Independent study hours
Independent study 79.2

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Katherine Hinchliffe Unit coordinator

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