BSc Medical Biochemistry

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.

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.

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 the unwanted toxic 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. 

• 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

Coursework (completion of detailed essay planning template) 25%

Exam 75%

Students write one essay from a choice of four titles.   

Feedback will be provided on anonymous responses to essay plan content provided in the coursework workshop.  

Students will receive individual feedback on their assessed coursework.  

An online discussion forum / padlet will be available.

Feedback from answers to non assessed online short answer questions will be provided online.  

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)