- UCAS course code
- B940
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Toxins, Toxicants & Toxicity (E)
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
Syllabus
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
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 |