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PED3014 : Advanced Pharmacogenetics and Toxicology

  • Offered for Year: 2026/27
  • Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to School approval at module registration
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Simon Wilkinson
  • Co-Module Leader: Professor James Allan
  • Lecturer: Dr Alison Howard, Dr Simon Cockell, Dr Christopher Morris, Dr Ruben Thanacoody, Dr Jason Gill
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to:
Provide information on how genetic factors affect the metabolism of foreign compounds and drug receptor interactions.

Develop knowledge on the importance of inter-individual variability in drug metabolism in the drug
development process and in therapeutics.

Discuss current views on the relationship between pharmacogenetic polymorphisms and disease
susceptibility and potential approaches to drug design using pharmacogenomics.

Introduce molecular epidemiology.

Develop knowledge of the molecular basis of polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes.

Provide a knowledge and understanding of the principles, practical aspects and applications of toxicology.

Develop critical evaluation, data retrieval and written communication skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will cover:

How genetic factors affect the metabolism of foreign compounds and drug receptor interactions.

The importance of inter-individual variability in drug metabolism in the drug
development process and in therapeutics.

The relationship between pharmacogenetic polymorphisms and disease
susceptibility and potential approaches to drug design using pharmacogenomics.

Molecular epidemiology.

The molecular basis of polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes.

The principles, practical aspects and applications of toxicology.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture261:0026:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Preparation for in-course and final assessments.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching21:002:00Seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery11:001:00Assessment guidance
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1150:00150:00Independent study
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk11:001:00Module introduction
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures and lecture materials are used to provide students with new knowledge that will allow them to effectively read and interpret current scientific literature.
The seminars will provide opportunities for discussion and for each student to check their level of understanding.

Drop-in surgery will give students the opportunity to ask questions on taught materials, seek guidance and give feedback.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A70Invigilated, closed book exam. Total of 2 essays from a choice of 4 questions (1 essay out of 2 questions from strand A and 1 essay out of 2 questions from strand B).
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M30In person Invigilated SAQ / data interpretation (1 hour)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The in-course assessment tests student's individual ability to answer scientific questions in a short answer format, and to analyse and interpret data.

The final exam tests the student’s individual ability to answer complex scienctific questions in a written format.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.

Reading Lists

Timetable