MMB8032 : Toxicology
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Professor Matthew Wright
- Lecturer: Dr Simon Wilkinson, Dr Jason Gill, Professor Ann Daly, Dr Vanessa Armstrong, Dr Christopher Morris, Dr Ernest Harpur
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The aims of the module are to give a broad understanding in Toxicology, from basic concepts and molecular mechanisms to a review of target organ toxicities, pre-clinical and clinical pharmaceutical toxicology testing. The module will provide a broad overview of Toxicology as it is applied in the Pharmaceutical industries.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will consider:
1. Basic concepts in Toxicology, (type of toxic response/factors affecting toxicity)
2. Toxicokinetics (ADME/toxicokinetic parameters)
3. Xenobiotic metabolism (phase I/II)
4. Molecular mechanisms (oxidative stress, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, epigentics)
5. Necrosis
6. Apoptosis
7. Non-genotoxic carcinogenesis
8. Target organ toxicity (liver, kidney, skin, immune, neuro, lung)
9. Compound safety – pharmaceuticals – pre-clinical
10. Compound safety – pharmaceuticals – clinical trials
11. Idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions
12. Mechanism-based risk assessment
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Non-synchronous |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 27:00 | 27:00 | Preparation of Oral Presentation based on Paper |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Preparation and Submission of 3000 word Essay and end of module 24 hour paper |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Present in person: Seminars - class may be split |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Synchronous online: Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Present in person: Discussions and formative assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Synchronous online: Assessed oral presentations |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Additional Reading and Reflective Learning |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 74:00 | 74:00 | Preparation of Notes from Lectures and Reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
A grounding in the fundamental tenets of Toxicology will be provided by the lecture materials/small group teaching and through guided private study of course texts, additional suggested materials during the course and through attendance of research seminars. Critical appraisal will be covered in a seminar and essay feedback. Communication of toxicological data will be covered in tutorials and feedback on their presentations.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 60 | 24 hour take home online exam: One question to be answered from a choice of three |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 20 | Appraisal of scientific literature (3000 word essay) |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 20 | Oral presentation: 10 minutes and 5 minutes for questions |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1 | M | Quizzes on previous weeks lecture material, carried out during small group PIP sessions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written exam will test the students’ knowledge base in toxicology and as a key component forms the majority of the assessment marks. Critical appraisal of toxicological data and presentational skills will be tested by both the 3000 word essay and oral presentation. The significant amount of time required for these tasks warrants the 40% of assessment marks.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8032's Timetable