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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.  

Loomis’s essentials of toxicology (5th Ed, 2020, Elsevier Academic Press). (Background).

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

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

The year studying abroad is an integral part of the course and must be completed. Some costs, such as tuition fees, are substantially lower. Other costs can vary and are not included in the tuition fee. For example, living costs may be higher or lower than the UK, and there are travel-related costs to consider, such as paying for a passport, visa fees, health insurance, and (if needed) vaccinations.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).

Students participating in placements outside the UK may be able to apply for funding from the depending on eligibility. Priority will be given to students from low income households.