MSc Toxicology

Applicants should hold a medical degree, a veterinary degree or a minimum of a 2.2 honours science degree in a subject with strong biological, biochemical or chemical content. Non-graduates with appropriate professional or other qualifications may be admitted. Applications from candidates of exceptional merit, but who lack suitable formal qualifications, will be considered, but such candidates may be required to take an entrance examination. Selection is based upon a candidate’s application and references, with candidates resident in the UK normally invited to attend an interview. Non-UK-based applicants may be invited for telephone/skype interview.

English language requirements

IELTS minimum overall: 7.0

IELTS minimum by component: 6.5

All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.

Funding

The programme has scholarships currently funded by Unilever. Candidates for these awards, who are nominated by the Faculty, must be resident in an EU state (including the UK) and hold a qualification at least equivalent to an upper second.

Companies are expected to support their own candidates.

Where applicable, overseas students will be given help in applying for other sources of funding, such as the British Chevening Scholarship.

Compulsory Modules

Nine compulsory taught modules are presented over two semesters, consisting of lectures, practical work, tutorials and visits to toxicology establishments. In addition, all students undertake a three-month practical research project.

• Principles of Toxicology 1 and 2
• Tissue-Specific Toxicity 1 and 2
• Practical Toxicology 1 and 2
• Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment
• Principles of Experimental Toxicology and Risk Assessment
• Ecotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment
• Practical Research Project

In addition, there is a supplementary programme in continuing professional development, with talks and guidance on career options in toxicology and how to develop a personal portfolio to demonstrate continuing professional development.

Module Overview

Principles of Toxicology 1 and 2

These modules are an introduction to the major concepts of cell and molecular biology, cellular signalling and how chemical insult can affect body function and lead to tissue damage and cancer. The major concepts of how therapeutic agents interact with the body, how they may be used to alter mammalian physiology and how exposure may lead to toxicology are also covered, along with how this can be modelled mathematically.

Tissue-Specific Toxicity 1 and 2

These modules provide information on the normal structure and function of individual organ systems, and how these are altered during toxicity. The major concepts of how to assess pathological changes, and how these are used in risk assessment, are also covered. Specific organs covered include haematopoietic and immune system, liver, kidney, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, alimentary, integumentary and nervous systems, reproductive system and development.

Practical Toxicology 1 and 2

These modules provide training in the major methods used in toxicopathology, molecular toxicology and biochemistry for the detection of cellular damage, including the use of animals and their alternatives in toxicology. Module one consists of lectures, practical laboratory work and demonstrations, whereas in module two, you will participate in an investigation into a novel toxicological problem. You will learn how to plan, undertake and report on a practical toxicity testing study. It teaches you how to generate and integrate data from a wide variety of techniques to investigate a complex toxicological problem. You will advance key skills in data handling, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presentation, as well as teamwork.

Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment

In this module, you will learn about the information on toxicity that can be derived from humans in the fields of medical toxicology, chemical incident investigation, drug development and epidemiology. You are introduced to the concepts of assessment and management of poisoning. Taught elements and visits to medical and pharmaceutical toxicology establishments provide an overview of the role of the toxicologist in the clinical setting and in pharmaceutical industries. You will develop your skills in information retrieval and scientific speaking by presenting seminars of chemical incidents and in writing reports on human poisonings.

Principles of Experimental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

This module familiarises you with study design and toxicity testing procedures, the current use of animals and advances towards the refinement, reduction and replacement of animals. You will learn about hazard identification, the interpretation of the endpoints used in risk assessment and the related national and international legislation for different classes and uses of chemicals directly from practising toxicologists in the field. Visits to a home, personal care, food industry and a contract research organisation form an integral part of the training and learning is further supported by a data interpretation and safety evaluation exercise.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment

This module covers the impact of human activity on natural ecosystem function, how the environmental fate of toxins is determined and the use of bio-indicators to determine the health of the environment. An insight into the measures taken to protect the environment against the possible negative effects of pesticides is gained through a visit to an agrochemical company. The module rounds up with the impact of selected substances on human health to help develop your ability to evaluate data and communicate on toxicological issues.

Practical Research Project

This module comprises a three-month project, undertaken during the summer, preceded by a literature survey and project planning during Semester 2. It provides experience in the planning and execution of a discrete piece of scientific work. Projects cover a wide range of disciplines and, while the majority take place within the Faculty, there are opportunities for project placements within collaborating institutions.