UDTOXCFY - BSc (Hons) Toxicology (including foundation year)

This course is designed to promote an understanding of the multi-disciplinary areas of toxicology, and will allow development of technical and transferable skills and competencies in a range of specialist areas.

Teaching and learning activities are integrated with assessment processes in line with the School learning and teaching strategy. A Blended approach with an emphasis is placed on self-directed and problem based learning within a lecture/tutorial/ practical framework and materials delivered via the VLE allowing students to be actively involved in the learning process, and encouraged to recognise and develop their own learning style. Students will explore case studies to promote critical reasoning within a professional context. They will compare laboratory diagnostic methods, consider new methodologies and examine research literature. Tutorial exercises and progress tests will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Students are expected to complement formal teaching with self-directed reading. The summative assessment of students’ knowledge base and their understanding will be incorporated into formal in-course tests/exercises and the individual presentation completed at the end of each unit. Coursework and online tests are also used to provide formative feedback. Formative diagnostic assessment of knowledge and understanding is carried out, particularly during the initial stages of the course.

Practical skills are highly sought after by future employers so there is a focus on developing practical skills as an essential part of the BSc course and students have access to the unparalleled facilities in the Science Centre Laboratory. Practical classes are designed to reinforce the knowledge from the lectures and tutorials. Practical skills exercises at each level are used to monitor proficiency at experimental work. Assessment of Data handling skills are embedded in practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations. The level six Independent Research Project provides an excellent measure of experimental and other practical skills. The outstanding science centre also provides an unrivalled facility in which to carry out the practical skills. BSc project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a poster/oral exam, designed to allow the student to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding.

Students have access to the Learning Centre situated on the North campus. This has recently been comprehensively refurbished. It provides specific group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive and regularly reviewed range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. In addition, there ‘all access’ areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge in Benwell Road and the newly fitted interactive teaching spaces in the Roding building. These areas come with comfortable seating and IT facilities.

This four-year course includes a Foundation Year (level three) which introduces students to the fundamentals of science to enable them to study Toxicology at level four. It makes no assumptions about prior scientific study. Students will gain a solid grounding in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and numeracy relevant to these subject areas. Practical sessions in the Science Centre help students gain proficiency at experimental work, and are delivered within PR3001 (Scientific Studies).

The course aims to provide a sound scientific base in all those subjects necessary for the understanding of toxicology, providing students with relevant knowledge and practical skills. This includes an ability to solve theoretical and practical problems especially at the interface between chemistry and biology, and enhance students' ability to receive and communicate ideas and information appropriately

Successful graduates will be equipped for employment in industry or for postgraduate study. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by graduates are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as those in the financial services sector, marketing and company administration and management.

The course aims are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (2014), and the QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Biosciences (2105) and Chemistry (2014).

In line with the QAA framework for higher education, students will, on completion of the award, have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the designated field of Toxicology, such that they have developed:

1. an appreciation and understanding of the depth and breadth of toxicology;
2. knowledge and understanding of the molecules, structures, systems and processes
which underpin normal cell, tissue and body functioning;
3. knowledge and understanding of analytical methods and processes, and the
requirements for laboratory safety;
4. A sound appreciation of the chemistry and biology underpinning the mode of action of
therapeutic and toxicological agents;
5. an ability to critically evaluate and integrate information and scientific research, and
develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within a toxicological context;
6. competence in devising working hypotheses and means of testing these within
specified constraints;
7. an ability to undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management,
self presentation and decision making;
8. an ability to communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral and
written means with clarity and confidence;
9. the capability to recognise & gain personal responsibility, whether working individually
or as a member of a team and respect the ethical standards and professional codes of
conduct established within the scientific community;
10. proficiency in identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and
career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and
enhancing knowledge and skills.
11. An appreciation of the fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and
numeracy.

Module Title Module Code

Scientific Studies PR3001
Biology PR3002
Chemistry PR3003
Biochemistry PR3007

Laboratory Science CY4001
Cell and Molecular Biology CY4003
Anatomy & Physiology CY4004
General Chemistry CY4051
Biochemistry CY4052

Analytical Science CY5007
Principles of Pharmacodynamics and Drug Actions CY5011
Metabolism BE5058
Molecular Biology BE5060
Human Immunity BE5061
Microbiology BE5059
Ethics for Science BC5K55
Blood Science BC5056

Research Project CY6P01
Project BC6P01
Biochemical Pathology BE6005
Advanced Toxicology CY6066
Advanced Bioanalytical CY6061
Systems Pharmacology CY6051
Systems Pathology BC6051
Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling BE6056
Sandwich Placement CY6W04
Work Placement CY6W54

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO11

Biosciences; Chemistry.

Students are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, oral presentations, extended essays, examinations, research project interim report, oral examination and dissertation. The choice of assessment instrument is chosen to test the specified learning outcomes and to support students’ different learning styles. These methods are aligned with the School assessment strategy and the assessment is the responsibility of the academic staff delivering the module. Assessment is part of the learning process and confirms the outcomes of the learning process. It also provides formative feedback on curriculum design and delivery and, via the on-going iterative process of module monitoring, makes a significant contribution to the continued development and improvement of the courses that links in with the School learning and teaching strategy. In light of this a variety of assessment methods will be used (see syllabi) including unseen written examinations, individual and group assignments.

Practical skills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the project module. Data handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.

Summative assessment loads per module are illustrated below.

The course includes the option to take either a 15 credit Work Placement module at level 6 or a 30 credit Sandwich Placement module between level 5 and level 6. Students are not allowed to register for both these modules. Students must be advised regarding the financial implications of extending their course to five years.

Exemption from UG Awards Framework has been granted regarding Level 5 delivery (2x30 credits plus 4x15 credits).

Prep. Cert. HE: 60 credits at level 3
Prep. Dip. HE: 120 Credits at Level 3
CertHE: All cores at level 4
DipHE: As above, plus all cores at level 5
BSc: As above, plus 60 credits in cores at level 6
BSc (Hons): as above, but all cores at level 6

During the induction phase of the programme students will be introduced to the reflection on their development of undergraduate skills. Progress with such skills will be articulated to students as the programme progresses through feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. Students will undertake the process of compiling their Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. PDP is designed to articulate the skills which the student has developed and helps them to critically review their learning experiences, set future personal and academic goals and evaluate their progress towards these goals.

PDP will be embedded across the course with students given time to reflect on their learning. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs. PDP is designed to assist students develop as independent learners, identify their strengths and weaknesses not only whilst studying at BSc level, but will be of benefit throughout their future career.

In terms of specific modules: CY4001 Laboratory Science (Level 4); BE5061 Human Immunity (Level 5); and, BC6P01 / CY6P01 Project (Level 6) students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs. In addition at Level 6 in the research project module the supervisor will initially assist with the clarifying the terms of the research project, establishing a timetable for the research and subsequent meetings, directed background reading as well as report format and writing and statistical analysis and students will also develop their graduate statement.

Model CVs, covering letters, graduation statements, job adverts, job descriptions and person specifications for use by Academic Tutors and students are provided within course and module VLE pages. Students will be encouraged to join relevant societies such as the British Toxicology Society. There are roles for graduate toxicologists in a wide range of industries (e.g. SC Johnson; Infineum, Procter & Gamble, Astra Zeneca), contract research organisations such as Sequani and Envigo, and also the National Centre for Environmental Toxicology. The course will also equip graduates to study for a higher degree in toxicology or related areas. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed on the course are also in demand in non-science-based careers such as teaching, accountancy, journalism and marketing.

Once you graduate you’ll have the skills and experience needed to start a career within toxicology in roles such as a research technician or laboratory assistant.

You could also decide to study at postgraduate level to open up a whole range of other specialist career options.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• at least one A level at grade C (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

If you meet the UCAS points criteria but obtained a grade D/3 in English and/or maths at GCSE, you may be offered a University test in these areas.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.