module specification

This module will enable students to extend their understanding of disease and toxicity. They will study the influences of endogenous  and  foreign compound metabolism on pathology. Students will learn how these pathological processes can be modulated in the treatment of disease and poisonings. 

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to understand the principles and practices of biochemical pathology . This will be by  expanding a student's knowledge and understanding of  human biotransformations (metabolism) particularly as they influence the nature of disease(pathology) and toxic states (toxicology). Students will engage with problems in toxicology and pathology and study a range of topics including forensic, regulatory and environmental toxicology and metabolic pathology. They will be provided with an understanding of the key role of foreign compound (xenobiotic) metabolism in biochemical toxicology and given the opportunity to study the aetiology and treatment of disease and poisonings.

BE5058

Introduction: to include-historical perspective and the scope of toxicology such as forensic, regulatory and environmental toxicology. (1-3)

Mechanisms of biochemical toxicity: to include- the role of ADME, Phase I (functionalisation) and Phase II (conjugation) reactions; factors which modify biochemical toxicity inter alia, age, diet,sex, species, genetic variation, component interaction; free radical mediated processes and heavy metal toxicity. (1,3)

Experimental basis of toxicity: to include-use and limitations of animal tests such as acute, sub-acute and chronic tests, use and limitations of non-animal tests including the Ames test and use of organ, tissue and cell culture. (2)

Selected case studies: covering for example  organ-specific toxicity such as cardiotoxicity due to adriamycin, pneumotoxicity due to paraquat and hepatotoxicity due to tetrachloromethane, allyl alcohol or ethanol; mechanisms of specific toxicity such as immunotoxicity, radiation toxicity or oxygen toxicity; use of biomarkers to indicate specific toxicity; the role of forensic toxicology in solving crimes. (3)

Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject material through teacher-led blended learning activities in the form of lectures and tutorials, and practicals. Students' ability to make critical evaluations will be developed through the analysis of source material and case studies supported by tutorial discussion. Students' ability to obtain and critically appraise data, and solve related problems will be developed through laboratory-based exercises. Students will be expected to reflect on taught material in order to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices of toxicology.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1.  Demonstrate an appreciation of how biochemistry underpins an understanding of  pathological processes and treatment strategies.
2. Synthesise information from primary sources on diseases and toxicity, including published papers and laboratory data; and use that research to produce a synthesis of ideas and effectively extract, critically analyse and present information in context.
3.    Undertake laboratory work in order to obtain and critically appraise data, and solve problems and assess case studies in order to demonstrate an understanding of toxic and metabolic disease, particularly with respect to ethical considerations.

The module will be assessed by means of a comprehension exercise mark)and an seen exam.

To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.  There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

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