Course syllabus for Target Organ Toxicology

System- och vävnadstoxikologi

Specific entry requirements

Bachelor of science or professional qualification of at least 180 credits in biomedicine, biology, cell and molecular biology, pharmacy, nutrition, chemistry, medicine or biotechnology. Furthermore, knowledge in English equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school is required.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Regarding knowledge and understanding
• describe and explain basic concepts of toxicokinetics and the turnover of chemical substances in living organisms, and describe the importance of toxicokinetic parameters in chemical toxicity
• describe and explain central concepts of toxicity and the underlying mechanisms,

Regarding skills and ability
• identify and describe the normal appearance and structure of different tissues and organs,
• interpret, analyse, and describe the signs of toxicity that toxic compounds cause and relate this to the function of the tissues and organs at molecular and structural levels,

Regarding judgement and approach
• scientifically assess and reflect on alternative interpretations of causes of toxicity and critically evaluate literature,
• discuss own conclusions on relevant features of toxicity and underlying mechanisms, as well as the knowledge and arguments on which they are based.

Content

The course includes kinetics and dynamics for toxicity of chemical substances that can be hazardous to human health, incorporating toxicity mechanisms and effects at molecular, tissue, organ, individual, and population levels. The course further entails assessment of the structure and function of toxicologically relevant organs, as well as general and specific pathological changes in these organs.
The course consists of the following parts:

Kinetics, mechanisms and effects in different organ systems, 12.0 hp
Grading scale: GU
Kinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination) of toxic compounds. Toxic effects and their underlying mechanisms in different organ systems (e.g. liver, kidney, lung, nervous, immune- and reproductive systems). Mechanisms and principles for genotoxicity and chemical carcinogenesis. Clinical toxicology. Tissue and organ function, histology and pathology.

Integration of target organ toxicology, 10.5 hp
Grading scale: VU
Integration of kinetics, mechanisms and effects of toxic compounds.

Teaching methods

The course builds largely on problem-based learning in the form of different case studies, presented orally and in written reports. Furthermore, lectures, seminars, oral and written assignments and group discussions are included.

Examination

Kinetics, mechanisms and effects in different organ systems (12 credits). The examination consists of written reports and oral presentations. Graded Pass/Fail.

Integration of target organ toxicology (10.5 credits). The examination consists of written examinations. Graded Pass with Distinction/Pass/Fail.

The course grade is based on the grade of the part Integration of target organ toxicology. To pass the whole course the grade pass must have been obtained for both parts of the course.

Compulsory participation
All practical demonstrations, seminars, exercises and group exercises including presentations are compulsory. The examiner assesses if, and in that case how, absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, the student's results for respective part will not be registered. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in that the student cannot compensate the absence until the next time the course is given.
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Other directives

The course language is English.

Literature and other teaching aids

Recommended literature

• Peckham, Michelle., Histology at a glance, Chichester, West Sussex, UK : Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. - 108 p. ISBN: 978-1-4443-3332-9, LIBRIS-ID: 12636373,

• Casarett & Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. Curtis D. Klaassen, 9th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2023. ISBN: 978-1259863745

• Hayes’ Principles and Methods of Toxicology. Hayes, A. Wallace, Kreuger, Claire L., 7th ed., CRC Press, 2023. ISBN 9781032467085

• Handouts and other assigned literature.