Course syllabus for Applications of methods in toxicological research

Tillämpning av metoder inom toxikologisk forskning

Essential data

Course code: 4TX040
Course name: Applications of methods in toxicological research
Credits: 16.5
Form of Education: Higher education, study regulation of 2007
Main field of study: Toxicology
Level: AV - Second cycle
Grading scale: Fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG)
Department: Institute of Environmental Medicine
Decided by: Utbildningsnämnden IMM
Decision date: 2026-05-29
Course syllabus valid from: Spring semester 2027

Specific entry requirements

At least the grade Pass for the course Principles of toxicology within the Master's programme in toxicology.

Outcomes

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

Regarding knowledge and understanding

  • account for current methods that are used in toxicology research,
  • account for statistical methods within toxicology research. 

Regarding skills and ability

  • plan and safely conduct laboratory experiments that can be used to answer questions in toxicology research, 
  • analyse and interpret toxicology laboratory results and justify and discuss conclusions both orally and in writing, 
  • write all parts of a research article based on laboratory experiments, 
  • analyse and evaluate omics data using bioinformatic tools,
  • identify and discuss sources of errors, limitations, and strengths for different methods and models within toxicology research,
  • identify and apply relevant statistical methods for the analysis of data from toxicological research and testing and interpret results and draw statistical conclusions. 

Regarding judgement and approach

  • make assessments considering scientific and ethical aspects of toxicological methodology.

Content

The course is divided into the following parts:

Biostatistics, 3 credits
Grading scale: GU
This part contains the theory and practical application of basic statistical principles and methods that are applied in toxicological research and testing.

Practical laboratory methods in toxicology, 7.5 credits
Grading scale: VU
This part contains the theory and practical application of current laboratory research methods in toxicology, including alternative methods such as in vitro and alternative animal models.
In addition, the theory and practical application of basic principles and methods of omics and bioinformatic analyses in toxicology research.
Laboratory technology and laboratory safety are included. The methods covered may vary between courses, depending on current research. Examples include molecular biology techniques for analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein levels, as well as methods for assessing DNA damage and cellular toxicity.

This part also contains scientific writing.

Integration of methods in toxicological research, 6.0 credits
Grading scale: VU
The course is completed with an integrating part where the content from Practical laboratory methods in toxicology is examined.

Teaching methods

The teaching includes laboratory sessions (including computer exercises), lectures/seminars, written reports and oral presentations.

Examination

Biostatistics (3 credits). The examination consists of a written examination. Graded Fail/Pass.

Practical laboratory methods in toxicology (7.5 credits). The examination consists of individual written laboratory reports. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

Integration of methods in toxicological research (6.0 credits). The examination consists of a written examination. Graded Fail/Pass/Pass with distinction.

To get pass with distinction as the final grade of the course pass with distinction is required for the two parts: Practical laboratory methods in toxicology and Integration of methods in toxicological research. To pass the whole course the grade pass must have been obtained for all parts of the course.

Compulsory participation
All practical modules including presentations and occasional seminars (indicated in the schedule) 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