Course syllabus for Next-generation toxicology

Specific entry requirements

At least the grade pass on all courses in semesters 1 and 2 of the Master's Programme in Toxicology.

Outcomes

The course aims to provide knowledge of next generation toxicology, covering in vivo methods, alternative methods, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in both research and regulatory contexts, and their use as a basis for evidence-based, ethical, and sustainable hazard and risk assessment.

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

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• account for the principles of in vivo toxicity studies, including study design and procedures, data evaluation and 3R considerations, 
• account for how alternative methods are used in toxicological research and testing and how they support next-generation approaches to hazard and risk assessment 
• account for the processes involved in the development, validation and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods, 

Regarding skills and ability

• analyze and evaluate data from in vivo methods and alternative methods and assess their usefulness and limitations, 
• integrate and interpret toxicity data from diverse sources to support toxicological evaluation, 

Regarding judgement and approach

• critically discuss the scientific, methodological and ethical aspects of traditional and next-generation toxicology approaches, 
• reflect on opportunities and challenges of integrating data from alternative methods in regulatory toxicology, 
• demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the societal impact of next-generation toxicology in the context of sustainable development.

Content

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary methodologies used in toxicological research and for evaluating the safety of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, with a strong emphasis on emerging, human‑relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Students will explore the scientific foundations and regulatory context of both traditional in vivo testing and non‑animal approaches, gaining insight into the ongoing transition toward more ethical, mechanistically informed, and sustainable research and testing strategies.

Key components include study design, data interpretation, and literature analysis, along with consideration of ethical, regulatory, and sustainability dimensions that shape the next generation toxicological practices. The course highlights how alternative methods and conventional methods integrate into hazard and risk assessment and how they contribute to advances in mechanistic toxicology, such as Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) development, and predictive modelling.

Teaching methods

The teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops, assignments, practical training, and oral presentations.

Examination

The examination consists of a written exam.

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.

Compulsory participation
All assignments, workshops, and practical training, including presentations and occasional seminars (indicated in the schedule), are compulsory. The examiner determines if absence can be compensated for and, if so, how. A student's results for respective parts will not be registered until they have participated in all compulsory parts or compensated for absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in the student being unable to compensate for the absence until the course is offered again.

Other directives

The course language is English.

Literature and other teaching aids

Recommended literature

Handouts, scientific papers and other assigned literature.