Programme syllabus for Master's Programme in Toxicology

Masterprogrammet i toxikologi

Outcomes

Outcomes According to the Higher Education Act

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall be based fundamentally on the knowledge acquired by students during first-cycle courses and study programmes, or its equivalent.

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall:

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

Degree Outcomes According to the Higher Education Ordinance

Outcomes of the Degree of Master (120 credits) according to the Higher Education Ordinance

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study. 

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Content and structure

An overarching aim of the Master's Programme in Toxicology is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the broad area of toxicology, including traditional methods and new approach methodologies, and both theoretical aspects and practical applications of toxicological research, toxicity testing, and health risk assessment. This is needed to be able to work successfully as a toxicologist with the challenges in the field, in academia, authorities or industry. Another important aim is to prepare students for further doctoral studies in toxicology or the biomedical area.

The first semester aims to provide broad knowledge in basic toxicological science and begins with a broad introductory course on the principles and methods of toxicology. This semester also includes a course on how chemical substances are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and excreted by the body, the toxicological mechanisms underlying organ and tissue damage, and how such effects can be studied.

During the second semester, the knowledge is deepened and applied to the most important methodologies in toxicology. The semester includes a course in the theory and practice of laboratory animal science, focusing on the 3Rs: Replace, Reduce and Refine animal studies. In another course, the students gain advanced knowledge about traditional and novel methods used in toxicological research, both in theory and practice. The semester ends with a course in health risk assessment of chemicals, which builds on previous courses and covers the principles of risk assessment, regulatory and scientific aspects, methodologies for data evaluation and integration, as well as real-life examples and hands-on exercises.

The third semester aims to further deepen knowledge and skills in areas of particular importance for future challenges for toxicology. The semester includes a course where students tackle global challenges related to sustainable development, such as climate change and chemical pollution. The course emphasises potential solutions and the role of toxicology in fostering a sustainable society. During the same semester, a course on next-generation toxicology is included, where students gain more advanced knowledge on how to integrate toxicity data from traditional toxicity testing and new approach methodologies into regulatory frameworks and research.

The programme concludes with an individual degree project of 30 or 45 credits. The degree project can be experimental, literature-based, or any other type of project relevant to toxicology and risk assessment of chemicals. A shorter degree project (30 credits) can be combined with one or more elective courses and/or a project of toxicological relevance, corresponding to 15 credits.

Scientific knowledge, competence and approach

The programme provides broad and deep knowledge and understanding within the field of toxicology with a focus on both traditional and emerging methods and their applications. The first course covers scientific theory, and throughout the programme students are trained to search for, reflect on, critically examine, present, and discuss scientific information and hypotheses, both orally and in writing. Scientific methodology is then integrated into all programme courses, and students develop skills in applying their knowledge independently and through group collaboration. The application of various methods, practical skills, and interpretation of strengths and limitations of the methods are an essential component of the entire programme. Further specialisation occurs during the degree project, where interpreting and understanding new data in relation to existing knowledge is an important aspect.

Practice Integrated Learning

Practice integrated learning is a generic term for the pedagogical models that are based on interaction and integration between higher education and working life. Practice integrated learning may take the form of placements, study visits, observing teaching activities, staff exchange training schemes or field studies within out-patient and in-patient healthcare, social care or other relevant activities.

The programme is mainly conducted in an academic environment with research-active teachers and practical training at research laboratories. Some courses on the programme include study visits to potential future workplaces such as governmental agencies and research institutes. During the programme, representatives from different workplaces (often alumni) are invited to courses to provide insights into toxicology from diverse (non-academic) perspectives, discuss toxicological applications, and explain how to work as a toxicologist in companies and agencies. The degree project is performed in an area of research or work relevant to toxicology and is carried out in an academic, governmental or corporate setting, in Sweden or abroad.

Cross-curricular perspectives

The cross-curricular perspectives of ethical aspects, sustainable development, equal opportunities, internationalization, and interprofessional competence are integrated into the courses and developed throughout the programme. Different ethical aspects are closely connected to toxicology and are included in several courses. Such aspects are the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce and Refine animal testing), alternative methods to traditional animal testing, the use of human material and data, such as human cells and epidemiological data, research ethics and quality assurance. Toxicological understanding and safe use of chemicals in a global perspective is critical for enabling sustainable development, and such aspects are integrated throughout the programme with a specific focus during the third semester. Toxicology research and regulatory applications take place in an international framework, making global perspectives and collaborations vital for toxicologists. This programme enhances students' intercultural competencies and equips them for the global job market. Equal opportunities are addressed with respect to the different health risks of exposure to toxic chemicals in various populations. Finally, interprofessional competence is vital for toxicologists who frequently collaborate with experts from other disciplines, such as pathology or computer science. The programme prepares students for future collaboration through various group assignments, teaching in group dynamics and also practising different roles relevant to toxicology.

Elective courses

The students can choose one or more elective courses (at the basic or advanced level, relevant to toxicology) or a project in toxicology to cover 15 credits together with a degree project of 30 credits instead of a longer degree project of 45 credits.

Other guidelines

Grading scale

The grades used are Fail, Pass or Pass with Distinction. Alternative grading scales may apply to a few courses within the programme. The grading scale is detailed in the course syllabus.

Language of instruction

The teaching language is English.

Specific eligibility requirements within the programme

There are specific eligibility requirements for the courses within the programme. The eligibility requirements can be found in the syllabi. There may also be specific eligibility requirements within a specific term if a course requires certain prior knowledge.

Study plan with constituent courses

Semester Name of the course Credits Main field of study Cycle and depth of the course

1 Principles of Toxicology 7.5 credits Toxicology First (G2)
1 Target Organ Toxicology 22.5 credits Toxicology Second
2 Laboratory Animal Science in Theory and Practice 4.5 credits Toxicology Second
2 Applications of Methods in Toxicological Research 16.5 credits Toxicology Second
2 Health Risk Assessment of Chemicals 9 credits Toxicology Second
3 Global Toxicology in a Sustainable Society 4 credits Toxicology Second
3 Next-Generation Toxicology 11 credits Toxicology Second

Alternative 1:
3 and 4 Degree project in toxicology 45 credits Toxicology Second

Alternative 2:
3 and 4 Project in toxicology 15 credits Toxicology Second
3 and 4 Degree project in toxicology 30 credits Toxicology Second

Alternative 3:
3 and 4 Elective courses 15 credits First/Second
3 and 4 Degree project in toxicology 30 credits Toxicology Second