Target Organ Toxicology - Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics, 17.5 credits

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.

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 toxicokinetic time-courses using computer-based modelling,
• describe and explain central concepts of toxicity and the underlying mechanisms,

Regarding skills and ability

• critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate toxicological questions,
• interpret, analyse and describe the signs of toxicity that toxic compounds cause and relate this to the structure and function of the tissues and organs,
• suggest approaches to assess causes of organ toxicity,

Regarding judgement and approach

• scientifically assess 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.

The course includes kinetics and dynamics for toxicity of chemical substances that can be hazardous to human health or to sustainable development in an individual, population and global perspective.

The course consists of the following parts:

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. 

Integration of kinetics, mechanisms and effects of toxic compounds.

The course builds largely on problem-based learning in the form of different case studies with oral and written presentation. Furthermore, lectures, seminars, group discussions, practical demonstrations, computer exercises and study visits are included.

Kinetics, mechanisms and effects in different organ systems (9 credits). The examination consists of written and oral presentation. Graded Pass/Fail.

Integration of target organ toxicology (8.5 credits). The examination consists of written examination. 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, computer exercises, study visits 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.

After each course occasion there will be at least six occasions for the examination within a two-year period from the end of the course.

The course language is English.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.

Oral evaluation in the form of course council meetings will be carried out during the course.