Applications of Methods in Toxicological Research, 16.5 credits

At least the grade Pass for the courses Principles of toxicology and Target organ toxicology - toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics within the Master's programme in toxicology.

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 alternative methods for toxicological testing,
• 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 within toxicology research and for alternative methods for toxicological testing both orally and in writing,
• Identify and apply relevant statistical methods for the analysis of data from laboratory experiments and interpret results and draw statistical conclusions.

Regarding judgement and approach

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

The course is divided into the following parts:

This part contains analysis of need, development, validation and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods (according to 3R) for toxicological testing.

This part contains the theory and practical application of basic statistical principles and methods that are applied in experimental toxicological research.

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 included may vary from course to course depending on current research topics. Examples of methods that may be included are: molecular biology methods for the analysis of DNA, RNA levels, protein levels, and enzyme activity. Methods for determination of DNA-damage and cellular toxicity. 

This part also contains scientific writing. 

The course is completed with an integrating part where the contents from Practical laboratory methods in toxicology and Alternative methods for toxicological testing are examined.

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

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

Alternative methods for toxicological testing (1.5 credits). The examination consists of individual written reports and oral presentations. Graded Fail/Pass.

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

Biostatistics (1.5 credits). The examination consists of written examination. Graded Fail/Pass.
 
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.

The course language is  English.