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EMT407Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Principles Of Toxicology

This course introduces the principles of toxicology, exploring the adverse effects of xenobiotics on living organisms. It covers the history of toxicology, biochemical and molecular toxicology, and the roles of biotoxins. Key topics include carcinogenesis, teratogenesis, mutagenesis, and biotransformation of toxicants. The course also examines toxic responses in various body systems such as blood, liver, kidney, immune and respiratory systems, and the eye. Students will learn about assessment methods and the application of toxicology in safety evaluation.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
ToxicologyXenobioticsCarcinogenesisTeratogenesisBiotransformation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

History of Toxicology

2

Biochemical Toxicology

3

Molecular Toxicology

4

Cellular Toxicology

5

Biotoxins

6

Carcinogenesis

7

Teratogenesis

8

Mutagenesis

9

Biotransformation

10

Hematotoxicology

11

Hepatotoxicology

12

Nephrotoxicity

13

Immunotoxicology

14

Respiratory Toxicology

15

Neurotoxicology

16

Ocular Toxicology

Total Topics16 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Toxicologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Health Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Safety Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PharmaceuticalsChemical ManufacturingEnvironmental ProtectionFood SafetyCosmetics

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 1: History of Toxicology

3 study hours
  • Define toxicology and its evolution.
  • Identify major historical landmarks and scientists in toxicology.
  • Discuss the application of toxicology in therapeutics and risk assessment.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 2: Biochemistry Cellular and Molecular Toxicology

4 study hours
  • Understand cell culture techniques and their applications in toxicology.
  • Explore molecular techniques like cloning, PCR, and blot analyses.
  • Learn about immunochemical techniques for protein detection and quantification.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 3: Biotoxins

3 study hours
  • Define biotoxins and their classification.
  • Discuss the functions of biotoxins in predation and defense.
  • Differentiate between exotoxins and endotoxins.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 4: Carcinogenesis

4 study hours
  • Understand the concept of carcinogenesis and its stages.
  • Identify major causes and risk factors for human cancer.
  • Learn about DNA-damaging and epigenetic agents.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 5: Teratogenesis

4 study hours
  • Mention the principles of teratology.
  • Describe the embryology of mammals.
  • Mention historical teratogens.
  • Describe the application of teratology in Toxicology.
Week
6

Module 2: Advanced Topics

3h

Unit 1: Mutagenesis

3 study hours
  • Understand the usefulness and limitations of mutagenicity assays in the identification of carcinogens.
  • Define Mutagenesis.
  • State the importance of mutagenicity assays.
Week
7

Module 2: Advanced Topics

4h

Unit 2: Biotransformation of Toxicants

4 study hours
  • Describe the reactions involved in the biotransformation of toxicants.
  • Understand the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes.
  • Discuss the processes of oxidation, reduction, and conjugation.
Week
8

Module 2: Advanced Topics

4h

Unit 3: Toxic Responses of the Blood

4 study hours
  • Understand the toxicology of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • Learn about the effects of toxicants on hematopoiesis.
  • Discuss leukemogenesis as a toxic response.
Week
9

Module 2: Advanced Topics

4h

Unit 4: Toxic Responses of the Liver

4 study hours
  • Understand the toxic responses of the liver.
  • Identify major hepatotoxicant classes.
  • Discuss mechanisms of liver injury, including fatty liver and cell death.
Week
10

Module 2: Advanced Topics

4h

Unit 5: Toxic Responses of Kidney

4 study hours
  • Describe the consequences of toxicity to the kidney.
  • Mention substances that induce toxicity to the kidney.
  • Explain the parameters used to assess toxicity to the kidney.
Week
11

Module 3: Body Systems

4h

Unit 1: Immune Systems

4 study hours
  • Understand the methods of using immunocompetence in toxicological studies.
  • Understand the modulation of the immune system by xenobiotics.
  • Describe the components of the immune system.
Week
12

Module 3: Body Systems

4h

Unit 2: Respiratory Systems

4 study hours
  • Describe the pathogenesis of lung damage induced by toxicants.
  • Describe the methods of assessing the toxicity of chemical to the respiratory system.
  • Understand the general principles in the pathogenesis of lung damage caused by chemicals.
Week
13

Module 3: Body Systems

8h

Unit 3: Nervous System

4 study hours
  • Understand the environmental factors to neurogenerative diseases.
  • Understand the mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
  • Mention chemicals that are neurotoxic and their modes of action.

Unit 4: Eye

4 study hours
  • Understand how the eye is exposed to toxicants.
  • Explain the mechanisms of action of toxicants in the target sites of the eye.
  • Describe the exposure to the eye and visual system.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review the historical landmarks and key scientists in toxicology from Unit 1.

2

Create concept maps linking Units 2-5 biochemical, cellular, and molecular concepts.

3

Practice applying biotransformation pathways from Module 2 to specific toxicants.

4

Focus on the mechanisms of action for major human carcinogens from Unit 4 Module 1.

5

Study the differences between neuronopathies and axonopathies from Unit 3 Module 3.

6

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback.

7

Allocate equal time to each module, but prioritize challenging units.

8

Use flashcards to memorize key terms and definitions.

9

Practice answering past examination questions.

10

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share notes.

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