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ESM231Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introductory Toxicology

This course introduces the fundamental principles of toxicology, toxic agents, and their effects on living organisms. It explores the history of toxicology, dose-response relationships, and the routes of entry and biotransformation of toxic substances. The course also covers the major classes of toxic agents, including inorganic elements, heavy metals, and organic compounds, as well as their impact on various organ systems. Furthermore, it examines carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, teratogenesis, and the toxicology of pesticides.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
toxicologytoxic agentsbiotransformationpesticidescarcinogenesis

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

Dose-Response Relationships

3

Routes of Entry of Toxic Agents

4

Biotransformation of Toxic Agents

5

Toxic Inorganic Elements and Metals

6

Toxic Organic Compounds

7

Pesticides

8

Teratogenesis

9

Mutagenesis

10

Carcinogenesis

11

Immunotoxicity

Total Topics11 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 (2 methods)

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Toxicologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Health Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Safety Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PharmaceuticalsAgricultureEnvironmental ProtectionPublic HealthChemical Manufacturing

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

3h

Unit 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

3 study hours
  • •Read about the history of toxicology and its key figures.
  • •Define toxicology and identify its major areas, such as environmental, forensic, and clinical toxicology.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 1.
Week
2

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

3h

Unit 2: Dose-Response Concepts

3 study hours
  • •Understand the dose-response relationship and its importance in toxicology.
  • •Learn about dose estimates like LD50, LC50, and NOEL.
  • •Explore hazard and risk assessment.
Week
3

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

3h

Unit 3: Toxicity

3 study hours
  • •Define toxicity and differentiate between acute, sub-acute, and chronic exposures.
  • •Identify the different classes of toxic substances, such as gases, vapors, dusts, and mists.
  • •Relate toxicity to the dose of the substance.
Week
4

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

3h

Unit 4: Routes of Entry of Toxic Agents and Bio Transformation of Toxic Agents

3 study hours
  • •Identify the routes of entry of toxic agents into the body.
  • •Understand the processes of absorption, distribution, and metabolism of chemicals.
  • •Learn about immunological reactions and immunotoxicity.
Week
5

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

3h

Unit 5: Toxic Inorganic Elements and Metals

3 study hours
  • •Learn about the toxicological aspects of inorganic elements and heavy metals.
  • •Identify the health hazards associated with beryllium, mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
  • •Understand the sources of metallic toxicants.
Week
6

Module 2: Toxic Organic Compounds

3h

Unit 1: Toxic Organic Compounds

3 study hours
  • •Study the toxicological aspects of alkane, alkene, and alkyne hydrocarbons.
  • •Learn about the effects of benzene, toluene, and naphthalene.
  • •Understand the toxicity of alcohols, phenols, and amines.
Week
7

Module 2: Toxic Organic Compounds

3h

Unit 2: Teratogenesis, Mutagenesis, Carcinogenesis and Effects on the Immune and Reproductive Systems

3 study hours
  • •Understand teratogenesis, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis.
  • •Learn about the stages involved in tumor and cancer development.
  • •Explore the effects of chemicals on the immune and reproductive systems.
Week
8

Module 2: Toxic Organic Compounds

3h

Unit 3: Pesticides

3 study hours
  • •Trace the history of pesticides and define the term.
  • •Identify the different classes of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
  • •Understand the toxicity levels and potential health effects of various pesticides.
Week
9

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

4h

Units 1-3 Review

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 1 Units 1-3
  • •Focus on key definitions and concepts.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 2.
Week
10

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

4h

Units 4-5 Review

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 1 Units 4-5
  • •Focus on key definitions and concepts.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 3.
Week
11

Module 2: Toxic Organic Compounds

4h

Units 1-3 Review

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 2 Units 1-3
  • •Focus on key definitions and concepts.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 4.
Week
12

Module 1: Background and Principles of Toxicology

4h

Assignments

4 study hours
  • •Work on any pending assignments.
  • •Participate in online forum discussions to clarify doubts and reinforce learning.
  • •Review key concepts and definitions from all modules.
Week
13

Module 2: Toxic Organic Compounds

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Final revision of all course materials.
  • •Focus on understanding key concepts and their interrelationships.
  • •Practice answering sample exam questions.

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

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key terms and concepts.

2

Practice drawing and labeling diagrams of biotransformation pathways.

3

Review the case studies provided in the course materials and analyze the toxicological principles involved.

4

Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and share insights.

5

Allocate specific time slots for revision and practice answering exam-style questions.

6

Prioritize understanding the mechanisms of action of different toxic substances and their effects on the body.

7

Focus on the key differences between acute and chronic toxicity and their implications.

8

Practice applying the dose-response relationship to predict the effects of different exposures.

9

Review all tutor-marked assignments and identify areas for improvement.

10

Ensure a thorough understanding of the ethical considerations in toxicology research and practice.

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