Environmental and Biochemical Toxicology – (M.Sc.)

Environmental and Biochemical Toxicology are disciplines that underpin a vast array of services, from the testing of novel agents in the pharmaceutical pipeline prior to bringing them onto the market as therapeutics, through to environmental monitoring for remediation purposes. There is a recognised shortage of qualified scientists in such areas; a fact highlighted both by academic societies (e.g. UK Environmental Mutagenicity Society, British Toxicology Society) and industry.

This MSc provides you with an appreciation of the underlying principals of how chemicals adversely affect living organisms. This includes appreciating the diverse applications of toxicology, from identifying mechanisms through to hazard assessment, and understanding the effects on human health, in terms of biotransformation, mutation, neurological impairments, etc. There is also an emphasis on practical experience which will be gained through the use of cutting-edge techniques in research laboratories. You will also gain general scientific skills in hypotheses testing, problem solving, dealing with scientific literature, and experimental design and rigor. The course develops other transferable skills appropriate to careers in research, consultancy or industry. Graduates should also be ideally primed for further study for a PhD.