Toxicology – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Modules

Nine compulsory taught modules are presented over two semesters, consisting of lectures, practical work, tutorials and visits to toxicology establishments. In addition, all students undertake a three-month practical research project.

• Principles of Toxicology 1 and 2
• Tissue Specific Toxicity 1 and 2
• Practical Toxicology 1 and 2
• Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment
• Principles of Experimental Toxicology and Risk Assessment
• Ecotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment
• Practical Research Project

In addition, there is a supplementary programme in Continuing Professional Development with talks and guidance on career options in toxicology and how to develop a personal portfolio to demonstrate continuing professional development.

Module Overview

Principles of Toxicology 1 and 2

These modules are an introduction to the major concepts of cell and molecular biology, cellular signalling and how chemical insult can affect body function and lead to tissue damage and cancer. The major concepts of how therapeutic agents interact with the body, how they may be used to alter mammalian physiology and how exposure may lead to toxicology are also covered, along with how this can be modelled mathematically.

Tissue Specific Toxicity 1 and 2

These modules provide information on the normal structure and function of individual organ systems, and how these are altered during toxicity. The major concepts of how to assess pathological changes, and how these are used in risk assessment, are also covered. Specific organs covered include haematopoietic and immune system, liver, kidney, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, alimentary, integumentary and nervous systems, reproductive system and development.

Practical Toxicology 1 and 2

These modules provide training in the major methods used in toxicopathology, molecular toxicology and biochemistry for the detection of cellular damage, including the use of animals and their alternatives in toxicology. Module one consists of lectures, practical laboratory work and demonstrations, whereas in module two students participate in an investigation into a novel toxicological problem. They learn how to plan, undertake and report on a practical toxicity testing study. It teaches how to generate and integrate data from a wide variety of techniques to investigate a complex toxicological problem. Students advance key skills in data handling, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presentation as well as team work.

Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment

In this module, the students learn about the information on toxicity that can be derived from humans in the fields of medical toxicology, chemical incident investigation, drug development and epidemiology. They are introduced to the concepts of assessment and management of poisoning. Taught elements and visits to toxicology establishments provide an overview of the role of the toxicologist in the clinical setting and in pharmaceutical industries. They develop their skills in information retrieval and scientific speaking by presenting seminars of chemical incidents and in writing reports on human poisonings.

Principles of Experimental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

This module familiarises students with study design and toxicity testing procedures, the current use of animals and advances towards the refinement, reduction and replacement of animals. They learn about hazard identification, the interpretation of the endpoints used in risk assessment and the related national and international legislation for different classes and uses of chemicals directly from practising toxicologists in the field. Visits to a home and personal care and food industry and a contract research organisation form an integral part of the training and learning is further supported by a data interpretation and safety evaluation exercise undertaken by the students.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment

This module covers the impact of human activity on natural ecosystem function, how the environmental fate of toxins is determined and the use of bio-indicators to determine the health of the environment. An insight into the measures taken to protect the environment against the possible negative effects of pesticides is gained through a visit to an agrochemical company. The module rounds up with the impact of selected substances on human health to helpdevelop ability to evaluate data and communicate on toxicological issues.

Practical Research Project

This module comprises a three-month project, undertaken during the summer preceded by a literature survey and project planning during semester 2. It provides experience in the planning and execution of a discrete piece of scientific work. Projects cover a wide range of disciplines and, while the majority take place within the Faculty, there are opportunities for you to work within collaborating institutions.

Subject information Ten Reasons to Study Toxicology

• Toxicology research at Surrey has an international reputation. In the last Research Assessment Exercise (2008), Toxicology formed part of the submission ranked 2nd out of 63 institutions for subjects allied to medicine, building upon the maximum rating that we achieved in the previous two assessments. Hence, Toxicology research at Surrey has been independently assessed as ‘world class’ over the last fifteen years.
• Toxicology teaching at Surrey has also been assessed as excellent. The HEFCE Quality Audit Agency Teaching Quality Assurance Panel described our MSc programmes as ‘of very high quality, a view endorsed by employers, external examiners and students’, and went on to say that ‘postgraduate students achievement is excellent’.
• Our collaborating institutions provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about current best practice, ensuring they always meet the requirements of potential employers.
• We work closely with a number of other organisations that provide considerable support for the teaching on the programme, as well as the potential for visits to these establishments and project placements.
• This programme gives suitably qualified graduates a broad appreciation of the many aspects of toxicology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of chemically induced toxicity and the assessment of toxicological hazards.
• You will gain invaluable practical experience in a wide range of techniques and procedures in use for the investigation of toxicological phenomena.
• You will be able to integrate information and skills learned throughout the programme and use this knowledge to identify and investigate toxicological problems.
• You will possess a high level of skills in the presentation of toxicological information, both orally and in writing.
• You will have sufficient knowledge for employment in government, regulatory agencies and industrial or research laboratories, as well as the potential to embark successfully on a higher research degree programme, such as a PhD.
• Graduate employment rates are extremely high, with over 80 per cent of graduates being in employment within six months of finishing their programme.

Our Toxicology programme will show you how chemicals are processed by living organisms and how toxicity arises at the molecular level. It will enable you to identify hazards arising from exposure to chemicals, evaluate the risks posed and to communicate them to the public and scientific communities. It prepares you for employment and further education in all aspects of practical and regulatory toxicology. There has always been a great demand for our graduates, many of whom now occupy senior positions in toxicology all over the world.

You will be based at the University throughout the taught programme and, in addition, will make visits to industrial and medical toxicology laboratories at regular intervals. These visits are an integral part of the MSc programme, consisting of formal lectures and demonstrations, and will greatly enhance your understanding of the role of toxicology in the workplace. To enhance your practical skills, you will undertake a three-month practical research project at either the University or one of the collaborating institutions.

Accreditation

The University of Surrey School of Management is unique as the only business school in the world to hold simultaneous accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). MBA and Tourism students can be assured of the quality of their programme and the School as recognized by these awards.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is an international body which assesses business schools on the quality of their programmes and operational management. AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, worldwide.

Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review.

AACSB International accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education. AACSB International accreditation assures stakeholders that business schools:

• Manage resources to achieve a vibrant and relevant mission.
• Advance business and management knowledge through faculty scholarship.
• Provide high-calibre teaching of quality and current curricula.
• Cultivate meaningful interaction between students and a qualified faculty.
• Produce graduates who have achieved specified learning goals.

An AACSB accredited business school gives an assurance that it is amongst the best in the world.

The Association of MBAs (AMBA) accreditation is widely recognised as the global standard for MBA programmes. The association has acted as an advocate for MBA programmes around the world since 1967 and assesses business schools and their post-experience management programmes against rigorous criteria. These criteria include:

• The institution offering an MBA should have a clear strategy and mission, explicitly expressed and regularly updated. It will have a clear understanding of the market for its products.
• Staff should be credible in terms of their academic qualifications, their ability to teach business at postgraduate level, the quality of their research and the extent of their business contacts and consultancy activities.
• As the MBA is a post-experience, postgraduate degree, students admitted onto an accredited MBA must have a minimum of three years work experience, with the cohort averaging 5 years experience.
• The curriculum should be generalist in nature and must cover the core business skills: marketing, the economic and legal environment of a business, accounting and quantitative methods, finance, organisational theory, interpersonal skills, information technology, and the processes and practices of management.

The School of Management has a long association with the tourism industry and a worldwide reputation for excellence in tourism education. It was the first institution in the UK to receive UNWTO TedQual certification for both its undergraduate and postgraduate tourism programmes.

The UNWTO TedQual certification system contributes to the quality and efficiency of tourism education training and research. It proposes a methodology and voluntary standards with universal scope to more clearly define the quality of tourism education systems. The UNWTO TedQual certification system is a quality assurance system for tourism education, training and research. The specific aims of the UNWTO TedQual certification system are:

• Establish a quality standard for tourism education and training systems.
• Smooth the way towards greater pedagogic productivity in tourism.

Funding details

The programme has scholarships currently funded by Unilever and GlaxoSmithKline. Candidates for these awards, who are nominated by the Faculty, must be resident in an EU state (including the UK) and hold a qualification at least equivalent to an Upper Second.

Companies are expected to support their own candidates.

Where applicable, overseas students will be given help in applying for other sources of funding, such as the British Chevening Scholarship.