Teaching Responsibility

LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:

Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences

Learning Methods

Lecture

Practical

Workshop

Module Offerings

7111PHASCI-SEP-CTY

Aims

To equip students with knowledge of specific aspects of human physiology and relevant mechanisms of toxicity that will provide an understanding of how chemical substances (such as cosmetics) may be taken up by the body and elicit a toxicological effect. The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework will be used to rationalise the potential to elicit an effect.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Demonstrate knowledge of physiological systems relevant to the uptake of chemicals through key routes of entry to the body (oral, dermal and respiratory routes).
2.
Rationalise how exposure to chemicals (including natural products) may elicit a response through an understanding of specific mechanisms of toxicity, the AOP framework and how xenobiotics may affect biological pathways.
3.
Find and critically evaluate information relating to key events within an AOP, using information from a range of resources (including scientific literature and specialised data repositories) to evidence potential toxicity pathways.
4.
Demonstrate expertise in understanding and presenting scientific information accurately and concisely.

Module Content

Outline Syllabus:
Selected physiological and anatomical systems including skin, hair, nails, eyes, liver, kidney, respiratory tract and the gastro-intestinal tract; significance as routes of exposure and/or sites of interaction between chemicals and biological systems. Uptake of substances via dermal, oral and respiratory routes. Mechanisms by which chemicals may elicit a toxicological effect with reference to specific toxicity endpoints and repeat dose scenarios (for example skin sensitisation, respiratory sensitisation, mutagenicity, hepatotoxicity, endocrine disruption). Sources of data; scientific literature and electronic data repositories. Practical based activities including determination of cell viability using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay; enzyme kinetics demonstrating the potential impact of metabolism on bioavailability; demonstration of the linkages between physiological and anatomical systems, for example, using Anomatage.
Module Overview:
Provides knowledge and understanding of human physiology and principles of toxicology, relating to the mechanisms by which chemicals can disrupt normal biological processes and cause toxicity.
Additional Information:
None

Assessments

Centralised Exam

Presentation