Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Molecular Toxicology
Code LIFE316
Coordinator Dr D Naisbitt
Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology
D.J.Naisbitt@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE206; LIFE207 In addition, either LIFE 231 OR LIFE 234 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 21
This refers to timetabled lectures in which core concepts are explained
  2
This refers to timetabled class tutorials for feedback and more detailed discussion
    1
This refers to a timetabled session to initiate group-work. Students would carry out additional work in their own time.
24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  Semester 2  80  Yes    Written examination  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  3h  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Presentation and debate Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 2 consists of a brief presentation, prepared by a group of students, followed by a structured debate, Preparation and participation for the debate will be assessed.  

Aims

1. To familiarize students with current concepts of mechanisms by which cells are killed by toxic chemicals with particular emphasis on drugs

 
2. To develop in students an understanding of the main defence mechanisms that cells possess to protect them against chemical toxicity
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3. To develop in students knowledge and deep understanding in pharmacology , and ability to apply, critically evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve complex problems

Learning Outcomes

To evaluate the principal ways in which cells are killed by drugs

To appraise current knowledge of the major defence mechanisms that cells possess

To critically evaluate current understanding of irreversible toxicity

To assess current approaches to the pre-clinical investigation of various types of toxicity 

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures in which core concepts are explained

Tutorial - This refers to timetabled class tutorials for feedback and more detailed discussion

Group Project - This refers to a timetabled session to initiate group-work. Students would carry out additional work in their own time.

Syllabus
1 

Cellular defence mechanisms

Mechanisms of cell death

Regenerative Therapies: safety issues with stem cells

French Pharmaceutical Company (Servier)

Naturally occurring and drug-induced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

Oxidative damage in immunity & therapeutic strategies against oxidative damage

Biologic therapies-monoclonal antibodies, recombinant & fusion proteins

Immunogenecity

Principles of safety pharmacology

Introduction to biomarkers - concepts, analysis, technologies and targets

Biomarkers & assessment of liver & gastrointestinal toxicity,  cardiovascular toxicity and mechanisms of kidney toxicity

Systems Biology

Drug hypersensitivity: immune mechanisms, role of T Cells, individual susceptibility

Module material will be delivered primarily through standard lectures. Independent learning is supported by materials on VITAL (such as lecture handouts and links to research papers) and other web-based resources. Tutorials and group-work will guide students through specialised topic areas. Students will be directed to key articles in the literature (textbooks, original papers and review articles) and be expected to use this material to inform their independent learning. Regular formative exercises in the form of question and answer sessions at the end of each block of lectures will test knowledge and ability to solve problems, and feedback will be provided verbally.

 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Additional reading from the scientific literature will be highlighted during lectures, with an indication of whether it is considered essential or recommended.

Humphrey P. Rang, MB MS MA DPhil FMedSci FRS Hon FBPharmacolS, Maureen M. Dale, MB BCh PhD, James M. Ritter, DPhil FRCP FBPharmacolS FMedSci, Rod J. Flower, PhD DSc FBPharmacolS FMedSci FRS and Graeme Henderson, BSc PhD FBPharma colS. Rang & Dale''s Pharmacology, Churchill Livingstone, 2012.
Electronic book, 7th Edition