Entry requirements

Bachelor of Science equivalent to at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies) in pharmacy, medical science, veterinary medical science, biomedicine or chemical engineering focusing on pharmaceuticals; the education should include physiology, biochemistry, cell/molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, analytical chemistry, or the equivalent in the specified areas. All applicants need to verify English language proficiency. This is normally verified by means of an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

As an elective course in the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy (Uppsala University) at least 150 credits has to been taken within the programme including passed courses in toxicology, analytical pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, physiology and molecular biology.

As a course in the Master programme in Drug management (Uppsala University) at least 7.5 credits has to be passed within the programme.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

• explain essential central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) functions and their diverse response to neurotoxic substances.
• describe major mechanisms of acute and long term neurotoxicity.
• describe and apply new technologies and methods for evaluation of neurotoxicity.
• design experiments in order to assess and identify potentially neurotoxic substances.
• search, compile, analyse and evaluate reports about neurotoxic reactions to drugs and other substances in scientific literature and databases.
• write scientific text in proper English.

Content

This course focuses on the essential principles of neurotoxicity, and how these can be applied in drug development and in acute poisonings by exposure to neurotoxic substances. First the CNS/PNS anatomy and function will be repeated. Then fundamental principles of neurotoxicolgy and common methods for the detection and analysis of neurotoxicity will be discussed. Cellular models of neurodegeneration and behavioral tests for studying neurotoxic effects on the CNS and PNS will be covered. Mechanisms of neurotoxicity caused by medicines, drugs of abuse and enviromental pollutants will be covered.

During the course, the student will train individual oral and written presentation. Examination is based on written tests and assignments.

Instruction

The course is based on a number of case studies of exposure scenarios of different toxic substances. The cases are discussed from a pharmacology, neurobiology, analytical and toxicology point of views.

The teaching is given as lectures, seminars and discussions, and an individual essay assignment. Special emphasis is given to stimulate the students to solve problems independently.

Compulsory elements: Course introduction, seminars, and written essay assignment. All teaching will be given in English.

Assessment

Examination takes place at the end of the course. Passing the course requires an approved test (examination code), passed participation of seminars (examination code) and written essay assignment (examination code). A chance to carry out a failed compulsory part can be arranged only at the next course occasion and in case of a vacancy. Each student has the right to six examinations.