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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Toxicology and Environmental Analysis
Reference AS3054 Version 6
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved May 2011 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with knowledge in toxicological absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and the ability to assess the impact of polluting substances in ecological systems.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Discuss the principal sources, fate and behaviour of chemical pollutants in air, water and land.
2 Explain the features of cell and tissue injury.
3 Discuss biological responses to environmental pollutant including the effects on genetic material and cell growth.
4 Utilise relevant scientific principles, examples and underlying methodologies to solve a toxicological and analytical problem experimentally by working as a team.

Indicative Module Content
Pollution in the environment: review of natural and unnatural substances, xenobiotics, pollutants, degradation, persistence, accumulation, principle sources and behaviour of pollutants in air, water and land. Impact of pollutants on biological systems: cell and tissue injury caused by pollutants and their manifestations (in microorganisms, plants, animals, humans and ecosystems. Cellular recognition, immune response, defence mechanisms, biological indicators of pollution and epidemiological studies, Toxicity testing, definition of poisons and poisoning; study of the time-dose relationship and route of administration; distribution, phase 1 and phase 2 metabolism and elimination. Instrumental analysis of samples, eg. chromatographic and spectrophotometric; case studies interpretation of results and pharmacokinetics; report writing.

Module Delivery
Basic knowledge will be imparted through lectures, tutorials and practical workshops. Students will be expected to contribute through the retrieval and study of relevant case studies.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 40 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 110 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 70% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Unseen, closed book examination
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 30% Outcomes Assessed: 4
Description: Written scientific report

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (EX1) weighted as major and the second, Component 2 (CW1), weighted as minor. A minimum module grade of D is required for a pass, with compensation of grade E in Component 1 or Component 2 permitted. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, AB
B AC, AD, AE, BA, BB, BC, CA
C BD, BE, CB, CC, CD, DA, DB
D CE, DC, DD, DE, EA, EB, EC
E AF, BF, CF, DF, ED, EE, EF, FA, FB, FC, FD
F FE, FF
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of Stage 2 of the course or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 WRIGHT, D. and WELBOURN, P. Environmental Toxicology. Current Edition. Cambridge University Press.
2 PHILIPS, R.B. Ecosystems and Human Health: Toxicology and Environmental Hazards. Current Edition. CRC Press.
3 NEWMAN, M.C. and UNGER, M.A. Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology. Current Edition. CRC Press.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781