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Heriot-Watt University: Toxicology
Institution | Heriot-Watt University View institution profile |
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Department | Biology View department profile |
Web | www.hw.ac.uk/uk/schools/engineering-physical-sciences.htm |
studywithus@hw.ac.uk | |
Telephone | 0131 451 3376 |
Study type | Taught |
Summary
Toxicologists assess the adverse, harmful effects that substances have on human health and the environment. Toxic substances can be natural resources such as arsenic and mercury, generated by living organisms such as microorganisms, algae, and shellfish, or generated by humans. Man-made sources include unintentional substances such as pollutants from traffic as well as industrial chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Toxicologists play an important role in making our lives more sustainable, by considering safety when designing new substances or by identifying safer alternatives.
This MSc programme will provide you with an advanced understanding of the multidisciplinary field of Toxicology. You'll learn about the fundamental principles of Toxicology, the harmful effects that different substances (e.g., chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, drink, pollutants,) have on human health and the environment, how the safety and sustainability of substances is assessed and improved through design strategies, what regulations exist to protect human health from the harmful effects of substances, as well as topical and emerging issues in Toxicology.
Over recent years, there has been a desire to transition away from animal testing in Toxicology and the generation of data using new approach methodologies (NAMs) means that the knowledge and skills required by toxicologists is changing. You will learn why alternative (non-animal) approaches are being increasingly used for hazard identification to make Toxicology testing more ethical, quicker, predictive, and potentially cheaper when compared to more traditional animal (mammalian) tests.
You will learn how to critically appraise the quality of existing literature and communicate scientific concepts and research findings to different audiences. You'll gain skills that enable you to work as a Toxicologist in sectors such as academia, Government, and industry to meet the current growing global demand for trained Toxicologists. The UK currently tackles the regulations and policies related to substance safety, which was previously provided by the EU pre-Brexit, and is desperately seeking trained Toxicologists. The knowledge and practical skills you will gain through this master's degree, will make you highly sought after upon graduation.
Our expertise Heriot-Watt University is recognised internationally for studying the toxicology of particles, fibres, pollutants, nanomaterials, and advanced materials. These research outputs have been widely published (over 200 papers), and have been used to inform: - UK and EU funding priorities,
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the development of regulations,
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updates to global guidance on strategies to reduce reliance on animal testing for regulatory purposes.
Your learning environment We offer hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops. You will gain practical experience of performing cytotoxicity (cell death) and genotoxicity (DNA damage) assays, learn about cell culture, and become competent at using light microscopes.
Industry You will learn from world leading toxicology experts and receive guest lectures from international industry, government and regulators to give real life examples of how toxicology studies are performed and how Toxicology data is used.
As part of the programme, we will discuss topical issues in Toxicology to introduce emerging issues in the field and encourage you to identify potential solutions to current and future challenges. We will discuss how we have worked with industry to; - assess the toxicity of nanomaterials to promote the safe and responsible development of nanotechnology,
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develop new approach methodologies (NAMs) to decrease the reliance placed on animal testing,
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investigate the potential harmful health effects of pollutants released from different sources,
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assess the toxicity of mixtures and evaluate the toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics to human health and the environment.
MSc
Level | SCQF Level 11 |
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Entry requirements | You will have at least a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Toxicology). |
Location | Edinburgh Campus Riccarton Edinburgh EH14 4AS |
Fees
England | 10736 GBP for Whole course |
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Northern Ireland | 10736 GBP for Whole course |
Scotland | 10736 GBP for Whole course |
Wales | 10736 GBP for Whole course |
EU | 26976 GBP for Whole course |
International | 26976 GBP for Whole course |
Channel Islands | 26976 GBP for Whole course |
Republic of Ireland | 26976 GBP for Whole course |
Areas of expertise
Heriot-Watt University has been pushing new frontiers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, business, and design since 1821. Home to prominent researchers and academics from across the world, we are driven by innovation, educational excellence, and ground-breaking research.
At the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, our teaching is directly informed by the research expertise and professional experience of our faculty. We offer world-class postgraduate programmes in seven key disciplines:
- Brewing and Distilling
- Chemical Sciences
- Energy and Renewables
- Food Science, Health and Nutrition
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
- Sensors, Signals and Systems
Employability
Heriot-Watt University is ranked …
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