Biomolecular & Biomedical Sciences - Toxicology

ProfDip Toxicology
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 30)

This course provides an overview of toxicology and current toxicological assessment, and a detailed review of current issues in toxicology.

- Provides an introduction to the principles of modern toxicology

- Highly trained faculty in the area of Toxicology deliver the course content

- Guest speakers deliver 'state of the art' contributions

Course Description
These courses provide an introduction to the principles of modern toxicology in relation to environmental, occupational, and public health in the context of the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. These courses are aimed at individuals with a scientific qualification who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of toxicology and gain a recognised third-level qualification in the area. Current practising toxicologists will also benefit from undertaking individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD), as all of the modules will contribute towards maintenance of professional toxicological accreditation. The course content has been approved by the Irish Register of Toxicologists (IRT) and is recognised as accreditation for CPD in this area. These courses have been developed in close collaboration with the Irish Register of Toxicologists (IRT) and are also approved for accreditation towards becoming a registered toxicologist and for CPD credits towards maintaining IRT/ERT accreditation. The courses are run by European Registered Toxicologists (ERT), including guest lecturers delivering 'state-of-the-art' contributions as practising experts in a range of toxicological roles, from basic research to national and European regulatory bodies.

Vision and Values Statement
Toxicology and careers in toxicology are undergoing rapid and dramatic changes as new technologies, new regulations and new discoveries occur at an accelerated rate. The Professional Diploma in Toxicology is aimed at individuals with a scientific qualification who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of toxicology and gain a recognised third-level qualification in the area. It was developed following consultation with regulatory bodies and is designed to provide graduates with industrially relevant expertise in toxicology. We aim to produce highly motivated, independent thinkers with well-developed problem-solving ability who are capable of working effectively in a professional environment either alone or in teams. Current practising toxicologists will also benefit from undertaking individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD), as all of the modules have been developed to contribute towards maintenance of professional toxicological accreditation.The programme includes presentations and lectures from experts in toxicology, including external practitioners, giving students the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. Multiple teaching approaches from our dedicated, expert academic staff facilitate student development throughout this programme. A variety of assessment strategies are also employed, including classical written examinations, presentations and case studies. The programme is offered as a full-time 12 month or a part-time 24 month programme. There is also the option to exit with a Professional Certificate if students complete sufficient taught modules.

Programme Outcomes
Be adept at communicating toxicological topics clearly (orally and in writing) with key stakeholders such as peers in academia, industry and the wider public, further to the experience gained in the professional certificate programme

Demonstrate an increased knowledge of the current state-of-the-art in toxicology following on from the professional certificate

Demonstrate increased skills in toxicological experimental design, problem solving and interpretation of new data

Evaluate their independent learning needs and study independently using library resources, computer-assisted learning (CAL), and web-based study activities

Have the ability to outline barriers that exist in toxicological assessments using the increased knowledge obtained in the extra modules completed, in particular the professional skills module

Understand further the theory and practice of toxicological testing in industrial settings

Understand new approaches being applied to further advance knowledge in toxicology again building on the content from the professional certificate

This part-time course runs sequentially over four semesters, with successful completion of the coursework and examinations leading to the award of a Professional Diploma in Toxicology. Assessment is by multiple choice questions (MCQs), projects, presentations and practical examinations. There will also be continual assessment throughout the course.

The modules include lectures, laboratory components, computer-lab teaching sessions, presentations, group discussions, and home study of written and electronic media. This programme comprises of two modules which are directed at areas of toxicology of particular relevance to practicing toxicologists.

Stage 1 - Core
Essential Pharmacology for the Toxicologist PHAR40170
Experimental Tox and Risk Ass PHAR40180

Stage 1 - Option
Env, Food, Occup Toxicology PHAR40270
Prof. Skills for Toxicologists PHAR40280
Medical and Forensic Toxicolog PHAR40310

This programme is a graduate programme and applicants must possess an undergraduate degree or relevant experience in the area of toxicology/pharmacology.

- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

Professional Diploma Toxicology FT (F132)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

Professional Diploma Toxicology PT (F053)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

30

1 year full-time (F132), 2 years part-time (F053).

ProfDip Toxicology (F053) Part Time
EU Year 1 - € 1510
EU Year 2 - € 1455 aa
nonEU Year 1 - € 12800
nonEU Year 2 - € 12800 aa

ProfDip Toxicology (F132) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 3030
nonEU fee per year - € 25600

aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2020 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2019/20
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Next Intake: 2020/2021 September