University College Dublin

ProfCert Toxicology
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 15)
Professional Certificate Toxicology 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.
Lectures are delivered by staff of international renown in their field, many of whom are practising toxicologists. Study days and e-learning are utilised to maximise flexibility in how students manage their study time.
• Highly trained faculty in the area of Toxicology deliver the course content
• Guest speakers deliver 'state of the art' contributions
• Content has been approved by the Register of Toxicologists in Ireland.

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 Certificate 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 part-time 12 month programme. There is also the option to obtain a Professional Diploma or Graduate Diploma if students continue their studies and complete sufficient taught modules.

Programme Outcomes
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current state-of-the-art in toxicology
• Understand the theory and practice of toxicological testing in industrial settings
• Demonstrate skills in toxicological experimental design, problem solving and interpretation of new data.
• Understand conceptual development and new approaches being applied to further advance knowledge in toxicology
• Be adept at communicating toxicological topics clearly (orally and in writing) with key stakeholders such as peers in academia, industry and the wider public
• Be able to study independently using library resources, computer-assisted learning (CAL), and web-based study activities.