MSc in Occupational Toxicology

Key information

Duration of programme: Full-time: 12 months
Start date: September

Deadline to apply for September 2013 entry is Friday 2nd August 2013.

Distance learning available: No
Intake: 10

Fees for 2013 entry:
UK/EU students: £5,300
International students: £15,600

Application & contact:
Apply for this course online

LHS Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0) 121 204 4161
Fax: +44 (0) 121 204 4187
Email: lhspgt@aston.ac.uk

Programme outline and modules

This taught master’s programme is intended to provide training in the area of toxicology, which begins with an introduction to the basic concepts of how chemicals injure cells and how the resulting changes alter cellular function. The course will progress to more advanced areas related to the professional applications of the subject, such as regulatory, forensic, clinical and mechanistic toxicology.

Students will be taught by researchers from Aston Pharmacy School with established international reputations and extensive experience in the subject. The course leader is Professor M.D. Coleman, author of the successful text Human Drug Metabolism: an introduction (2006: Wiley International).

Download the course flyer PDF >

Modules

This qualification is intended to provide a suitable grounding for a professional career in the area of applied toxicology, as well as for further postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Prospective students must possess a good UK Honours Degree (minimum lower 2nd class) in biochemistry, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, genetics, materials science, medicine, microbiology or a related field, from a recognised university or an overseas degree recognised by Aston University, plus two references.

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English language. They should meet our minimum English language requirement by taking one of the following tests:

IELTS. Minimum requirement - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each area.
TOEFL IBT. Minimum requirement - 100 overall, (21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking).
Pearson Academic. Minimum requirement - 61 overall, 59 in each area.

We do not accept a Password test.

Learning, teaching & assessment

The course is assessed by a combination of coursework, examinations, and practical work and oral and written presentations. The research project will be assessed by a submitted report, an oral defence of a poster and observed laboratory skills.

Professional accreditation

N/A

Career opportunities

There are a variety of opportunities in regulatory toxicology in the private and public sectors and forensic and mechanistic toxicology in the public sector. The course also allows students to progress to more postgraduate work in the field for a higher degree

Personal development

The transferable skills acquired on this course include development of written and oral communication skills, team working, report writing, critical analysis and IT skills.

Facilities & equipment

Lectures and seminars are conducted in modern audio-visually equipped lecture theatres and classrooms.

‘Wet’ practicals are conducted in newly-refurbished laboratories equipped with a range of pharmaceutical and analytical instruments.
Teaching and organisational material is supplemented with a virtual learning environment.
Access to journals is provided via Aston University’s library, including a mixture of hard-copy publications and electronic access to several large scientific databases.