Module Details

Module Code: CHEM7003
Title: Food Toxicology
Long Title: Food Toxicology
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4211 - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module describes the basic biochemical principles of toxicology, with an overview of potentially toxic constituents present in food products. This module is delivered on an accelerated schedule.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the basic principles of toxicology
LO2 Discuss toxicological pathology in relation to food toxins
LO3 Provide an overview of potentially toxic constituents present in food products
LO4 Apply laboratory skills associated with toxicology
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Toxicology
History, perspective and scope of toxicology
Toxicity testing and risk assessment
Dose response relationship and toxicity assessment parameters
Principles of biochemical toxicology
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
Toxicological Pathology
Direct toxic action, pharmacological, physiological and biochemical effects, teratogenesis, immunotoxicity, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis
Food Toxins
Plant and sea toxins, food residues, food additives, vitamins, dioxins, heavy metals, process induced toxins (including food irradiation) and bacterial toxins
Analysis of toxicants in Food Products
Methods for analysis of toxicants including ELISA and Ames test.
Legislation/ethical investigation
Legislation for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Ethical standards, professional codes of investigation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
on practical experiments
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
On all material outlined in the syllabus
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact on the material outlined in the module descriptor Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact on the practical material outlined in the module descriptor Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact student workload outside of lecture/lab Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Richards, I.S., Bourgeois, M.. (2014), Principles and Practice of Toxicology in Public Health, 2nd Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning, [ISBN: 9781449645267].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SHERB_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Herbal Science 6 Elective
CR_SNHSC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science 6 Mandatory
CR_SFSTE_7 Bachelor of Science in Food and Health Science 6 Mandatory