Toxicology

The second semester consists of lectures in advanced topics such as Risk Assessment, Target Organ Toxicity, Reproductive and Regulatory Toxicology. In addition there is more emphasis on laboratory mini-projects (in vivo, in vitro & molecular projects) that introduce students to the practical elements of toxicity testing and data interpretation. There are also a number of written projects on toxicity testing used in the drug industry as well as recent advances in toxicity assays which involve self-directed learning.



In the third semester, there is a 3-month research project to investigate an aspect of toxicology and deliver a seminar on this area. This involves the student preparing a research proposal, carrying out the lab-based project and preparing a thesis on the findings.

Programme content (subject to change)



The programme is divided into three trimesters (each of 30 ECTS) in the following manner:



Trimester One



Introduction to Toxicology: 5 ECTS

Applied Toxicology: 5 ECTS

Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology: 5 ECTS

Applied Concepts in Pharmacology: 5 ECTS

Experimental Methods in Pharmacology: 10 ECTS

Trimester Two



Experimental Toxicology: 15 ECTS

Current Topics in Toxicology: 10 ECTS

Advanced Toxicology: 5 ECTS

Trimester Three



Toxicology Research Project: 30 ECTS



Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).

Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredPM5108: Applied Toxicology

RequiredPM209: Applied Concepts in Pharmacology

RequiredPM208: Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology

RequiredPM311: Introduction to Toxicology

RequiredPM5102: Experimental Methods in Pharmacology

RequiredPM5112: Research Project in Toxicology

RequiredPM5110: Current Topics in Toxicology

RequiredPM5111: Advanced Toxicology

RequiredPM5109: Experimental Toxiocology

Successful students will normally hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 degree, or equivalent international qualification, from a diversity of undergraduate disciplines. Students are also considered who have a Level 7 degree, or equivalent international qualification, and three years’ relevant postgraduate full-time work experience. IELTS score of 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in any one component).

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Previous graduates of this programme have either found employment in toxicological testing and product quality testing within industry or government agencies or in the field of regulatory toxicology within governmental and international regulatory bodies. Graduates have also enrolled in PhD programmes and further academic studies in related disciplines.