MAS Toxicology 2024
Registration is extended until end of August 2024
Deadlines
MAS in Toxicology - August 31th, 2024
Individual Modules - 1 month prior to the begining of the module (e-learning included)
Did you miss the online information session on 25 June 2024? Have a look at the PDF PRESENTATION.
Information
Period
September 2024 - June 2026Language
EnglishFormat
Blended learningRegistration
Registration deadline
31 August 2024Fees:
CHF 15'000.- for the programme
CHF 1'100.- for those attending the practical part of Module 13
Special fees for individual modules (for participants who do not seek the MAS degree)
Objectives
- Provide specialised education and training in toxicological sciences and risk assessment with a focus on human toxicology, leading to a recognized academic qualification
- Fulfil the educational requirements of national and international professional bodies towards registration as a toxicologist
Audience
Graduates wishing to embark on a career in toxicology who have completed a master’s degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, chemistry, biology or a qualification which is judged equivalent
Learning outcomes
- Scientific understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of adverse effects in living organisms caused by chemical exposure
- Ability to ethically apply the science of toxicology in research, product development and safety assessment
Programme
14 modules (Course Timetable):
- Basic Principles in Toxicology*
- Xenobiotic Metabolism and Toxicogenetics
- Organ Toxicology
- Analytical Toxicology
- Biostatistics
- Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Teratogenesis
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Risk Assessment and Regulatory Toxicology
- Clinical Toxicology, Immunotoxicology
- Epidemiology, Food and Industrial Toxicology
- Ecotoxicology
- Forensic Toxicology
- Animal Experimentation
- In Vitro Toxicology
Master Thesis
*Part A of Module 1 must be completed and passed before attending any other module.
Director(s)
Prof. Caroline SAMER, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
Coordinator(s)
Partnership
The assessment of the potential risk of chemicals and pharmaceuticals to which humans and the environment are exposed provides the necessary basis for protection measures. This increasingly complex process has created a demand for qualified scientists in industry, academia and regulatory bodies with the appropriate knowledge, experience and professional qualification.
The MAS in Toxicology was initiated in 2010 by the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT) as part of its mandate to promote education and continued professional development in this important discipline. The curriculum has been developed by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne (Ecole de Pharmacie Genève-Lausanne). The master is part of an educational platform of collaboration with the Universities of Zürich and Basel, the Swiss Society of Toxicology, the Swiss Register of Toxicologists, the Centre of Competence in Analytic Chemistry and Toxicology (CCCTA), the Centre for Ecotoxicology (eawag/EPFL), regulatory authorities, and the pharmaceutical and chemical industry.
The curriculum is designed to comply with the regulations for toxicological training set by the Swiss Register of Toxicologists and EUROTOX. Successful completion of the course may be used towards fulfillment of the requirements for professional registration as a toxicologist. Please note that in order to achieve professional registration other conditions apply as well (see guidelines in "Additional Information>Remarks").
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Description
This module is given in e-learning format created and developed by HSeT (Health Sciences e-Training foundation) and in face-to-face lectures. It gives the basic concepts of general toxicology: pharmaco- and toxicokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, bioavailability, absorption rate constant, half-life, volume of distribution, clearance, area under the curve), toxicodynamics or mechanistic toxicology (non receptor and receptor mediated mechanisms, binding, dose-response relationship, potency versus efficacy, agonism, antagonism, synergy, potentiating, tolerance, sensitization), basic principles of toxicology (administration or exposure routes, role of metabolites, accumulation, characteristics of toxic effects, toxicity targets).
The basics of risk characterization and an overview of the effects of the main toxic agents that will be further developed in later modules completes the list of available topics.
The module is divided into two parts. Part A must be passed (multiple choice questions) in order to attend any other module. The evaluation of Part B is based on students’ written assignments and oral presentations (article or case). The final mark is a combination of marks A and B.
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Description
This module describes the metabolic pathways involved in the biotransformation of xenobiotics leading to poisonous compounds, detoxification or producing toxic intermediates.
The students will learn to interpret methods to quantify or predict cytochrome P450 activities. Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic principles and physiologically based toxicokinetic modelling will be presented.
The student will be able to understand, describe and interpret the impact of gene polymorphisms on the safety of medications, drugs and environmental agents (toxicogenetics), as well as the technologies involved in their assessment.
The present and the future use of genetic tests in pharmacogenetics / toxicogenetics will also be discussed. Finally, the role of toxicology in drug development will be described.
The evaluation of the module is based on a written exam (short open answer questions).
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Description
This transversal module is the largest module of the programme. Its content is linked to several other modules as it describes the basic physiology of liver, kidney, heart, lungs, brain and skin (this background knowledge will be delivered partly as e-learning), as well as their specific susceptibilities to toxicants. General mechanisms of toxicity, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, induction of apoptosis and necrosis, as well as mechanisms of toxicity specific to the different organs will be taught by internationally recognized researchers based on their expertise in these fields. As illustration of the adverse effects in the different organs, the toxic “signature” of some environmental toxicants or drugs will be analyzed.
The evaluation of this module is a combination of oral presentations and written exam (short open answer questions).
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Description
This module begins with an e-learning followed by face-to-face lectures.
This technical module presents some important aspects in toxicological analysis including the matrices of interest and sample preparation methods prior to qualitative and/or quantitative determination. The most important analytical techniques (spectral or separation approaches) used for determining potential toxic substances in different matrices are presented, including hyphenation with mass spectrometry. Students will be able to choose and evaluate appropriate analytical tools related to toxicological situations.
The evaluation of this module is divided into two parts. The first part consists of individual responses of thought questions related to scientific articles after the face-to-face session. Questions are given on the e-learning platform (homework). The second part is an oral (individual) exam (15 minutes preparation and 15 minutes discussion) based on a critical analysis of a scientific article dealing with an analytical technique.
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This course introduces the fundamentals of epidemiology and the principles of the statistical methods most frequently encountered in human toxicology. While it includes short formal presentations of concepts and techniques, emphasis is placed on their application to real data in toxicology. Seminars are held in a computer room, where hands-on sessions focus on conducting analyses and interpreting results.
After completing this course, students should be able to identify basic study designs, appreciate the concepts of bias and confounding, and understand principles of statistical methods, to interpret main results and to critically discuss the conclusions of many scientific publications in clinical toxicology. They should also be able to carry out simple data analyses using statistical software.
The module exam consists of presentation and discussion of a scientific article, focusing on statistical aspects. Completion of homework assignments proposed during the course is a prerequisite for participation in the exam.
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Description
This module begins with an e-learning followed by face-to-face lectures.
In this module, the students will be able to understand the cellular and molecular basis underlying carcinogenesis and the multi-stage process of carcinogenesis, as well as teratogenesis.
Moreover, they should be able to describe various factors, such as chemicals, tobacco and alcohol, radiation, viruses or the diet, which can cause/prevent carcinogenesis, as well as their mechanisms. The students will have a basic introduction to test strategies, focusing primarily on in vitro mutagenesis and in vivo models, as well as on cancer chemoprevention.
Finally, the students will practice organizing data and information from various areas of research impacting our understanding of carcinogenesis, and to critically discuss publications on these topics.
The module is evaluated through individual paper presentations.
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Description
This module begins with an e-learning followed by face-to-face lectures.
Endocrine disruptors and reproductive disorders caused by disrupting endocrine functions are current critical concerns.
This course focuses on the biochemistry of hormones, their biosynthesis, their metabolism, their regulation, their measurement and their molecular mode of action at the level of receptors. Various endocrine systems are described in animals and humans, and physiological and pathophysiological contexts are presented, such as the consequences of given genetic mutations or of exposure to toxicants.
The following topics are discussed by experts in the field, giving the students the opportunity to interact with them: endocrinology, receptors and cellular signaling, steroid hormones, reproductive function (including pregnancy, sexual differentiation and puberty, testis and ovary functions), thyroid function, hormone-dependent cancer, lipotoxicity and diabetes, neuroregulation of energy metabolism, chronobiology of endocrine systems, endocrine disruptors.
The evaluation of this module is based on a written exam (short open answer questions).
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In this module, students will learn methods of toxicological hazard and exposure assessment and how to apply them to risk characterization. Risk management, risk-benefit analysis, risk perception and communication will also be discussed. In addition, experts from federal authorities and industry will provide insights into the role of safety assessment in the regulation of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cosmetics, food and food additives and industrial chemicals.
The module is evaluated by a written exam (multiple choice questions and open book exam).
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Clinical toxicology is concerned with the adverse effects of drugs and other chemicals in humans. The students will be able to understand the evaluation and treatment of acute poisoning with the relevant mechanisms of toxicity, describe and interpret qualitative and quantitative aspects of intoxications and adverse drug reactions, with specific references to the harmful effects on individuals and specific vulnerable populations, as well as on the immune system (immunotoxicology) and be able to interpret laboratory tests. Based upon the principles of toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, the students will be able to analyze intoxications and harmful drug effects such as major clinical toxicology syndromes ("toxidromes") and to establish general preventive and therapeutic measures.
The evaluation of this module is based on a written exam (short open answer questions).
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Description
Food safety and occupational health are major concerns. The goal of the module is to identify the problems related to these issues and to assess the toxicological risk of toxicants present in food and in the workplace for consumers and workers, respectively.
This module introduces basic concepts in occupational epidemiology and occupational toxicology, and includes discussions on the importance of routes of entry into the human body, biomonitoring concepts and programs, and dose estimates for exposure scenarios. These topics are discussed focusing on typical occupational toxicants such as particles, nanoparticles, bioaerosols, gases, and vapors.
Food toxicology encompasses nutritional toxicology, regulation and risk assessment, microbiology, natural toxins, contaminants, and toxicants resulting from technological processes. At the end of this module, students will have acquired the competencies related to the understanding of where, which, how and why toxicants are found in the workplace and in food.
For those wishing to follow the module individually, it is strongly recommended that they follow Module 5 Biostatistics beforehand.
The evaluation is based on practical work performed during the module and on an individual, open book written exam (on-line, short open answer questions).
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Description
This module will enable participants to understand and to be able to apply ecotoxicological concepts to evaluate the risk and the impact of pollutants in the environment. In the theoretical part, they will learn about general principles of ecotoxicological testing for water, sediment and soil compartments. Statistical aspects (doseresponse curves), risk assessment of single substances and mixture as well as risk management will also be addressed. During the practical part, participants will be trained in substance toxicity testing with daphnids and earthworms. They will learn how to estimate EC50 and NOEC and how to conduct risk assessment.
The module is evaluated through a presentation and a short report based on the risk assessment procedure learned during the course.
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Description
This module profits from the world-renowned expertise of the University Center of Legal Medicine (CURML).
Forensic toxicology (FT) deals with the study of behavioral and toxic effects of psychoactive, doping substances, harmful drugs or chemicals on humans and living systems in a medico-legal context. FT relies heavily on analytical toxicology for the screening of unknown molecules, their unequivocal identification and quantitative determination in biofluids, tissues and seized illegal narcotic substances.
This course will provide a basic knowledge of doping and forensic toxicology. The content will be divided in different sections aiming to give a broad cover of the field. Students will have an overview of the main classes of drugs that are relevant in forensic toxicology, they will learn how to perform toxicological analyses of biological samples, and how to interpret their findings.
Students are assessed by written exam (theoretical and practical questions). They also have to discuss and interpret sample case data from routine practice in forensic toxicology.
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Description
This module is given in e-learning format.
This course (also called Module 1) is organized by the ResAL and follows Swiss federal guidelines regarding legislation for animal experimentation.
The module includes a theoretical part presenting the main aspects of the laboratory animal (anatomy, physiology, breeding, housing, enrichment and transport), as well as the knowledge and manipulations required for animal experimentation (anesthesia, pain assessment, diseases, allergies, identification of rodents, genetically modified animals and euthanasia). In addition, a reflection is proposed about ethics. The rules to get an authorization for animal experimentation according to Swiss legislation are also addressed.
The practical part of the module can only be followed by people involved or being involved in animal experimentation license. It allows handling of mice and rats and teaches several technical procedures described during the theoretical part, as well as perfusion and organ dissection.
The module is evaluated by a written exam (multiple choice questions).
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This module introduces alternative methods to animal experimentation for toxicology studies. The students will acquire the basic knowledge on the different techniques and methods used to perform in vitro screening of toxic molecules and to replace classical animal experimentation. The models described are the 3D cultures as well as the stem cells (rodent/human origin), cell lines, primary cultures, slices and the Zebra fish. Such alternative methods allow a mechanistic understanding of the toxicity pathways, which will be useful for risk evaluation.
The module will also highlight the importance of the 3R in the different in vitro methods.
The evaluation of this module is based on a practical work as well as a written exam (short open answer questions).
Speakers
Description
The master thesis involves 14 weeks of research work in one of the areas of toxicology covered by the MAS programme.
This comprises carrying out the research itself (bibliographical research and practical work, which may or may not include an experimental part), writing up a report (thesis) and attending a viva voce (thesis oral defence) at the University of Geneva.
The thesis requires an original piece of work by the student which consists primarily of defining the topic, organizing the research, contributing new information or insights adding to the sum of knowledge in the chosen field, expressing a viewpoint and presenting a clearly written text.
The master thesis is carried out under the supervision of a director from a Swiss University appointed by the Board of Directors.
Admission to a master thesis project is open to students who have obtained sufficient credits to pass Module 1 (Basic principles in toxicology).
Attending the viva requires the successful completion of all course modules.
Diploma awarded
Admission criteria
- Master in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology or equivalent, or
- Bachelor in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology or equivalent + at least 3 years of professional experience in a field related to toxicology
- Strong command of both written and spoken English
Steering committee
- Prof. Gerrit BORCHARD, President of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva
- Prof. Antoine GEISSBUHLER, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
- Prof. Serge RUDAZ, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva
- Prof. Caroline SAMER, President of the Board, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva
- Prof. Laura SUTER-DICK, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW); Vice President of the Swiss Society of Toxicology (SST)
- Prof. Aurélien THOMAS, Unit of Toxicology, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne
- Prof. Ellen FRITSCHE, Director, Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, SCAHT
Scientific committee
- Prof. Alexander JETTER, Head of Scientific Services and Postgraduate Education, Tox Info Suisse, Zürich
- Dr Argyro NIKOLAOU, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medecine, University of Geneva
- Prof. Alex ODERMATT, Division of Molecular and System Toxicology, University of Basel
- Dr Jean TERRIER, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva
Number of participants
Detailed fees
Module 1A CHF 750.- Basic Principles in toxicology A
Module 1B CHF 750.- Basic Principles in Toxicology B
Module 2 CHF 1'250.- Xenobiotic Metabolism, Toxicogenetics
Module 3 CHF 2'000.- Organ Toxicology
Module 4 CHF 750.- Analytical Toxicology
Module 5 CHF 1000.- Biostatistics
Module 6 CHF 750.- Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Teratogenesis
Module 7 CHF 1'250.- Molecular Endocrinology
Module 8 CHF 1000.- Risk Assessment and Regulatory Toxicology
Module 9 CHF 1000.- Clinical Toxicology, Immunotoxicology
Module 10 CHF 1250.- Epidemiology, Food and Industrial Toxicology
Module 11 CHF 750.- Ecotoxicology
Module 12 CHF 1000.- Forensic Toxicology
Module 13.1 CHF 750.- Animal Experimentation (theory)
Module 13.2 CHF 1'100.- Animal Experimentation (practical) optional!
Module 14 CHF 1000.- Alternatives to Animal Experimentation
Cancellation Policy
Any withdrawal before the start of the programme will incur an administration fee of CHF 400.-. Fees will be payable in full once the course has begun. The information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in accordance with data protection legislation.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Schedule
8h15-12h 13h15-17h (may vary according to modules)
Collaboration
Remarks
SRT GUIDELINES
http://www.swisstox.ch/swisstox-en/register/reglement.php
EUROTOX GUIDELINES
https://www.eurotox.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ERT-Guidelines-for-Registration-2023-rev16OCT23.pdf
We are very proud to have been awarded the ccCTA 2021 price for the promotion and development of postgraduate education in toxicology! This price aims to reward a project, a person, an initiative, or a scientific publication that has made a major contribution in the field of analytics and/or toxicology.
Information
Dr Jean Terrier
Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine
Faculty of Medicine / Geneva University
I applied for this MAS to gain a certification in Toxicology. The program was complete, which meant I gained a solid understanding from all the areas of toxicology. The teachers are world-class and are all well re-known researchers and experts, which make the discussions during the lectures passionate. Following this MAS enabled me to apply some new way of thinking when doing my job as a risk-assessor. What I enjoy the most now is being able to refer back to some learnings in order to help me with my daily work. Additionally, you get to meet great class-mates and colleagues which is great for open discussions and networking. (Jérémie GAFNER, MAS 2018-2020 student)
I am an emergency physician working in an academic emergency department and in the pre-hospital environment. Thanks to the different modules of the MAS in toxicology taught by skilled experts as well as the interactions with other students, I was able to get a wide transversal knowledge of toxicology. It permitted me to facilitate my understanding related to risk assessment and analytical issues, and better appreciate specific documents and their critical appreciation. These competencies are of great benefit in order to develop and the implementation of certain procedures and training in my department. (Dr Birgit GARTNER, MAS 2018-2020 student)
I applied for this MAS to better understand the toxicological impact of agriculture. This program was complete, allowing me to gain a solid understanding from all the areas of toxicology. The exchanges during the lectures are captivating, thanks to the world-class teachers, well re-known researchers and experts. When doing my job, following this MAS enabled me to understand how toxicity is approached in our society and to explain the concept of risk at policy makers, deputies, citizens, farmers, etc. Furthermore, risk management rules allow to reduce agricultural impact of some active substances (organic or synthetic) on the health (protective equipment, etc.) or the environment (pollinators, leaching, etc.). Now, what I enjoy the most is being able to refer back to some learnings in order to help me with my daily work. Finally, you get to meet great classmates or colleagues which is helpful for open discussions and networking. (Dr Dominique FLEURY, MAS 2018-2020 student)
I started the MAS in Toxicology of the University of Geneva, faculty of Sciences and faculty of Medicine, in 2018 and I was really pleased to see that the 14 modules proposed were covering so many interesting topics like endocrine disruptors, organ toxicity, cancer, food and forensic investigation, microbiology, analytical and clinical toxicology, xenobiotics & pharmacology interactions, environmental and occupational exposure, regulatory and risk assessments. We had great professors, really well educated in the field and we built a great network. Today as a European Registered Toxicologist, I would strongly recommend you follow this advanced course. (Gad Olivier AHARFI, MAS 2018-2020 student)