08 Apr. – 12 Apr. 2024

OHTA 507: Health Effects of Hazardous Substances

To provide an introduction to the principles of toxicology, physiology and epidemiology. The course will cover the main types of harmful effects to target organs from exposure to chemical hazards at work, and the hazards associated with common hazardous substances.

Learning Outcomes

On completing this course successfully the student will be able to:

• Provide definitions of commonly used toxicological terms;
• Describe the main routes by which hazardous substances can enter the body, and the factors which influence their absorption, distribution, storage and elimination;
• Describe the main sources of information on hazardous substances and processes;
• Describe the main features of the principal target organs affected by hazardous substances at work, and the factors which influence the degree of harm;
• Describe the main routes of exposure and toxic and health effects for hazardous substances commonly encountered in the workplace;
• Carry out basic interpretation of the results from epidemiological studies.

Course Format

The course is normally run as a 5 day taught course [minimum 45 hours including lectures, tutorials, practical/demonstration sessions, guided reading, overnight questions and examination].

Course Content

• Basic Principles of Toxicology.
• Physiology and Target Organs.
• Epidemiology
• Health Effects and Industrial Processes.