mise en page 1 - unige.ch · the mas in toxicology was initiated in 2010 by the swiss centre for...

ToxicologySeptember 2018 – June 2020

EPGLEcole de Pharmacie

Genève - Lausanne

MAS Master of Advanced StudiesMaîtrise universitaire d’études avancées

The only part-time curriculum in Toxicology in Switzerlandcompatible with the needs of scientists already in employment

FACULTÉ DE MÉDECINE

FACULTÉ DES SCIENCES

ContactSecretariat | Service of Pharmacology and ToxicologyGeneva University HospitalsRue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4Tel +41 (0)22 372 99 34 | Fax +41 (0)22 372 99 [email protected]

www.unige.ch/formcont/toxicowww.scaht.org

The Master of Advanced Studies in Toxicology provides acomprehensive educational programme recognized bynational and international professional bodies as apostgraduate academic qualification in toxicology. It isdesigned to fulfill the needs of recently graduated studentswho are already in employment and potential employers inindustry, academia and regulatory bodies.

The assessment of the potential risk of chemicals andpharmaceuticals to which humans and the environment areexposed provides the necessary basis for protection measures.This increasingly complex process has created a demand for

qualified scientists in industry, academia and regulatory bodies withthe appropriate knowledge, experience and professional qualification.The MAS in Toxicology was initiated in 2010 by the Swiss Centre forApplied Human Toxicology (SCAHT) as part of its mandate to promoteeducation and continued professional development in this importantdiscipline. The curriculum has been developed by the School ofPharmaceutical Sciences of the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne(Ecole de Pharmacie Genève-Lausanne). The master is part of aneducational platform of collaboration with the Universities of Zürichand Basel, the Swiss Society of Toxicology, the Swiss Register ofToxicologists, the Centre of Competence in Analytic Chemistry andToxicology (CCCTA), the Centre for Ecotoxicology (eawag/EPFL),regulatory authorities, and the pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

The curriculum is designed to comply with the regulations fortoxicological training set by the Swiss Register of Toxicologists1 andEUROTOX2. Successful completion of the course may be used towardsfulfillment of the requirements for professional registration as atoxicologist.

1 www.swisstox.ch/swisstox-en/register/reglement.php2 www.eurotox.com/sub/eurotox.com/images/docs/guidelines_for_registration_2012.pdf

www.unige.ch/formcont/toxico 3

4 www.unige.ch/formcont/toxico

MAS Programme ManagementThe programme is run by the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne

Director

Prof. Jules Desmeules, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology andIntensive Care, Faculty of Medicine / School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva

Coordinators

Dr Marc Fathi and Dr Caroline Samer, Department of Anesthesiology,Pharmacology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine / School ofPharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva

Board of Directorsn Prof. Jean-Luc Wolfender, President of the School of PharmaceuticalSciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva

n Prof. Jules Desmeules, President of the Board, Faculty of Medicine,Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva

n Prof. Denis Hochstrasser, Vice Rector of the University of Genevan Prof. Shana J. Sturla, Laboratory of Toxicology, ETH Zurich; VicePresident of the Swiss Society of Toxicology

n Prof. Aurélien Thomas, Unit of Toxicology, University Center of LegalMedicine, Lausanne-Geneva; Faculty of Biology and Medicine,University of Lausanne; Vice President of the Center of Competencein Toxicological and Analytical Chemistry (CCCTA)

n Prof. Jean-Luc Veuthey, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty ofSciences, University of Geneva

n Prof. Martin Wilks, Director, Swiss Centre for Applied HumanToxicology, SCAHT

Scientific Committeen Dr Marc Fathi, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences,University of Geneva

n Dr Hugo Kupferschmidt, Director, Tox Info Suisse, Affiliated Instituteof the University of Zürich

n Prof. Alex Odermatt, Institute of Molecular and System Toxicology,University of Basel

n PD Dr Michel Rossier, Head of Clinical Chemistry and Chief ofLaboratories, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais

n Prof. Serge Rudaz, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty ofSciences, University of Geneva

n PD Dr Caroline Samer, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacologyand Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva

n PD Dr Thomas Singer, DABT, Global Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Roche Innovation Center, Basel

Teaching Methodsn Module leaders and teachers are specialists in their varioustoxicological disciplines from academia, industry and regulatoryauthorities

n Access to dedicated e-teaching tool throughout the course

n Teaching in English

n Possibility for accreditation of prior postgraduate education on a case-by-case basis

n Each module is assessed by examination


Objectivesn To provide specialist education and training in toxicological sciencesand risk assessment with a focus on human toxicology, leading to arecognized academic qualification.

n To fulfill the educational requirements of national and internationalprofessional bodies towards registration as a toxicologist.

Competenciesn Scientific understanding of the mechanisms and consequences ofadverse effects in living organisms caused by chemical exposure.

n Ability to ethically apply the science of toxicology in research, productdevelopment and safety assessment.

Who should apply?n Graduates employed in a toxicological discipline who wish to obtaina recognized academic qualification in toxicology. Those who havealready received formal postgraduate training in toxicology may beeligible for recognition of equivalence for some courses.

n Graduates wishing to embark on a career in toxicology who havecompleted a master’s degree in medicine, veterinary medicine,pharmacy, biochemistry, chemistry, biology or a qualification which isjudged equivalent.



Programme Structuren MAS programme of 90 ECTS credits including 14modules (60 ECTScredits) and a Master Thesis (30 ECTS credits)

n Complete course corresponding to 16-week teaching over 4 semesterson a modular schedule plus e-learning and self-teaching (14 modules)

n Minimum of 80 % attendance by each student in each module

n Possibility to attend individual modules with free-student status ifplaces are available. However, Part A of Module 1 must be completedand passed before attending any other module.

n Master thesis in an academic, regulatory or industrial environmentcorresponding to ca. 14 weeks (full time basis)

n Option to take the full course over two cycles (4 years)

Diploma AwardedStudents who successfully complete the programme (90 ECTS credits) willbe awarded the Master of Advanced Studies in Toxicology (Maîtriseuniversitaire d’études avancées en Toxicologie) by the Faculty of Medicineand the Faculty of Sciences.

Module 1 | Basic Principles in Toxicology7 ECTS CreditsProf. Bernard Rossier, Dr Michelle Rossier

This module in e-learning format, is a mandatory pre-requisite for all following modules. It gives the basicconcepts of general toxicology: pharmaco- andtoxicokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism,excretion, bioavailability, absorption rate constant, half-life,volume of distribution, clearance, area under the curve),toxicodynamics or mechanistic toxicology (non receptorand receptor mediated mechanisms, binding, dose-response relationship, potency versus efficacy, agonism,antagonism, synergy, potentiating, tolerance, sensitization),basic principles of toxicology (administration or exposureroutes, role of metabolites, accumulation, characteristics oftoxic effects, toxicity targets).

Descriptive toxicology presents an overview of the effectsof the main toxic agents which will be further developed indifferent modules.

The module is divided into two parts. Part A must bepassed (multiple choice questions) in order to attend anyother module. The evaluation of Part B is based onpresentations (article or case) by the students.


P r o g r a m m e


Module 2 | Xenobiotic Metabolism, Toxicogenetics5 ECTS CreditsProf. Chin Eap, Dr Caroline Samer

This module describes the metabolic pathways involved inthe biotransformation of xenobiotics leading to poisonouscompounds, detoxification or producing toxic intermediates,as well as their circadian control.

The students will learn to interpret methods to quantify orpredict cytochrome P450 activities.

Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic principles andphysiologically based toxicokinetic modelling will bepresented.

The student will be able to understand, describe andinterpret the impact of gene polymorphisms on the safetyof medications, drugs and environmental agents(toxicogenetics), as well as the technologies involved intheir assessment.

The present and the future use of genetic tests inpharmacogenetics / toxicogenetics will also be discussed.

Finally, the role of toxicology in drug development will bedescribed.

The evaluation of the module is based on a written exam(short open answer questions).


Module 3 | Organ Toxicology8 ECTS CreditsDr Olivier Sorg, Dr Marie-Gabrielle Zurich Fontanellaz

This transversal module is the largest module of theprogramme. Its content is linked to several other modulesas it describes the basic physiology of liver, kidney, heart,lungs, brain and skin (this background knowledge will bedelivered partly as e-learning), as well as their specificsusceptibilities to toxicants. General mechanisms oftoxicity, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, inductionof apoptosis and necrosis, as well as mechanisms oftoxicity specific to the different organs will be taught byinternationally recognized researchers based on theirexpertise in these fields. As illustration of the adverseeffects in the different organs, the toxic “signature” ofsome environmental toxicants or drugs will be analyzed.

The evaluation of this module is a combination of oralpresentation, paper presentation and written exam (shortopen answer questions).

Module 4 | Animal Experimentation3 ECTS CreditsDr Fabienne Chabaud, Ms Danielle Gerster

This course is organized by the Network ResAL. It followsSwiss national regulation and requires work in animalexperimentation.

The module includes a theoretical part presenting the main

aspects of the laboratory animal (anatomy, physiology,breeding, housing, enrichment and transport), as well asthe knowledge and manipulations necessary for animalexperimentation (anesthesia, pain assessment, diseases,allergies, identification of rodents, genetically modifiedanimals and euthanasia). In addition, a reflection isproposed on ethics. The rules to obtain a permit for animalexperimentation according to Swiss legislation are given.

The practical part can only be followed by studentsperforming or planning to perform animal experimentation.It allows handling of mice, rats and guinea pigs and teachesseveral manipulations described during the theoretical part,as well as perfusion and organ dissection.

The module is evaluated by a written exam (multiplechoicequestions).

Module 5 | Alternatives to Animal Experimentation3 ECTS CreditsProf. Luc Stoppini, Dr Olivier Sorg

This module introduces a promising alternative to animalexperimentation: the 3D cultures. The students will acquirethe basic knowledge on the different techniques andmethods used to perform in vitro screening of toxicmolecules and to replace classical animal experimentation.The models described are the 3D cultures as well as thestem cells (rodent/human origin), cell lines, primarycultures, slices and the Zebra fish. Such alternativemethods allow a mechanistic understanding of the toxicitypathways, which will be useful for risk evaluation.

The evaluation of this module is based on a practical workas well as a written exam (short open answer questions).


Module 6 | Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis andTeratogenesis3 ECTS CreditsProf. Muriel Cuendet, Prof. Shana Sturla

In this module, the students will be able to understand thecellular and molecular basis underlying carcinogenesis andthe multi-stage process of carcinogenesis.

Moreover, they should be able to describe various factors,such as chemicals, radiation, viruses or the diet, which cancause/prevent carcinogenesis, as well as their mechanisms.The students will learn to describe how carcinogens /mutagens can be tested, and also how to organize dataand information, and to critically discuss publications onthese topics, as well as teratogenesis.

Finally, in vitro and in vivo assays will be described.

The module is evaluated through individual paperpresentations.

Module 7 | Molecular Endocrinology5 ECTS CreditsDr Michel Rossier, Dr Ariane De Agostini

Endocrine disruptors and reproductive disorders caused bydisrupting endocrine functions are current criticalconcerns.

This course focuses on the biochemistry of hormones, theirbiosynthesis, their metabolism, their regulation, theirmeasurement and their molecular mode of action at thelevel of receptors. Various endocrine systems are describedin animals and humans, and physiological and


pathophysiological contexts are presented, such as theconsequences of given genetic mutations or of exposureto 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, steroidhormones, reproductive function (including pregnancy,sexual differentiation and puberty, testis and ovaryfunctions), thyroid function, bone metabolism, lipotoxicityand 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).

Module 8 | Clinical Toxicology, Immunotoxicology4 ECTS CreditsDr Caroline Samer, Dr Hugo Kupferschmidt

Clinical toxicology is concerned with the adverse effects ofdrugs and other chemicals in humans and how to treatpoisoning by such agents. The students will be able tounderstand, describe and interpret qualitative andquantitative aspects of intoxications and adverse drugreactions, with specific references to the harmful effectson individuals and specific vulnerable populations, as wellas on the immune system (immunotoxicology) and be ableto interpret laboratory tests. Based upon the principles oftoxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, the students will beable to analyze intoxications and harmful drug effects suchas major clinical toxicology syndromes and to establishgeneral preventive and therapeutic measures.

The evaluation of this module is based on a written exam(short open answer questions).


Module 9 | Epidemiology, Food and IndustrialToxicology5 ECTS CreditsDr Nancy Hopf, Dr David Vernez, Dr Didier Ortelli

Food safety and occupational health are major concerns.The goal of the module is to identify the problems relatedto these issues and to assess the toxicological risk oftoxicants present in food and in the workplace forconsumers and workers, respectively. This moduleintroduces basic concepts in occupational epidemiology,occupational exposure and risk assessment, andoccupational risk management, in addition to describingtypical occupational toxicants such as particles,nanoparticles, bioaerosols, gases, and vapors. Foodtoxicology encompasses nutritional toxicology, regulationand risk assessment, microbiology, natural toxins,contaminants, and toxicants resulting from technologicalprocesses. At the end of this module, students will haveacquired the competencies related to the understandingof where, which, how and why toxicants are found in theworkplace and in food.

The evaluation is based on individual student reports ona significant substance, relevant in industrial toxicologyand epidemiology or food toxicology.


Module 10 |Risk Assessment and Regulatory Toxicology4 ECTS CreditsProf. Martin Wilks, Dr Rex FitzGerald

In the first part of this module, students will learn methodsof toxicological hazard and exposure assessment and howto apply them to risk characterization. Risk management,risk-benefit analysis, risk perception and communicationwill also be discussed. In the second part, experts fromfederal authorities and industry will provide insights intothe role of safety assessment in the regulation of humanand veterinary pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cosmetics, foodand food additives and industrial chemicals.

The module is evaluated by a written exam (multiple-choice questions).

Module 11 | Ecotoxicology3 ECTS CreditsDr Nathalie Chèvre, Dr Benoît Ferrari

This module will enable participants to understand and tobe able to apply ecotoxicological concepts to evaluate therisk and the impact of pollutants in the environment. Inthe theoretical part, they will learn about generalprinciples of ecotoxicological testing for water, sedimentand soil compartments. Statistical aspects (dose-responsecurves), risk assessment of single substances and mixtureas well as risk management will also be addressed. Duringthe practical part, participants will be trained in substancetoxicity testing with daphnids and earthworms. They willlearn how to estimate EC50 and NOEC and how to conductrisk assessment.

The module is evaluated through a presentation based onlaboratory testing done by the students during the course.


Module 12 |Analytical Toxicology2 ECTS CreditsProf. Serge Rudaz, Prof. Jean-Luc Veuthey

This technical module presents some important aspects intoxicological analysis including the matrices of interestand sample preparation methods prior to qualitativeand/or quantitative determination. The most importantanalytical techniques (spectral or separation approaches)used for determining potential toxic substances indifferent matrices are presented, including hyphenationwith mass spectrometry. Students will be able to chooseand evaluate appropriate analytical tools related totoxicological situations.

The evaluation of this module is based on a critical analysisof scientific articles.

Module 13 | Forensic Toxicology4 ECTS CreditsProf. Aurélien Thomas, Dr Christian Giroud

This module profits from the world-renowned expertise ofthe University Center of Legal Medicine (CURML).

Forensic toxicology (FT) deals with the study of behavioraland toxic effects of psychoactive, doping substances,harmful drugs or chemicals on humans and living systemsin a medico-legal context. FT relies heavily on analyticaltoxicology for the screening of unknown molecules, theirunequivocal identification and quantitative determinationin biofluids, tissues and seized illegal narcotic substances.

This course will provide a basic knowledge of doping andforensic toxicology. The content will be divided in different


sections aiming to give a broad cover of the field. Studentswill have an overview of the main classes of drugs that arerelevant in forensic toxicology, they will learn how toperform toxicological analyses of biological samples, andhow to interpret their findings.

Students are assessed by written exam (theoretical andpractical questions). They also have to discuss and interpretsample case data from routine practice in forensictoxicology.

Module 14 |Biostatistics4 ECTS CreditsDr Julien Boccard, Prof. Serge Rudaz

This course introduces the fundamentals of epidemiologyand the principles of the statistical methods mostfrequently encountered in human toxicology. While itincludes short formal presentations of concepts andtechniques, emphasis is placed on their application to realdata in toxicology. Seminars are held in a computer room,where hands-on sessions focus on conducting analysesand interpreting results.

After completing this course, students should be able tounderstand the principles of statistical methods, tointerpret main results and to critically discuss theconclusions of many scientific publications in clinicaltoxicology. They should also be able to carry out simpledata analyses using statistical software.

The module exam consists of presentation and discussionof a scientific article, focussing on statistical aspects.Completion of homework assignments proposed during thecourse is a prerequisite for participation in the exam.


Master Thesis30 ECTS CreditsProf. Martin Wilks

The master thesis involves 14 weeks of research work inone of the areas of toxicology covered by the MASprogramme.

This comprises carrying out the research itself(bibliographical research and practical work, which may ormay not include an experimental part), writing up a report(thesis) and attending a viva voce (thesis oral defence) atthe University of Geneva.

The thesis requires an original piece of work by the studentwhich consists primarily of defining the topic, organizingthe research, contributing new information or insightsadding to the sum of knowledge in the chosen field,expressing a viewpoint and presenting a clearly writtentext.

The master thesis is carried out under the supervision ofa director from a Swiss University appointed by the Boardof Directors.

Admission to a master thesis project is open to studentswho have obtained sufficient credits to pass Module 1(Basic principles in toxicology).

Attending the viva requires the successful completion ofall course modules.



General InformationAdmission Criterian Master in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry,Chemistry, Biology or equivalent, or

n Bachelor in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry,Chemistry, Biology or equivalent + at least 3 years of professionalexperience in a field related to toxicology

n Letter of application including motivation to take the coursen Strong command of both written and spoken EnglishThe number of participants is limited to 25 per two-year cycle

Applicationn Registration online or Registration form (pdf) to be downloaded (if theonline process is not used) from www.unige.ch/formcont/toxico

n Registration deadline for the whole programme: June 15, 2018For individual module: one month prior to the beginning of themodule

InformationDr Marc Fathi and Dr Caroline SamerDepartment of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Intensive CareFaculty of Medicine / Geneva [email protected]

Tuition Feen CHF 10,900.- for the programmen CHF 1,100.- for those attending the practical part of Module 4 (animal experimentation)

n Special fees for individual modules (for persons who do not seek theMAS degree)

Course LocationCourses are held in both Geneva and LausanneFor more details see: www.unige.ch/formcont/toxico

CCCTA

Partnership

n University of Basel

n University of Lausanne

n University of Zurich

Centre for Continuing and Distance Education | CCDEUn i ve r s i t é de Genève | C H - 1 2 1 1 Genève 4Tél: +41 (0)22 379 78 33 | [email protected]

www.unige.ch/formcont

Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology

Centre de compétence en chimie et toxicologie analytiques

Swiss Society of ToxicologySwiss Register of Toxicologists

Centre suisse d’écotoxicologie appliquéeEawag-EPFL

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