Notes of a High Distinction Student: Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Many of the different professional groups may be involved in dealing with toxic chemicals including chemists, environmental scientists, food scientists, forensic scientists, clinical scientists, and regulators. Depending on their professional roles, they may take different approaches to dealing with toxic chemicals and their effects.  5 Types of Toxicology Specialty Fields Descriptive toxicology Involves toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals. Decides if a substance is toxic and the level of toxicity. Mechanistic toxicology Involves how toxic chemicals cause toxicity effects at the biochemical and system level e.g. neurochemical site blockage Regulatory toxicology Assessment of therapeutic and consumer chemicals by regulatory bodies. Various federal government agencies set standards for use, transport, and storage.  Clinical toxicology Clinical Toxicologists ask the question, what was the victim poisoned with? Their conduct is in support of medi...

Objectives Appreciate that all substances are potentially toxic Have a basic understanding of the scope of toxicology Appreciate that many scientists, technicians, clinicians, and regulators are concerned with toxic chemicals Understand there are different fields and applications of toxicology and different aims and approaches when dealing with toxic chemicals and effects The scope of toxicology Toxicology is the study of the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms. Toxicology is a branch of pharmacology, dealing with the origin, nature, chemistry and adverse effects of chemical substances.  Toxicology is the study of harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms, including the origin, nature, chemistry & adverse effects of chemical substances Potentially toxic substances include: Food Drinking water Air Medications Cosmetics Bites and Stings Venomous animals and plants   Today, much knowledge of toxic substances comes from la...