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

On successful completion of this module the student should 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
• Interpret simple results from epidemiological studies