Description

Toxicology is the “study of poisons” and addresses adverse health effects of chemicals on animals and humans. This discipline relies on cutting-edge biotechnological approaches to gain insight into drug and toxicant action at the molecular level. Students enrolled in the Toxicology program will develop an understanding of the principles by which chemicals affect the health of humans and animals either adversely, as toxic agents, or beneficially, as therapeutic agents. Students will learn about: 1) mechanisms of action of drugs and toxicants on organ systems of the body; 2) general principles for assessing the safety of chemicals and therapeutic efficacy of drugs; and 3) state-of-the-art molecular, biological, and genetic approaches to understanding drugs, toxicants, and disease through a combination of laboratory and lecture experiences. The B.S. degree in Toxicology provides a strong foundation for graduate work leading to a Ph.D. in most biomedical fields. Alternatively, students prepare for employment as research technicians, drug/toxicant specialists or pharmaceutical sales representatives.

For more information, please see the Undergraduate Student Handbook's section on the Toxicology major.