Interdepartmental Graduate Major
Toxicology is the science of studying the adverse effects of substances on living organisms. Students observe, gather data and predict risks and outcomes in populations. Whole organism research and cellular and molecular approaches are used to determine toxicant exposure and mechanisms. Work is offered for the degrees doctor of philosophy and master of science. Students majoring in toxicology will be affiliated with one of the following cooperating departments: Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Animal Science; Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Chemistry; Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate; Entomology; Food Science and Human Nutrition; Genetics, Development and Cell Biology; Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Physics; Plant Pathology and Microbiology; Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine; Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine; and Veterinary Pathology.
The prerequisites for entrance into the graduate toxicology major include an undergraduate degree in a relevant area of study; for example, chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, ecology, entomology, food science and technology, microbiology, nutritional science, zoology, or veterinary medicine. Minimum undergraduate coursework should include the following or their equivalent:
- 1 year of college mathematics, including calculus
- 1 year of inorganic chemistry with quantitative analysis
- 1 course in physics
- 1 year of organic chemistry
- 2 years of biological sciences including 1 course in physiology
Other courses that are considered desirable in undergraduate preparation include: biochemistry, physical chemistry, qualitative analysis, and some specialized courses such as histology or advanced physiology.
Facilities and faculty are available for fundamental research in such areas as agricultural toxicology, drug discovery and prevention, ecotoxicology, environmental fate and effects of chemicals, insect toxicology, aquatic toxicology, food safety, nutritional toxicology, mycotoxins, neurotoxicology, cellular and molecular toxicology, reproductive toxicology, and veterinary toxicology.
Ph.D. and M.S. Students should register for TOX 6890 (R) every fall and spring semester during their training.
Curriculum
Students majoring in toxicology will be affiliated with a cooperating department. All Ph.D. students take a core curriculum consisting of:
| TOX 5010 | Principles of Toxicology | 3 |
| TOX 5040 | Toxicology Seminar (taken twice) | 1 |
| 7 additional credits in approved toxicology courses | 7 | |
| Biochemistry II (2 additional credits of biochemistry courses) | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| 2 additional credits of upper level BBMB coursework. 3 credits in physiology, histology, pathology, neuroscience, immunobiology or cellular and molecular biology. | 2 and 3 | |
| STAT 5101 | Statistical Methods for Data Analysis | 4 |
| STAT 5212 | Experimental Design and Data Analysis | 3 |
| GRST 5650 | Responsible Conduct of Research in Science and Engineering (or) | 1 |
M.S. students take a core of:
| TOX 5010 | Principles of Toxicology | 3 |
| TOX 5040 | Toxicology Seminar | 1 |
| 3 additional credits in approved toxicology courses | 3 | |
| BBMB 4040 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| BBMB 4050 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| STAT 5101 | Statistical Methods for Data Analysis | 4 |
| Additional coursework is selected to meet departmental requirements and to satisfy individual student research interests | ||
| GRST 5650 | Responsible Conduct of Research in Science and Engineering (or) | 1 |
A graduate minor in toxicology is available for students enrolled in other majors.
A minor for an M.S. degree includes one semester of TOX 6890 and:
| TOX 5040 | Toxicology Seminar | 1 |
| TOX 5010 | Principles of Toxicology | 3 |
| 3 credits in other approved toxicology courses | 3 | |
A minor at the Ph.D. level includes one semester of TOX 6890 and:
| TOX 5040 | Toxicology Seminar | 1 |
| TOX 5010 | Principles of Toxicology | 3 |
| 6 credits in other approved toxicology course work | 6 | |
One member of the student’s program of study committee will be a member of the toxicology faculty.
Most students awarded doctoral degrees continue their training as postdoctoral associates at major research institutions in the U.S. or abroad in preparation for research and/or teaching positions in academia, industry, the military, veterinary research, or government environmental and public health institutions. A few go directly to permanent research positions in industry. Many students awarded master’s degrees continue their training as doctoral students; however, some choose research support positions (i.e., technician, chemist, research associate) in academia, industry, or government. A more thorough list of outcomes is available at our Web site.
Graduates of the Toxicology major will be able to carefully design, execute and analyze experiments that extend the knowledge of toxicology and closely related sciences. They will be able to clearly communicate research findings, and thoroughly evaluate the literature of toxicology, contributing significantly to the advancement of the field.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with TOX 5010).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: BBMB 4040
Principles of toxicology governing entry, fate, and effects of toxicants on living systems. Includes toxicokinetics and foreign compound metabolism relative to toxification or detoxification. Fundamentals of foreign compound effects on metabolism, physiology, and morphology of different cell types, tissues, and organ systems.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Dual-listed with TOX 5010).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: BBMB 4040
Principles of toxicology governing entry, fate, and effects of toxicants on living systems. Includes toxicokinetics and foreign compound metabolism relative to toxification or detoxification. Fundamentals of foreign compound effects on metabolism, physiology, and morphology of different cell types, tissues, and organ systems.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1-2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Independent study with a faculty mentor. Intended for students enrolled in the Pharmacology and Toxicology minor. Graduation Restriction: Students in the Pharmacology and Toxicology minor may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 4900 credits towards the total of 120 credits required for graduation.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Independent study with a faculty mentor. Intended for students enrolled in the Pharmacology and Toxicology minor. Graduation Restriction: Students in the Pharmacology and Toxicology minor may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 4900 credits towards the total of 120 credits required for graduation.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Independent research under faculty guidance. Intended for students enrolled in the Pharmacology and Toxicology minor. Graduation Restriction: Students may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 4990 credits towards the total of 120 credits required for graduation. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Independent research under faculty guidance. Intended for students enrolled in the Pharmacology and Toxicology minor. Graduation Restriction: Students may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 4990 credits towards the total of 120 credits required for graduation. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with TOX 4010).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Principles of toxicology governing entry, fate, and effects of toxicants on living systems. Includes toxicokinetics and foreign compound metabolism relative to toxification or detoxification. Fundamentals of foreign compound effects on metabolism, physiology, and morphology of different cell types, tissues, and organ systems.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
(Dual-listed with TOX 4010).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Principles of toxicology governing entry, fate, and effects of toxicants on living systems. Includes toxicokinetics and foreign compound metabolism relative to toxification or detoxification. Fundamentals of foreign compound effects on metabolism, physiology, and morphology of different cell types, tissues, and organ systems.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable, maximum of 2 credits.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Presentation of a seminar about a current topic in toxicology as part of a weekly series of seminars by graduate students, faculty, and guest lecturers from off campus. Graduate student speakers will meet with the instructor at least one week prior to their formal presentation.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable, maximum of 2 credits.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Presentation of a seminar about a current topic in toxicology as part of a weekly series of seminars by graduate students, faculty, and guest lecturers from off campus. Graduate student speakers will meet with the instructor at least one week prior to their formal presentation.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
A survey course on risk analysis approaches used by toxicologists and other life and social scientists in government, industry and non-governmental organizations to inform regulatory policies and decisions under U.S. Federal statutes, including the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act; the Food Quality Protection Act; the Federal Fungicide, Insecticide and Rodenticide Act; the Endangered Species Act; the Plant Protection Act; the National Environmental Policy Act; and the Toxic Substances Control Act. Topics covered include an overview of the roles and responsibilities of different U.S. Government Departments and Agencies in analyzing human; livestock and companion animal; and/or environmental risks and benefits of food products and food additives, cosmetics, drugs, pesticides, and consumer and industrial products. Offered odd-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
A survey course on risk analysis approaches used by toxicologists and other life and social scientists in government, industry and non-governmental organizations to inform regulatory policies and decisions under U.S. Federal statutes, including the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act; the Food Quality Protection Act; the Federal Fungicide, Insecticide and Rodenticide Act; the Endangered Species Act; the Plant Protection Act; the National Environmental Policy Act; and the Toxic Substances Control Act. Topics covered include an overview of the roles and responsibilities of different U.S. Government Departments and Agencies in analyzing human; livestock and companion animal; and/or environmental risks and benefits of food products and food additives, cosmetics, drugs, pesticides, and consumer and industrial products. Offered odd-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Fall)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Discussion 1.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
An overview of interactions between anthropogenic chemicals and aquatic ecosystems. Topics include history of aquatic toxicology, methods of toxicity testing, and species responses to toxicants. Emphasis is on aquatic pollutants of emerging concern (e.g., nanoparticles, microplastics). Offered odd-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 1, Discussion 1.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
An overview of interactions between anthropogenic chemicals and aquatic ecosystems. Topics include history of aquatic toxicology, methods of toxicity testing, and species responses to toxicants. Emphasis is on aquatic pollutants of emerging concern (e.g., nanoparticles, microplastics). Offered odd-numbered years.
(Typically Offered: Spring)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Contact individual faculty for special projects or topics. Graded.
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Contact individual faculty for special projects or topics. Graded.
Courses for graduate students:
Credits: Required. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable.
Lecture and discussion participation on current topics in toxicology. An 80% attendance is expected to satisfactorily complete the course. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: Required. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Repeatable.
Lecture and discussion participation on current topics in toxicology. An 80% attendance is expected to satisfactorily complete the course. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 1-12. Contact Hours: Laboratory 24.
Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Graduate research projects performed under the supervision of selected faculty members in the graduate Toxicology major. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-12. Contact Hours: Laboratory 24.
Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Graduate research projects performed under the supervision of selected faculty members in the graduate Toxicology major. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Research.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Research.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)