Toxicology (TOX)
Program Coordinator
Dr. James Endres Howell
814-867-0194
www.toxicology.psu.edu
The Toxicology major lies at the point of convergence between postgenomic-era molecular biology, the origins and treatment of diseases including cancer, and environmental threats from pollution. One of the only such bachelor’s programs in existence, it provides students with a solid background in biochemistry and molecular biology, followed by advanced courses in both the environmental side and the molecular-cellular side of toxicology.
Toxicology is the study of the body's responses to small foreign molecules-not only those from biological sources like snake venom or antibiotics, or from harmful industrial pollution, but also from drugs. The training and methods of analysis in toxicology closely parallel those of pharmacology.
Students enjoy the wealth of opportunities to interact with our top-ranked faculty, including by pursuing independent research projects. Many of our students have been co-authors of publications appearing in top scientific journals.
Successful students in Toxicology have a passion for the biomedical sciences and its impact on health and the environment. Students with a history of success in mathematics and science, especially chemistry, tend to do well in the program.
Career Opportunities For Graduates
The Toxicology major can provide excellent preparation for medical school, veterinary school, or graduate programs in any area of the biomedical sciences. The direct relevance of the coursework to human health strongly attracts students interested in medicine and related fields.
Thanks to the extra specialization students can obtain in toxicology and pharmacology, there are plentiful employment opportunities for graduates after four years. Some of these opportunities include research positions in biotechnology or pharmaceutical firms, in government or international health and environmental agencies, and academic research laboratories.
Students should recognize, however, that professional advancement in research-oriented careers is less realistic without an advanced degree. Many students choose to get experience for a few years in entry-level positions, and then return to master's and/or doctoral studies.
Course Scheduling Tips
Please note that the program includes a number of courses in which students must earn a C or better to graduate.
While undergraduate research experience is not a formal requirement of the program, the importance of such experience for success in any of the research-oriented careers cannot be overstated. In particular, research experience is an unwritten requirement for admissions to master's and doctoral programs in the biomedical sciences. It is never too early to begin an independent study project. Talk to the Program Coordinator about opportunities.
Many required courses in the program can count for requirements in related majors and minors at Penn State. Careful selection of electives and supporting courses can allow motivated students finish the program in four years with combined majors or minors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Resource Management, or other offered programs.
Immunology and Infectious Disease double major. Students who fulfill requirements for the Immunology and Infectious Disease major need only take four more courses in order to complete the requirements for the Toxicology major as well:
- BIOL 472 (3) Mammalian Physiology (or AN SC 423(3)
- VB SC 430 (3) Principles of Toxicology*
- VB SC 433 (3) Molecular and Cellular Toxicology*
- E R M 431 (3) Environmental Toxicology*
* requires a grade of C or better
Since 9 of these 12 credits will count towards the supporting courses requirement for IID, the Toxicology double major only requires 3 credits more than the IID major alone.
Recommended Academic Plan
Toxicology (PDF)