Toxicology Major

Toxicology addresses adverse effects of chemicals on animals and humans and includes exposure assessment, hazard identification, dose-response analysis, and risk characterization. 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.

Why Major in Toxicology?
Students will learn about:

• mechanisms of action of drugs and toxicants on organ systems of the body
• general principles for assessing the safety of chemicals and therapeutic efficacy of drugs
• 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. in Toxicology provides a strong foundation for graduate work leading to a Ph.D. in most biomedical fields. Students may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, physiology, pathobiology, oncology, or molecular biology. Alternatively, students prepare for employment as research technicians, drug/toxicant specialists or pharmaceutical sales representatives.

For additional information about Toxicology, contact:

Dr. James Endres Howell
322 Life Sciences Building
Phone: 814-867-0194
Email: jhowell@psu.edu

Or visit the Toxicology Web site.