This course is an introduction to the science of environmental pollution with an emphasis on fate and transport of contaminants and adverse effects on biological systems. Pollutants covered include metals, pesticides, organics, radionuclides, nanomaterials, and nutrients. The course covers physiological and toxicological effects of chemicals on natural biota, including considerations at cellular, organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels.
The course will commence with an overview of good laboratory practices and present them as the basis of good scientific research, along with an overview of quality assurance and appropriate practices in data analysis and data interpretation. The course will then move to the ethics of human and animal experimentation and discuss the concepts of data and intellectual property, their ownership and access to them. The problems of reviewing other workers' intellectual property such as grant applications, research papers and other intellectural property will be addressed.
An intensive examination of 1) the key molecular and cellular mechanisms related to toxicity and carcinogenesis, and 2) the established relationships between exposures to toxicants and development of cancer and other human diseases.
Half-time to full-time work on thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters.
May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters.
Residency credit for dissertation research after the qualifying examination. Students may register for this course in the semester of the qualifying examination. A minimum of two semesters are required as well as continuous enrollment (Fall and Spring) until the dissertation is completed and defended.
A specialized seminar focusing on current topics of significance for toxicology and/or cancer biology. Registration each fall and spring semester is required of all toxicology majors until residency requirements for the degree have been completed. May be repeated for as many semesters as needed for credit to fulfill degree requirements.
Exposure to and actual research experience in an area of toxicology other than that encountered by students in their graduate thesis and dissertation research, or in their professional degree. May be repeated to a maximum of ten credits.
