Program Overview

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Human Toxicology, PhD

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in human toxicology requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00. The program is designed for students with backgrounds in the biological, engineering, and physical sciences. Entering students should have solid training in science, including courses in introductory chemistry and biology, and organic chemistry; knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology also is useful. Students may remedy deficiencies by taking appropriate courses during their first year of graduate study.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the principles of toxicology, including metabolism, toxicity, risk assessment, and specific expertise related to the area of their dissertation (molecular biology, in vitro and/or in vivo techniques, analytical methods);
• apply the knowledge and skills of toxicology to conduct independent and innovative research;
• demonstrate high ethical and professional standards and responsible conduct in research; and
• synthesize the knowledge and skills of toxicology to succeed as a professional in diverse toxicology careers.

Program Structure

Students begin the program with three two-month rotations in the laboratories of participating faculty members in order to identify a mentor. After the first year, the mentor assumes financial responsibility for the student. With advice from the mentor, each student chooses an advisory committee, which meets at least once a semester to help the student explore the student's research interests. The committee also provides consultation on coursework and research activities and serves as the committee for the comprehensive examination and the final examination (dissertation defense).

Coursework

PhD students in human toxicology must successfully complete the following coursework as part of their course of study.

• One of these:
  • OEH:6710: Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment (3 hours)
  • PHAR:6501: Principles and Mechanisms of Chemical Toxicology (3 hours)
• And all of these:
  • TOX:7173: Professional Development in Toxicology (2 hours)
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (enrollment is required each semester) (0-1 hours)
  • BIOS:4120: Introduction to Biostatistics (3 hours)
  • BIOS:5120: Regression Modeling and ANOVA in the Health Sciences (3 hours)
  • BMED:7270: Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I (must be completed within first two years of graduate study) (0 hours)
  • OEH:6720: Advanced Toxicology (4 hours)

Comprehensive Examination and PhD Candidacy

After successfully completing the comprehensive examination, usually at the end of the second year of graduate study, the student advances to PhD candidacy. Students devote all of their time to dissertation research and writing. Upon successful completion of all requirements, including the dissertation and its oral defense, students are awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Combined Programs

Students may work toward the PhD and the Doctor of Medicine in a combined degree program offered by the Graduate College and the Carver College of Medicine. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program.

Admission

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. Completed applications are encouraged to be submitted by Dec. 1, but applications after that date are given full consideration. Applications submitted after March 1 are reviewed when received and are considered for any remaining openings.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor.

First Year

• Fall:
  • BIOS:4120: Introduction to Biostatistics (3 hours)
  • OEH:6710 or PHAR:6501: Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment or Principles and Mechanisms of Chemical Toxicology (3 hours)
  • TOX:7173: Professional Development in Toxicology (2 hours)
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (7 hours)
• Spring:
  • BIOS:5120: Regression Modeling and ANOVA in the Health Sciences (3 hours)
  • OEH:6710 or PHAR:6501: Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment or Principles and Mechanisms of Chemical Toxicology (3 hours)
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (6 hours)
  • Elective course (3 hours)

Second Year

• Fall:
  • BMED:7270: Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I (0 hours)
  • OEH:6720: Advanced Toxicology (4 hours)
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (5 hours)
  • Elective course (3 hours)
  • Elective course (3 hours)
• Spring:
  • BMED:7271: Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research II (0 hours)
  • OEH:7060: Research Design in Occupational and Environmental Health (3 hours)
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (6 hours)
  • Elective course (3 hours)
  • Elective course (3 hours)
  • Exam: Doctoral Comprehensive Exam

Third Year

• Fall:
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (4 hours)
• Spring:
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (4 hours)

Fourth Year

• Fall:
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (2 hours)
• Spring:
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (2 hours)

Fifth Year

• Fall:
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (0 hours)
  • TOX:7201: Toxicology Research (1 hour)
• Spring:
  • TOX:7180: Toxicology Research Seminar (1 hour)
  • TOX:7300: Thesis/Dissertation (1 hour)
  • Exam: Doctoral Final Exam

Total Hours

Total hours required for the program: 72 s.h. of graduate credit. The sample plan of study represents one way to complete the program and may vary based on individual student needs and research interests.