Program Overview

Ph.D. in Toxicology

The Ph.D. in Toxicology is a comprehensive program that prepares students for research careers in industry, government, and academia. The field of toxicology draws upon the sciences of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, and pathology.

Overview

Toxicology is the study of the effects of chemicals and other potentially harmful agents on biological systems. The core curriculum provides a comprehensive background in toxicology, enhanced by elective offerings in the department and the many related basic and health science courses available at CSU.

Learning Objectives

Students successfully completing this degree will be able to:

1. Analyze and interpret dose-response information in both qualitative and quantitative terms.
2. Describe the fundamental processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination and the implications of these processes and interpret data related to them.
3. Describe toxic responses affecting organs, physiological systems, cells and biomolecules and interpret related toxicological data.
4. Explain molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of toxicity and critically evaluate research results providing evidence for these mechanisms.
5. Describe xenobiotic biotransformation pathways that lead to bioactivation and detoxification.
6. Correctly interpret pathological changes due to toxicant exposure.
7. Analyze and interpret toxicological data.
8. Formulate hypotheses related to toxicological effects and mechanisms.
9. Design and implement experimental approaches to testing toxicological hypotheses.
10. Successfully conduct toxicological research.
11. Describe, analyze and interpret the results of toxicological research in written form conforming to accepted standards of scientific communication and peer-reviewed publication.
12. Competently present toxicological research results orally.

Course Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 72 credits to complete. The course list includes:

• Core Courses:
  • ERHS 502: Fundamentals of Toxicology (3 credits)
  • ERHS 601: Metabolism and Disposition of Toxic Agents (3 credits)
  • ERHS 602: Toxicological Mechanisms (3 credits)
  • ERHS 603: Toxicological Pathology (3 credits)
  • ERHS 693C: Research Seminar: Toxicology (1 credit)
• Other Requirements:
  • Toxicology Courses (9 credits)
  • Seminar Requirement (1 credit)
  • Electives (6 credits)
  • ERHS 799: Dissertation (variable credits)

Program Total Credits

A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

The procedures for the Master's and Doctoral degrees include:

1. Application for admission
2. Diagnostic examination when required
3. Appointment of advisor
4. Selection of graduate committee
5. Filing of program of study
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD)
7. Report of preliminary examination
8. Changes in committee
9. Application for Graduation
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee
11. Final examination
12. Report of final examination
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically
15. Graduation