PhD in Toxicology
Program Overview
PhD in Toxicology
The PhD in Toxicology program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is designed to educate pre-doctoral students to develop independent research careers in molecular and environmental toxicology. The program focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of therapeutic agents, industrial chemicals, and environmental toxins.
About the Program
The program is characterized by a vigorous research environment, with a major research emphasis area in toxicology. The objective of the program is to train graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who can demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences, understand current concepts in toxicology, and generate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field.
Admissions Requirements
Applications for the PhD in Toxicology program are submitted electronically through the Graduate School at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The application requirements include:
- A completed Graduate School application and $50.00 application fee (Domestic) or $75.00 application fee (International)
- A baccalaureate degree of arts or science from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- One official transcript of all academic work completed to date with awarded baccalaureate degree
- Three letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors familiar with the applicant's aptitude for graduate study
- The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required but is optional
- The TOEFL is required of applicants for whom English is not their first language
Tuition and Financial Aid
As part of the CU Anschutz graduate school, all PhD students in good academic standing are guaranteed financial support. However, stipend, tuition, and fees for graduate studies in the School of Pharmacy are the sole responsibility of the student. Payment of stipend, tuition, and any fees by the School of Pharmacy or by grants, contracts, or gifts to the School of Pharmacy faculty is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
Expected Outcomes
The PhD program in toxicology trains graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who can:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences
- Understand the current concepts in toxicology
- Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature
- Generate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field, then design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects
- Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues
- Present research results in national meetings, peer-reviewed publications, and in a dissertation
- Write a grant proposal
Mission and Goals
The mission of the toxicology graduate program is to educate pre-doctoral students to develop independent research careers in molecular and environmental toxicology. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in toxicology, including the principles of toxicology, the mechanisms of toxic injury, and the methods of toxicological research.
Graduation Requirements and Process
The graduation requirements for the PhD in Toxicology program include:
- Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework
- Completion of two research rotations during the first academic year
- Completion of a comprehensive examination
- Completion of a thesis proposal
- Completion of a research thesis
- Completion of a final examination
Student Progress Reviews
All students should meet frequently with their advisory committees and keep the chair of their temporary/permanent advisory committee apprised of all aspects of their progress. A form, provided by the director of the toxicology graduate program, summarizes student progress and future objectives.
Student Committees
- Temporary Committees: Members of the temporary advisory committee for new students will serve for one year.
- Permanent Committees: Students will choose the chair of their permanent advisory committee, subsequent to the successful completion of the preliminary examination.
Doctor of Philosophy
In order to graduate, a student must satisfactorily complete the requirements described in the program, as well as adhere to all requirements of the School of Pharmacy as defined in the Toxicology Graduate Student Handbook.
Probationary Status and Suspension
Continuation in the pharmaceutical sciences graduate program is dependent upon satisfactory academic progress. Students who do not remain in good graduate standing or maintain satisfactory academic progress are placed on academic probation.
Toxicology Faculty
The toxicology faculty includes:
- Rajesh Agarwal, PhD, Professor
- Peter Anderson, PharmD, Professor and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program Director
- Alison Bauer, PhD, BS, Associate Professor
- Shaodong Dai, PhD, Professor
- Kristofer Fritz, PhD, Associate Professor
- Melanie Joy, PharmD, PhD, Professor and Director of Innovation and Commercialization
- Uday Kompella, PhD, FARVO, FAAPS, Professor and Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety Co-Director and Co-founder
- Jed Lampe, PhD, Associate Professor
- Rebecca McCullough, PhD, Associate Professor and Toxicology Graduate Program Director
- Manisha Patel, PhD, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
- Vanessa Phelan, PhD, Associate Professor
- Richard Radcliffe, PhD, Professor
- James Roede, PhD, Associate Professor and Associate Director, Toxicology Graduate Program
- Laura Saba, PhD, Associate Professor and Director
- David Siegel, PhD, Associate Research Professor
Administrative Staff
- Isabella Jaramillo, Graduate Programs Administrator
Current Toxicology Students
Information about current toxicology students is available through the program.
Graduate Program Courses
The graduate program courses for the PhD in Toxicology include:
- TXCL 7325: Current Topics in Toxicology Research
- Other courses as required by the program