Consistent with the missions of the division, the college, and
the university, the Toxicology Program prepares toxicologists with
the theory and practice of the profession, grounded in the basic
natural and biomedical sciences, placed in the larger setting of
theology, philosophy, and the humanities, so that graduates will be
committed to the welfare of the general public, a commitment
expressed in ongoing personal, professional, and spiritual
self-improvement. The Program prepares entry-level scientists
for roles in basic research and applied aspects of clinical,
forensic, biomedical, occupational, and environmental
toxicology. The program qualifies graduates for careers in
research and the applied sciences, risk assessment, and public
health and contributes to their roles as citizens as well as
scientists.
The program will prepare graduates
to:
Demonstrate competency in science and
math
- Demonstrate acquisition of a science and math knowledge
base
- Explain and apply the scientific method
- Evaluate the experimental design and methodology of scientific
papers
Demonstrate the application of fundamental
competencies in toxicology
- Demonstrate fundamental competency in basic areas of
toxicology: biochemical/ molecular, environmental, clinical,
forensic, analytical, target organ, agents.
- Demonstrate understanding and application of ADME (absorption,
distribution, metabolism, excretion)
- Interpret dose-response curves.
- Define and explain “safety” from a toxicological point of
view.
- Evaluate published research in toxicology.
- Design in vivo and in vitro studies to assess the toxicity
of chemicals
- Use computer databases to obtain information on the structure
and biological effects of chemicals
Demonstrate skills in the practice of
toxicology.
- Demonstrate fundamental competency in applied areas of
toxicology: occupational, regulatory, risk analysis.
- Perform laboratory exercises using modern techniques and
equipment
- Demonstrate proper laboratory and chemical safety.
- Handle laboratory animals properly.
- Keep laboratory notebooks for archival data collection and
analysis.
- Work effectively as teams on projects.
- Plan, execute, and publicly present a risk analysis
project.
Apply knowledge and skills to the public
understanding of toxicology
- Explain the missions of federal agencies involved in
advancement of public health related to chemical exposure (EPA,
FDA, CPSC, OSHA, etc.)
- Evaluate the political, socioeconomic, and emotional costs of
dealing with toxicology issues, including issues of social justice
and professional responsibility as applied to the environment and
human health.
- Prepare public education displays designed to inform the
university community on toxicological issues
- Debate and work to resolve toxicological dilemmas
- Communicate risk effectively through oral presentations,
written communication, poster presentations, and web
presentations.