The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Toxicology is awarded to students completing a rigorous four year program encompassing the physical sciences, biology, and mathematics, along with specialized courses in toxicology. During the first two years, students take course work in physics, calculus, inorganic and organic chemistry, statistical and computer analysis, and the biological sciences. After the second year, students begin a series of upper division courses in biochemistry, physiology, and environmental toxicology, along with electives tailored to fit the area of specialization within the major selected by the students and their academic advisers.
Among the Environmental Toxicology offerings are (1) an introductory principles course that discusses the biological and environmental occurrence and significance of pollutants, pesticides, food additives, and natural poisons; (2) a two-quarter sequence emphasizing toxicant transport, accumulation, breakdown, and analysis, including, in the second quarter, a laboratory on techniques of sampling, sample preparation, and identification of toxic substances; and (3) a two-quarter sequence on the biological effects, metabolism, and disposition of poisons within living organisms, including a second-quarter laboratory to demonstrate techniques for identifying and quantifying harmful effects of chemicals. Other courses emphasize the legal aspects of environmental toxicology, air pollutants and inhalation toxicology, chromatography, health risk assessment, exposure assessment and other special topics.
Further practical experience can be gained by participating either in research projects or in internships with government agencies and private laboratories (for which University credit is available). Courses in written and oral expression, social sciences, humanities, and unrestricted electives round out the program.