Pharmacology/Toxicology

School/College: Pharmacy


Field of Study

Pharmacology is the study of the properties, mechanisms of action, and effects of medications and the interactions of chemical agents with biological systems. Toxicology, the study of poisons, focuses on the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms. Both fields investigate how chemicals and medications affect the health of humans and animals either adversely as poisons or beneficially as therapeutic agents. The general principles for assessing the safety and efficacy of drugs and chemicals are also studied.

Possible Careers

Pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, and biotechnological industries (development, production, marketing, sales, clinical trials, and regulatory affairs); forensic science; research (research technician in industrial, governmental, and academic institutions); state and federal agencies [e.g., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)].

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • The B.S. Pharmacology-Toxicology program provides an excellent foundation for students pursuing graduate studies (Master’s and Ph.D. degrees) in biological, biochemical, molecular biological and biomedical areas, and professional studies in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and law.
  • Note: Admission to the B.S. Pharmacology-Toxicology program is competitive. See Section VI for important information.

Selected Required Courses

Intro Biology:
Biology 151-152
Calculus:
Math 221; or Math 171-217
General Chemistry:
Chem 103-104; or Chem 109; or Chem 115
Organic Chemistry:
Chem 343, 344 and 345
Physics:
Physics 103-104; or Physics 201-202; or Physics 207-208

Recommended Course Sequence for Freshman Year

The course sequence for the freshman year depends on mathematics and english placement scores and is determined with the assistance of the pre-School of Pharmacy advisor prior to the start of the first semester.

Advisor

  • Please contact the School of Pharmacy Student Services Office for referral to an advisor. School of Pharmacy Student Services Office, 1203 Rennebohm Hall, 777 Highland Ave., (608-262-6234).

Departmental Office