Environmental Toxicology


269 Baskin Engineering Building
Telephone (831) 459-4719
FAX (831) 459-3524
http://www.etox.ucsc.edu

Students are expected to combine rigorous academic training with development of sophisticated research skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of environmental toxicology. By understanding (1) sources, transport, and fate of toxins and (2) their interactions with biological systems, students learn to critically assess the complex effects of toxins at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem levels.

Graduate Programs

The graduate programs in environmental toxicology, M.S. and Ph.D., are designed to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, industry, and government. The primary criteria for admission to the programs are evidence of superior scholarship in the sciences and a demonstrated ability to conduct innovative research. Preparation in any of the basic natural sciences, computer science, and/or engineering disciplines equivalent to requirements for a bachelor's degree is required.

Students gain expertise in the broad field of environmental toxicology through in-depth research experiences and challenging courses. Research and training in the department focus on both aquatic and terrestrial systems and toxins that range from inorganic pollutants to bacterial pathogens. In the first years of study, both masters and doctoral students take Environmental Toxicology core courses, as well as other courses selected to strengthen the student's academic training. During this time, the students also commence original thesis research in the laboratory of their major professor.

Students are taught to combine an understanding of the environmental chemistry and exposure routes of toxins with a comprehension of the organismal, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of intoxication. Students gain expertise in environmental toxicology in a dynamic, interactive atmosphere composed of graduate-level lecture and laboratory courses, in-depth seminar classes, and weekly seminar and research presentations. Because the department is diverse and interactive, students become familiar with disciplines ranging from environmental chemistry to molecular genetics to physiology. Collaborations among laboratories within different departments to develop expertise are actively supported in the program. Masters students typically finish in two years and Ph.D. students in four to six years.

More information on the requirements for the graduate programs may be obtained from the Division of Graduate Studies or the Environmental Toxicology Department Office.

Undergraduate Program

While the Environmental Toxicology Department only awards graduate degrees, it does offer a select number of undergraduate courses to prepare and attract promising undergraduates for advanced studies in environmental toxicology or related disciplines. Students interested in environmental toxicology should major in a field such as biology; marine biology; molecular, cell, and developmental biology; biochemistry; chemistry; Earth sciences; or environmental studies while taking environmental toxicology electives.

In addition, the program provides unique opportunities for exceptional undergraduates to conduct research in environmental toxicology. These opportunities are limited to students who have demonstrated their potential in undergraduate courses in the basic sciences and environmental toxicology. With department approval, these undergraduates may also take graduate courses in environmental toxicology, with their course work applied toward a graduate degree in environmental toxicology if they are accepted into the program. With such advanced preparation, these students may be able to spend most of their fifth year on thesis research, completing a master's degree within one additional year.