Environmental toxicology courses are available for degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. Courses are also available to non-majors and professionals who want to better understand toxicology as it relates to the environment. Professionals can benefit from courses if they work in environmental, health, natural, earth, life or agricultural sciences. Environmental engineers may also benefit. Before embarking on an environmental toxicology course, it's helpful to have prior coursework in biology and chemistry, including organic chemistry.
Environmental toxicology courses cover many topics. The range and depth of topics covered depend on the level of study you choose to pursue. Courses explore the management of environmental toxins, including how chemicals are tested and regulated. This area also includes the management of waste and hazardous materials and protection for plant and animal species in various environments. Core topics also examine how toxins enter and spread through the environment. Principles of toxicology examine the dose response, distribution, absorption, metabolism and excretion of toxins and their relationship to the environment. Students also study biochemical and physiological mechanisms such as teratogenesis, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.
Environmental toxicology students learn about the connection among toxins, humans and wildlife. They also learn the origins and sources of environmental pollutants and the consequences that these toxins have on ecosystems. Additionally, they learn how policymakers assess the risks of toxins.
Courses in environmental toxicology are offered at colleges and universities across the country. In addition to coursework, these schools offer degrees in environmental toxicology. The University of California offers environmental toxicology at its Davis, Irvine, Santa Cruz and Riverside campuses. Other schools with this program include the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Cornell and Clarkson universities in New York, and the University of South Alabama.