The basis of toxic action at cellular and molecular levels covering the absorption, distribution, elimination and metabolism of toxicants; toxic action (acute toxicity, carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, organ toxicity, etc.); chemical classes of toxicants; and toxicity testing.

Fundamental understanding of biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms through which xenobiotics alter cellular homeostasis, produce toxicity and alter organ function. Current biochemical, molecular and cellular experimental approaches for study of biochemical mechanisms of toxicity.

Evaluation of fundamental processes relating fate and effects of chemicals in the environment. Emphasis on effects of pollutants on non-human species, environmental risk assessment and historically relevant incidents of environmental contaminants.

A discussion of the structure and function of genetic material at a molecular level. Consideration of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The aim to describe genetics in terms of chemical principles.

Basic concepts of statistical models and use of samples; variation, statistical measures, distributions, tests of significance, analysis of variance and elementary experimental design, regression and correlation, chi-square.

Advanced cell and organelle structure and function and recent advances in molecular biology. Emphasis on current literature and application of research procedures.

Lab rotations for first semester graduate students

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Dissertation research.

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.