Biomedical toxicology has emerged as an important science addressing drug safety and the adverse consequences of chemical exposure. The Biomedical Toxicology Major program examines the harmful effects of chemicals on the health and behavior of individuals and society. The safety/toxicity of a wide array of chemicals is examined including pharmaceutical preparations, herbal products, natural toxins, and environmental contaminants, with a focus on their effects on human health. Students learn about basic and clinical toxicology and related areas through lectures, tutorials and class discussions/debates.
This program includes the application of toxicological knowledge and risk assessment and prepares students for a variety of job opportunities following its completion as well as for further study in graduate research or professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. (Note: Students interested in professional programs should contact the respective faculties to inquire about specific transfer credits.) Many graduates of the Biomedical Toxicology major program pursue careers in scientific research, forensic science, nutrition and food sciences, governmental agencies, consulting agencies, and industrial settings including the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
This is a limited enrolment program. Students must have completed 8.0 credits and meet the requirements listed below to enroll. Students interested in this program should initially apply to the general Major (ASMAJ2675) after their first year of study. Following their second year of study, students in ASMAJ2675 must choose to pursue either the Pharmacology Major (ASMAJ2082) or the Biomedical Toxicology Major (ASMAJ2573).
Students who have completed 4.0 to 7.5 credits cannot apply directly to ASMAJ2573 and must first apply to ASMAJ2675, using the following courses:
Students who have completed at least 8.0 credits and who are already enrolled in ASMAJ2675 may enrol in ASMAJ2573 themselves on ACORN.
Students who have completed at least 8.0 credits but who are not already enrolled in ASMAJ2675 must apply to ASMAJ2573 using the following courses:
Variable Minimum Grade or Variable Minimum Grade Average
A minimum grade and minimum grade average in required courses are needed for entry, and this minimum changes each year depending on available spaces and the number of applicants.
To ensure that students admitted to the program will be successful, applicants with a final grade lower than 65% in any of these courses, or a combined grade average lower than 70% in these required courses will not be considered for admission. Please note that obtaining this minimum final grade and minimum grade average does not guarantee admission to the program.
Applications from students lacking numerical grades in one or more of the specified enrolment requirements, or students applying in their second or later years, may be considered on the basis of their entire academic record and the availability of space in the program. In addition to applying through ACORN, students applying in their second year or later are asked to please contact the department directly at undergrad.pharmtox@utoronto.ca, specify which program you would like to be considered for, and provide your student number. Please consult the Arts & Science Program Toolkit for more information on program enrolment.
Notes:
- While it is difficult to predict what will be competitive course marks and average in a given year, based on previous years, the estimate is: course marks = mid 80s; average = mid 80s.
- Students wishing to enroll in this program will initially apply to a general departmental Major (ASMAJ2675) after their first year. After admission, and prior to the start of their third year of study, students will select the focus for their future studies (Biomedical Toxicology or Pharmacology). First and second year courses are the same for all Major programs within the Department (ASMAJ2675/ASMAJ2082/ASMAJ2573).
- Students cannot combine a Biomedical Toxicology Major program with a Pharmacology Major or Specialist program for their degree.
(8.0 credits)
First Year: BIO120H1; BIO130H1; ( CHM135H1, CHM136H1)/ CHM151Y1
Second Year: BCH210H1; BIO230H1/ BIO255H1; PCL201H1; CHM247H1/ CHM249H1; ( PSL300H1, PSL301H1) (NOTE: PSL201Y1 is not acceptable)
Third Year: PCL302H1; PCL381H1
Third or Fourth Year: 1.0 credit with at least 0.5 credit from PCL courses: JPM300H1/ JPM400Y1/ PCL298H1/ PCL345H1/ PCL362H1/ PCL367H1/ PCL368H1/ PCL386H1/ PCL389H1/ PCL402H1/ PCL475H1/ PCL476H1/ PCL477H1/ PCL484H1/ PCL490H1/ ANA301H1/ ENV441H1/ LMP301H1/ LMP363H1
Fourth Year: PCL482H1, PCL483H1
Notes:
- Students are not allowed to enroll concurrently in the Major Program in Pharmacology and the Major Program in Toxicology.
- Students are not allowed to enroll concurrently in the Major Program in Pharmacology and a Specialist Program in Toxicology.
- Students are not permitted to take PCL472Y1 or PCL474Y1.
