Master of Science with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
ObjectivesToxicology is the study of effects of toxic substances on living systems. These toxic substances can either be organic or inorganic, synthetic or natural materials. As a field of research, it crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries such as chemistry, biology, and the environmental sciences. Environmental toxicology further extends to aspects of chemical transport, fate, persistence and biological accumulation of toxic substances and their effects at the population and community levels. While individual researchers usually specialize in a particular area, toxicologists today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines. To meet this challenge the University of Ottawa and Carleton University offer a Collaborative Program in the supporting Institutes leading to a Master of Science degree or Ph.D. with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology.
Academic titleMaster of Science with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
Course descriptionDegree Requirements
The student is responsible for fulfilling both the Institute and departmental requirements for the Master's degree, and the requirements of the Collaborative Program.
The minimum requirements of the Collaborative Program include completing at least three courses, which include:
(i) the introductory course (if required);
(ii) additional courses required by the Master's Program and approved by the Collaborative Program;
(iii) the 'Seminar in Toxicology' (BIOL 6405/BIO 9105 - CHEM 5805/CHM 8167).
In addition, the student's Institute Committee or Advisory Committee may direct the student to take or audit further courses to complement the student's background and research program.
Other courses offered in the programs of the primary academic units of biology or chemistry may be taken as options, with the permission of the student's supervisory committee, in addition to the basic requirements of Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology.
Thesis Requirement
A research thesis on a topic in toxicology supervised by a faculty member of the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology.
BIOL 6402 [0.5 credit] (BIO 9101)
CHEM 5708 [0.5 credit] (CHM 8156)
TOXI 5708 [0.5 credit] (TOX 8156) Principles of Toxicology
The basic theorems of toxicology with examples of current research problems. Concepts of exposure, hazard and risk assessment will be defined and illustrated with experimental material from some of the more dynamic areas of research.
BIOL 6403 [0.5 credit](BIO 9104)
CHEM 5705 [0.5 credit) (CHM 9109)
TOXI 6403 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9104) Ecotoxicology
Selected topics and advances in ecotoxicology with emphasis on the biological effects of contaminants, such as the potential for biotic perturbance resulting from chronic and acute exposure of ecosystems to selected toxicants, the methods of pesticide, herbicide and pollutant residue analysis and the concept of bound residues.
BIOL 6405 [0.5 credit] (BIO 9105)
CHEM 5805 [0.5 credit] (CHM 8167)
TOXI 6405 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9105) Seminar in Toxicology
Current topics in toxicology are highlighted, with presentations by students, faculty and invited speakers. Students will present a seminar and submit a report on the topic.
BIOL 5709 [0.5 credit] ( BIO 8113)
CHEM 5709 [0.5 credit] (CHM 8157)
TOXI 5709 [0.5 credit] (TOX 8157) Chemical Toxicology
Overview of empirical data relating to the toxicity of various classes of chemicals for test organisms, followed by study of toxicity at the cellular level, including studies of interactions between toxic substances and enzymatic systems.