Each track allows students to specialize in a preferred area within Environmental Sciences. Students work on research projects, which range from determining methods of remediation of acid mine drainage, to determining long range transport of trace contaminants in air. Students need to have a fundamentally sound understanding of physical chemical processes and advanced instrumentation for measurement of trace contaminants. Top of the Page Environmental Toxicology Biochemical and cellular toxicology are the focus of this track.
Special emphasis is placed on the impact of contaminants on humans.
Examples of projects, which are covered in this area, include response of tissues to oxidative stress, impacts of selenium on developing embryos and the effects of indoor air contaminants. Students should have a strong background in biochemistry and cellular biology. This track combines the disciplines of wildlife toxicology and conservation biology, with a goal of understanding how a variety of contaminants affect populations and ecosystems. Projects include determining the effect of low levels of cyanide on migratory waterfowl, the effect of rising carbon dioxide on plants, and how wetlands are affected by contaminants. Students should have a background in organismal level biology, toxicology and chemistry.