The objective of the program is to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to receive a general understanding of this discipline. Pharmacology and Toxicology is a health and life science discipline of relevance to many students. It also includes the biological effects of food additives, agricultural, environmental, and industrial chemicals. Students gain a scientific basis for environmental issues and risk-benefit decisions. Departmental courses provide students with a general understanding of how drugs work, how they are developed and approved, and the differences between generic and brand name drugs.
Students learn how to be better informed and educated health care consumers.
Science students majoring in chemistry and biology who complete the minor will appreciate increased relevance for their disciplines and will have an opportunity to enhance their application for further graduate or professional education in the health sciences. Students with majors in education, social work, counseling, sociology, and other disciplines can enhance their abilities to interact with people who may have drug-related problems. Students with interests in engineering, business, agriculture, environmental law, and occupational safety and environmental health will have an increased understanding of the effects of occupational chemicals on the environment and the worker. The Department offers a number of graduate and professional courses in Pharmacology and Toxicology. Details of these courses can be found in the Graduate School section of this catalog and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences catalog.