Toxicology
The Programs in Toxicology at the University of Guelph developed from society’s increasing need to understand and study the adverse effects of chemicals on human and animal health as well as the health of the environment. Historically, toxicological principles were found primarily in the fields of chemistry and pharmacology. Today, toxicology encompasses broader and more diverse fields of study such as ecosystem health, including water, air and soil quality, plant health, microbes, and insects, sustainable agriculture and human and animal health. The recent realization that natural substances as well as manufactured chemicals present risk to all living organisms and the environment, has multiplied the number of potentially harmful chemicals that need to be examined. The contribution that diet, herbs and nutraceuticals may make to toxicity and health are being recognized. Recently, concern has been raised regarding potential toxicity of engineered nanoparticles and has resulted in the new field of nanotoxicity.
To fully understand the adverse effects of chemicals, information from many of the cited areas of study is needed. The field of molecular biology is expanding our understanding in toxicology to the level of the genome in plants, animals and humans. Toxicological epidemiology, risk analysis and risk management draw upon experts in the statistical sciences. Because all of these areas of science are well represented at the University of Guelph, the Toxicology Program presents a unique opportunity to students in Canada. In addition, the University of Guelph is held in high regard throughout Canada and many other regions of the world as evidenced by high rankings in external surveys regarding faculty, library resources, medical and science grants, alumni support, and its consistent high place ranking in the Maclean’s Reputational Survey for Canada.
The Guelph Factor
Personal Contact and Support
The University of Guelph strongly believes in the personal approach to education.
- Faculty is always eager to discuss course materials one-on-one.
- Help Centres staffed by Faculty and Teaching Assistants, are available to assist students with course and lab materials.
- Small laboratory and seminar classes provide a unique learning experience, enhanced by pioneering web-based teaching and evaluation.
- Fourth-year students have the opportunity to participate in an independent practical or theoretical undergraduate research project related to toxicology under the supervision of a faculty member.
The flexibility of the program also allows students to choose from biomedical or environmental course electives depending on their area of interest within toxicology.
Hands-on Learning: The University of Guelph is committed to applied learning in the sciences, where you will develop valuable skills in the analytical toxicology, molecular biology, medical toxicology and physiology laboratories (with instruments used in modern analytical, forensic and toxicology labs).