Toxicology & Environmental Medicine
Toxicology & Environmental Medicine
Program Website: https://www.med.unc.edu/toxicology/
Director of Graduate Studies: Meghan Rebuli, PhD
Student Services Specialist: David Chapman
Toxicology & Environmental Medicine is a multidisciplinary field of study that integrates chemistry, biochemistry, biology, medical and environmental sciences toward understanding and preventing “the adverse effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents on people, animals, and the environment” (htpp://www.toxicology.org/).
The Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine offers two degree programs:
PhD Program Overview
The Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine is a multidisciplinary program, drawing on expertise from the faculty in the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health and from accomplished scientists at research institutions in the area, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The diversity of research opportunities offered by the Curriculum in Toxicology& Environmental Medicine members is a unique strength. Research advisers are highly collaborative, serving as role models for the evolving paradigm of multidisciplinary research.
The PhD program develops future scientists who:
- Understand the basic principles of toxicology and environmental health sciences.
- Design, execute and publish research relevant to toxicology and human health.
Research activities emphasize:
- Hypothesis-driven studies of the mechanisms of action of environmental toxicants, including natural and man-made products
- Links between the environment and health risks
- Mode of action of toxicants and disease pathogenesis
- Translation of emerging knowledge into prevention strategies, new therapeutic interventions and an improved scientific base for risk assessment
Major training areas include:
- Organ-centric research foci (cardiopulmonary, developmental, hepatic, immunological, and neurological toxicology)
- Computational toxicology
- Molecular carcinogenesis
- Xenobiotic metabolism
- Systems toxicology
- Animal models of human disease
- Biomarkers of exposure and/or biological effects
A PhD in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine can lead to a variety of potential job opportunities in:
- Academia
- Industry
- Government laboratories
- Regulatory agencies
- Contract, consulting, and private research organizations
MPS Program Overview
Note: This program is not part of BBSP and requires a separate application process. For more details see the Toxicology Professional Science Masters Program page.
- Intensive 16-month program
- Prepares students for non-academic toxicology jobs
- Develops an in-depth understanding of toxicology and allied sciences
- Trains students in business fundamentals and professional skills (communications, collaboration, leadership, finance, project management)
- Includes a rigorous internship outside the university
MPS in Toxicology graduates will find potential job opportunities in:
- Industry
- Contract research organizations
- Environmental companies
- Law firms