SCHOOL DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT:

 

SCHOOL / CHAPTER NAME: University of Saskatchewan / AKCSE U of S Chapter

DEPARTMENT: Toxicology 

 

Description of the said department: (Ex: areas of studies, possible future career path, # of students in the department)

Areas of Study:

1. Environmental Toxicology

• Effects of pollutants on organisms and natural ecosystems

2. Basic toxicology

• Dose-response relationship (how much is too much)

• Toxic mechanisms of action (how chemicals cause toxicity)

• Target organ toxicology (what body systems are affected and how damage occurs)

3. Diagnosis and treatment of poisoning

4.Types of environmental pollutants and their presence and movement through air, soil, and water

5. Risk assessment and regulation of prescription drugs, pesticides, pollutants, and other chemicals

 

Toxicology Degree Career Path:

• Environmental toxicology consulting and risk assessment

• Environmental management (e.g., for large natural resource companies or local governments)

• Become a scientist or regulator for provincial or federal governments

• Conduct research and development in the pharmaceutical, personal care products, pesticides, and chemical industries

• Work in food safety and water quality assessment

• Work in occupational health and safety positions

• Work in forensic toxicology investigation

• Advance to graduate studies or toxicology related fields

• Advance to professional programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, etc.)

         

How to get into the said department: (Ex: GPA? Volunteer work? Is this a department students get to go in right after high school? Or after 1st year of university?)

High school:   

1. 70% average

2. Require completion of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30 or equivalent subject for other provinces.

         

Transfer:          

1. Transfer credit evaluation will be performed as part of the admission process. Applicant must send an official transcript to the College of Arts and Science.                                

         

• Students can major in Toxicology in their first year.

• The first two years of the Toxicology program are designed to provide maximum transferability with other U of S natural and life science programs. Students can transfer to Toxicology program without having to take many additional courses.

 

Why do people choose this department? (Ex: Career, ability to do multiple academic categories)

• The only Toxicology program in western Canada.

• Interesting subject where you get to learn about, and mess around with, poisons and pollutants.

• Good $$$ (average salary for Toxicology related jobs is $76,244 per year or $39 per hour. Source: https://neuvoo.ca/salary/toxicology/)

• Conduct your own research experiment under faculty guidance in the Honors Thesis Research course.

• 4th year Capstone course gives students the opportunity to solve real-life toxicology problems in partnership with professionals in the field.

• International exchange student opportunities through Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

 

Where is the department located? (Ex: campus, building name, location,)

Toxicology Research Centre

University of Saskatchewan

44 Campus Dr.

Saskatoon, SK  S7N 5B3

 

Please write 3 pros and 3 cons about the department.

Pros: 1. Paid work opportunity: The Toxicology Undergraduate Research Experience Program (TUREP).

          2. The most comprehensive undergraduate toxicology program in the country.

          3. Newly renovated department with brand-new classrooms, labs, and equipment.

          4. Offers Minor in Toxicology.

 

Cons: 1. Lots of labs.

           2. First two years focus on broad life science subjects (Biochemistry, Chemistry, Ecology, Physics, Biology, Organic Chemistry, etc.).

           3. Usually requires more schooling (i.e. Master’s Degree) to get large salary Toxicology related jobs after graduation. 

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Finally, take this time to brag about your department: (Ex: Professors, funding, new building? Less competition? Anything)  

• State-of-the-art research facilities for analytical, aquatic, biochemical, environmental, mechanistic, radiation, and wildlife toxicology research from molecular to ecosystem level.

• It houses the Canada’s first and only Aquatic Toxicology Research Facility. It is a 7,100 sq-ft laboratory and performs both static and dynamic toxicological experiments with algae, crustaceans, insects, clams, amphibians, or fish as large as 10 kg. 

• New laboratories are equipped with prime instrumentation to detect organic and inorganic chemicals and metabolites toxic to wildlife and humans.

• Biochemistry and molecular facilities can do just about any type of biochemistry and molecular work used on the toxicology field.

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**Special Thanks to AKCSE University of Saskatchewan chapter for sharing information regarding their department**

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Last Update: 2018