Environmental Science, Toxicology and Chemistry Emphasis, BS

Introduction

The Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry emphasis offers students an integrated interdisciplinary science curriculum and a disciplinary approach towards understanding the complex interactions of xenobiotics (drugs, toxins, and natural compounds) in the biosphere, including humans. This challenging curriculum is designed for students interested in careers in pharmacy, toxicology, and environmental chemistry (disciplines that overlap with each other) and to make students highly competitive for graduate programs in these areas. Faculty in the School of Natural Sciences and the School of Pharmacy teach discipline-specific courses in the curriculum.

Students in this program are required to successfully design and complete independent scientific research projects, where they work with faculty in Pacific University’s School of Natural Sciences and School of Pharmacy. In addition students are required to take discipline- specific courses that cover important concepts in pharmacology, toxicology and environmental chemistry (i.e. drug metabolism, dose response curves, chemical behavior in environmental compartments, target organ toxicity).

Admissions

Program Length

Four years for a complete BS degree. Two years for students transferring in with an AAOT degree. Program length may vary depending upon the student’s course load and academic progress.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Synthesize and apply concepts from multiple sub-disciplines in environmental chemistry and toxicology.
Use technical and analytical skills to quantify the level and effects of xenobiotics in environmental compartments (air, water, soil, biota).
Identify relationships between chemical/drug exposure and effects on physiological systems and design strategies for study of dose-response relationships.
Effectively understand and convey scientific material from peer-reviewed sources.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing in accordance with disciplinary standards.
Conduct an individual research project within the university or other appropriate setting.

Baccalaureate Degree Core

Baccalaureate Degree Core Requirements

Major Requirements: 58 credits

ENV 200 - Sustainability Science 4 credit(s)
MATH 226 - Calculus I 4 credit(s)
CHEM 220 - General Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
CHEM 230 - General Chemistry II 4 credit(s)
CHEM 300 - Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry 4 credit(s)
CHEM 400 - Advanced Organic Chemistry 4 credit(s)
BIOL 200 - Intro Biology: Flow of Energy 4 credit(s)
BIOL 200L - Intro Biology: Flow of Energy Lab 0 credit(s)
BIOL 201 - Intro Biology: Flow of Information 4 credit(s)
BIOL 201L - Intro Biology: Flow of Info Lab 0 credit(s)
PHY 202 - Introductory Physics I 4 credit(s)
and
PHY 204 - Introductory Physics II 4 credit(s)
OR
PHY 232W - Gen Physics I-Workshop Phys I 4 credit(s)
and
PHY 242 - General Physics II-Workshop Physics II 4 credit(s)
ENV 344 - Environmental Toxicology 2 credit(s)
ENV 361 - Lab Techniques Env Toxicology & Chem 1 credit(s)
ENV 462 - Special Topics Env Toxicology & Chem 1 credit(s)
ENV 495 - Research 1-6 credit(s) 2 credits required
ENV 380W - Environmental Problem Solving 2 credit(s)
ENV 490 - Capstone Experience 2 credit(s)

Complete Either Group I or Group II

Group I (Toxicology/Pharmacy)

Take two of the following courses:

BIOL 308 - Microbiology 4 credit(s)
BIOL 317 - Genetics 4 credit(s)
CHEM 380 - Fundamentals of Biochemistry 4 credit(s)
BIOL 470 - Animal Physiology 4 credit(s)

Group II (Environmental Chemistry)

Take these courses:

CHEM 340 - Quantitative Analysis 2 credit(s)
CHEM 341 - Quantitative Analysis Lab 2 credit(s)
AND
CHEM 360 - Environmental Chemistry 4 credit(s)
or
CHEM 444 - Instrumental Methods of Analysis 4 credit(s)