About
Toxicology is the study of poisons and pollutants. Toxicology focuses on the harmful effects chemical and physical agents have on living organisms and our environment.
- Four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will study how toxic substances behave in the body and in the natural environment, how they adversely affect individual organisms, populations and ecosystems, and how to measure these toxicants and their potential effects. This includes studying types of environmental pollutants and their presence and movement through air, soil, and water and risk assessment and regulation of prescription drugs, pesticides, pollutants and other chemicals.
A first-year schedule sample
Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| CHEM 112a | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials |
| BIOL 120a | The Nature of Life |
| PHYS 115a | Physics and the Universe |
| MATH 125b | Mathematics for the Life Sciences |
| HIST 155c | History Matters Science and Environment |
Winter Term |
|
| CHEM 115a | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes |
| PHYS 117 or PHYS 125a | Physics for the Life Sciences or Physics and Technology |
| INDG 107d | Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
| BIOL 121a | The Diversity of Life |
| ENG 113c | Literature and Composition Reading Narrative |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
d One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
TOX 321: Risk Assessment and Regulatory Toxicology
An introduction to human health and ecological risk assessment and an overview of Canadian and international regulatory requirements for the registration of new products, focussing on safety assessment/toxicity testing of pesticides and human pharmaceuticals, and basic principles of occupational health and industrial hygiene.
TOX 301: Environmental Toxicology
A discussion of major environmental pollutants, their sources, interactions with atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic systems, exposure of people, animals and other biota, and their dose-response relationships. Some of the physical and chemical changes induced in the environment by pollutants, contaminant fate and transport, and bioremediation are also discussed.
TOX 461: Applied Toxicology
Provides students an opportunity to evaluate practical toxicology/ecotoxicology problems associated with Saskatchewan and northern ecosystems. Students will be presented with specific toxicological questions or case studies of current relevance which will be examined using research data and library facilities. Written and oral presentations will be required for each problem.
Hands-on experience
You will complete practical, hands-on research experience in laboratory or field studies as well as solving real-life toxicology problems in the capstone course.
Paid work opportunities
You will have the opportunity to work in the Toxicology Undergraduate Research Experience Program (TUREP) or as a summer research assistant working with toxicology faculty.
International exchange opportunities
You will have opportunities for international exchange for research in toxicology through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Careers
Toxicology students are highly employable in fields such as:
- Environmental toxicology consulting and risk assessment
- Environmental management (e.g., for large natural resource companies or local governments)
- Scientist or regulator for provincial or federal governments
- Research and development in the pharmaceutical, personal care products, pesticide and chemical industries
- Food safety and water quality assessment
- Occupational health and safety
- Forensic toxicology investigation
- Advancement to professional programs (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Law, etc.) or graduate studies in Toxicology or related fields
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Toxicology degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year or honours degree.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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