Ph.D. in Toxicology
- Overview
Ph.D. in Toxicology
-
General Toxicology Option
Ph.D. in Toxicology -
Environmental Toxicology
Concentration
Ph.D. in Toxicology -
Molecular and Cellular
Toxicology Concentration
Mailing
address:
Department of Environmental
and Molecular Toxicology
Box 7633, NC State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7633
Shipping
address:
Suite 1104, 850 Main Campus Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone
919.515.2274
Fax 919.515.7169
Graduate
study in toxicology in the
Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology at North Carolina
State University leads to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree
(PhD), Master of Science (MS),
and non-thesis Master of Toxicology (MTox) degrees. Doctoral students
may elect to concentrate in General Toxicology, Environmental Toxicology,
or Molecular and Cellular Toxicology. The Department provides a comprehensive
program in course work and research training to prepare prospective
toxicologists for careers in academia, government, and industry.
Research in the department spans an array of topics ranging from
the molecular to population level consequences of toxicant exposure.
A common research theme in the department involves the elucidation
of toxicant induced alterations in cell signaling and resultant changes
in gene expression as it relates to toxicity at the cellular, organ
and organism level. Linkage of adverse biological endpoints to toxicant
exposure is a mechanistic goal. Specific research areas include:
endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, cellular signaling pathways,
transcriptional regulation, toxicogenomics, regulation and expression
of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, molecular carcinogenesis, cell
cycle regulation, apoptosis, chemical exposure assessment, analytical
toxicology, ecotoxicology and risk assessment.
We
offer students a comprehensive program of course work and research opportunities
that reflects the multidisciplinary nature of toxicology. Students benefit
from a well-coordinated program housed within a single academic department,
yet still able to draw upon the resources of other departments within
NC State University and nearby institutions in the Research Triangle Park.
A major goal of our faculty is to provide our students with the best possible
training towards an independent career in toxicology. A synergistic mix
of toxicological specialties among the faculty
enables us to provide our students with the rich and diverse learning
environment for which we are so well regarded. The faculty expect to serve
as mentors in the truest sense; they deem excellence to be achievable,
and expect it at all levels of instruction.
Ph.D. students may elect the General Toxicology Option, the Environmental Toxicology Concentration, or the Molecular and Cellular Toxicology Concentration. During their first semester, Ph.D. students who are supported by departmental assistantships or the NIEHS Training Grant participate in three laboratory rotations. These rotations allow students to learn new skills and experimental approaches and to become involved early on in the process of scientific inquiry. On the basis of these rotations, students select a research area and major faculty advisor for dissertation research. Students supported directly by a faculty member (grant funds) normally begin research in that laboratory and do not participate in the laboratory rotation.
Financial
support is available for qualified applicants through traineeships,
fellowships, and research and teaching assistantships. Many incoming Ph.D.
students are awarded a prestigious traineeship on the Department's National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Training Grant. Graduates
of the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology go on to successful
careers in academia, industry and government. Visit the Alumni
section of our web to learn more about our graduates and possibilities
for careers in toxicology.