ESC 312 - CUE: Toxicology

Course unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): BIO 165 From Ecosystems to Organisms is required. CHM 104 General Chemistry II and CHM 201 Organic Chemistry I are recommended.
Toxicology is in broad terms the science of poisons. This course will provide an overview of the many branches of toxicology and examine the effects of poisons or toxins on individual organisms and ecosystems. Of specific interest will be the uptake (ingestion), metabolism, storage, and excretion of toxins and the adverse effects experienced by organisms exposed to toxic substances. The mechanisms by which substances induce cancer, birth defects, and nervous and immune system damage will be studied. Additionally, fundamental principles of toxicology, such as dose-response and selective toxicity, will be described. The sources, chemical properties, environmental fates, and regulation of toxins will be addressed. Three hours of lecture/discussion per week.
Offered alternate years.