Toxicology, Bachelor of Science

Toxicology is an interdisciplinary science that addresses the adverse effects of substances on living organisms caused by chemical, physical or biological agents. The field includes exposure assessment, hazard identification, dose-response analysis, risk characterization and risk management. Toxicologists have the critical responsibility of understanding the effect of exposure to harmful substances found in food, the environment, medicines, licit and illicit drugs and other sources, as well as that of publicizing information of relevance to the public. Through research and education, toxicologists can improve the health and safety of humans and other living organisms and protect the environment in which we live.  

The major begins with the foundational science courses common to any degree in the chemical or life sciences: chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, calculus, and physics, with required laboratory work throughout. Then, students take a required core of courses that cover biochemistry, human physiology, the basics of toxicology and its major sub-fields (environmental, biomedical, clinical). Students also select two elective courses they can focus on their interests and future career goals such as risk assessment, forensic toxicology, genetics, microbiology, and inorganic chemistry. Finally, the major includes an advanced capstone experience which brings all of these courses together in the study of a specific research area in toxicology. Students in this major are well-prepared for a variety of careers and graduate programs including PhD programs in toxicology, the life sciences, medical school, and related professional degrees.

Learning Outcomes. Students who successfully complete the Toxicology major will be able to:

• Describe the distribution and the toxic mechanism of chemical, physical, and biological agents in the natural and occupational environment.
• Identify and describe the diseases or other adverse health effects that may result from exposure to toxic agents and the risk of those outcomes. 
• Recognize regulatory and management considerations relative to toxic agents. 
• Apply quantitative methods to measure the concentration or intensity of toxic agents.
• Explain and promote interventions to reduce or eliminate exposures to toxic agents.
• Interpret and analyze the information on the interaction of natural and man-made toxicants with people, and their impact on human health and disease.
• Assess and communicate risk of toxins affecting communities of varied racial, socioeconomic and geographic divisions.

Credits Required.

Coordinator. Professor Shu-Yuan (Demi) Cheng, Department of Sciences (646-557-4637, shcheng@jjay.cuny.edu)

Advising information. Toxicology Major Advising Resources.  Sample Four-year Plans of Study (MAT 105).
Sample Four-year Plan of Study (MAT 141).  Major Checklist. 

Admission Requirements. To be admitted to the Toxicology major, students must have at least an 81 CAA (high school academic average) and one of the following:

1. Took New York State Chemistry Regents Exam; OR
2. Took the AP Chemistry Exam; OR
3. Earned at least 3.5 units of High School Mathematics; OR
4. Earned at least a score of 50 on the CLEP Chemistry exam.

Students who do not meet above criteria can attend John Jay with an undeclared major and take introductory science and mathematics courses to achieve admission to the major by performing very well in these courses.

Students who wish to transfer into the Toxicology major must have earned a Mathematics/Science GPA of 2.5 or higher in science major courses to be admitted. Transfer students from a non-science major will need to meet the criteria stated above.

Course information. To be placed into BIO 103, students must take a Biology placement exam AND must be majoring in Toxicology.  In addition, MAT 105, OR MAT 141 OR MAT 241 or higher is a pre or co-requisite for BIO 103.

To be placed into CHE 103,  students must take a Chemistry placement exam AND must be majoring in Toxicology.

Note. At least two science courses count as STEM variants to satisfy the Common Core general education requirements. If students are exempt from the foreign language requirement, they can use an additional three credits of science towards the Common Core.

Depending on mathematics placement, students may need to take MAT 105 and MAT 141 as prerequisites for the required calculus course, MAT 241. Either prerequisite course can satisfy the Required Core: Math and Quantitative Reasoning category of the Gen Ed program.

Honors option.  To earn honors in the toxicology major, students must have completed the TOX 401 capstone or the FOS 402 research internship with a grade of B+ or higher, completed all requirements for the major and have earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA in courses above the 100-level in the major. Credit for courses required as prerequisites for major courses and transfer credits applied to the major will not be calculated into the major cumulative GPA. Students must have also earned at least a 3.2 overall cumulative GPA. This honor will be noted on the student’s transcript.

Total Credit Hours: 66-68