Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology
Course descriptionWelcome to the undergraduate Pharmacology-Toxicology program! This unique program, which began at Wisconsin in 1985, requires completion of approximately two years (60 credits) of specific college-level prerequisites, and application to the School of Pharmacy in the spring semester preceding the fall semester in which you intend to begin the program (the annual application deadline is typically February 1 for fall admission). Admission is competitive, as entering class sizes are small (typically 15-20 students per year). If admitted, one completes two years (four semesters) of study in the Pharmacology-Toxicology (PharmTox) major, administered by the School of Pharmacy. Completing requirements for the major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology-Toxicology.
What are Pharmacology & Toxicology?
Pharmacology and toxicology are biomedical sciences often referred to as sister disciplines. Pharmacology is the study of the sites, properties, effects, and mechanisms of drug action — the interactions of chemicals with biological systems. Toxicology addresses adverse effects of chemicals on humans and animals and includes exposure assessment, hazard identification, dose response assessment, and risk characterization. Both subjects integrate multiple scientific disciplines. Both fields rely on cutting-edge biotechnological approaches to gain insight into drug and toxicant action at the molecular level.
Career Opportunities
Students completing the program will be well qualified to pursue entry-level scientific career employment in industry (e.g. biomedical, biotechnology, consumer products, contract research organizations, or pharmaceutical), in academic research laboratories, or in various agencies of government.
The program's depth and breadth has proved to be an excellent foundation for graduate work in pharmacology, toxicology, or other related biomedical sciences, for medical school, veterinary medicine, and other health professions schools (e.g. pharmacy, public health, etc.) For students who tailor their general education and elective coursework appropriately, the Pharmacology-Toxicology program can also uniquely launch students into scientific writing, business positions, or law school. As future professionals aware of the pharmacological and toxicological sciences, Pharmacology-Toxicology graduates are well poised to make meaningful improvements in human and animal health.