The doctoral program in Pharmacology offers a Concentration in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology (MET). The mission of the MET concentration is to provide comprehensive cross-disciplinary Ph.D. doctoral training in environmental health science and modern-era molecular and cellular toxicology. To achieve this goal, the MET concentration offers interdisciplinary research opportunities and access to mentors who are dedicated to probing the complex effects of exposure to environmental stressors. The MET concentration emphasizes the use of contemporary approaches, such as advanced techniques in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, molecular genomics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, proteomics, and epidemiology, in problems aimed at dissecting the mechanisms of environmentally-induced disease. MET scientists are studying intracellular signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, oxidative stress, DNA repair, epigenetic and genetic perturbations, and complex mechanisms in cell growth and differentiation that determine the environmental contribution to diseases with a rising incidence in the urban setting such as metabolic disease, cancer, immune system disturbances and mental health disorders.

Instruction

In addition to the core requirements of the Pharmacology doctoral program, students in the MET concentration will meet the following requirements:

PHC7410 Principles of Toxicology  This course emphasizes basic concepts and principles of toxicology, including biological processes that are especially relevant to toxicology, mechanisms of toxicity, and toxicity to organ systems.

Minicourses (PHC7650)  Pharmacology graduate students must take a total of 6 credits of Minicourses. For students in the MET concentration, two of the Minicourses must be designated as "toxicology relevant." Examples of such minicourses, which have been taught during the past five years include:

• Bioinformatics Databases and Tools 
• Redox Regulation of Cell Signaling 
• Xenobiotic Receptors 
• Epigenetics: Principles and Pharmacological Impact 
• Signaling in Cell Death and Survival Pathways 
• Proteomic Analysis 
• Kinase and Phosphatase Signaling Pathways 
• DNA Damage Response and Human Diseases

Electives  Possible choices include: Principles of Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Current Issues in Public Health. Depending on the choice of electives, the student can earn a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice.

For a list of potential advisors in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, click here.

If you have any questions about the Concentration in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology or applying to this program, please feel free to contact Dr. Michael Petriello. 

Apply to the Concentration in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology within the Department of Pharmacology.

(When you are completing the online WSU Graduate Application form, be sure to select Molecular and Environmental Toxicology under "Select a Concentration.")