Online Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology
Are you interested in how drugs and other chemicals affect humans, animals and the environment? If so, Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in pharmacology and toxicology may be an ideal fit. In this biology- and chemistry-intensive program, you’ll gain insight into how chemicals affect living beings from cells to organisms.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/16/2024
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What is pharmacology and toxicology?
Pharmacology and toxicology both include the study of chemicals and their impact on living systems. Pharmacology is concerned with the chemicals associated with the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of disease, while toxicology focuses on the effects of poisonous chemicals.
Areas of study within these fields include clinical pharmacology, animal pharmacology, forensic toxicology, environmental toxicology and more. As a pharmacology and toxicology major, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these disciplines as you build critical knowledge for your career.
What you’ll learn as a pharmacology and toxicology major
With a combination of coursework and hands-on labs, you’ll learn how drugs, common poisons and environmental pollutants interact with living systems at the physiological, molecular and cellular levels. You’ll also gain a set of transferable skills necessary for pharmacology and toxicology careers, such as:
- Analysis of biological specimens.
- Analytical chemistry techniques, including quantitative and qualitative analysis of chemicals.
- Biomolecular techniques.
- Lethal dose (LD50) and effective dose (ED50) calculations.
- Measurement of enzyme activity.
- Purification and analysis of biological molecules using biochemical techniques.
This program requires a two-week, in-person laboratory experience at ASU’s Tempe and West campuses. This allows you to fulfill the laboratory requirements for organic chemistry I and II, as well as biochemistry.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Pharmacology and toxicology courses
This program is designed to help you build a foundation in biology and chemistry. In your upper-division electives, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore your areas of interest in pharmacology and toxicology. Course topics include the detection of proteins using Western blot, protein purification using ion exchange chromatography, forensic toxicology, psychopharmacology and more. Courses may include:
BCH 371: Modern Concepts in Biochemistry
BCH 372: Modern Concepts in Biochemistry Laboratory
PTX 301: Basics of Pharmacology and Toxicology
PTX 432: Fundamentals of Pharmacology
PTX 450: Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory
BIO 201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (SCIT OR SG)
BIO 202: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (SCIT OR SG)
PTX 475: Principles of Toxicology
Jobs you can get with a pharmacology and toxicology degree
As a graduate, you can enter careers in fields, such as environmental protection, chemical risk assessment, hazardous waste management and environmental justice. Potential job titles range from research technician and hazardous waste technician to environmental risk assessor and pharmaceutical sales specialist. Additional career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Biological Sciences Professor
Clinical Trial Manager
Health Sciences Manager
Medical Scientist
Molecular Biologist
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Physician Assistant (PA)
Veterinarian (Vet)
Learn from experts in the field including members of the Society of Toxicology
As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.
Learn from experts in the field including members of the Society of Toxicology
As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the nation
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
#1
in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 5
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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