Toxicology is the study of effects of toxic substances on living systems. These toxic substances can either be organic or inorganic, synthetic or natural materials. As a field of research, it crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries such as chemistry, biology, and the environmental sciences. Environmental toxicology further extends to aspects of chemical transport, fate, persistence and biological accumulation of toxic substances and their effects at the population and community levels.
The University of Ottawa and Carleton University offer a collaborative program leading to a Master of Science or PhD degree with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology through the management of a committee of representatives from The Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Biology and The Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute and The Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre.
Learn more about Ottawa-Carleton Joint Institutes.
Capital Advantage
The Ottawa area is home to numerous environmental and biotechnology companies. Several government departments are involved with the research that leads to environmental legislation and regulations, and over 100 companies are conducting research in medical, agricultural, and environmental biotechnology. Associations with these organizations, as well as with the National Capital Commission, national museums, and the National Research Council Canada, provide an unparalleled background for study and career opportunities in this field.
Faculty Research Highlights
- Investigate mechanisms of chemical toxicity
- Investigation of toxins in the environment
- Fungal and mold toxins
- Wildlife Toxicology Research (National Wildlife Research Centre Building is located on the Carleton campus)
