The science of poisons is another name known for toxicology. It is an extensive field of study that explores how chemicals can harm both the physical and biological elements of living things. It analyses the beneficial effects of these poisonous substances that are utilised to treat ailments in addition to the disastrous effects of such toxic compounds. This broad field of study frequently includes the study of pharmacology and medicine, expanding its scope. Toxicology also makes a contribution to the study of cancer, which explains its importance and current relevance.

Students that enrol in toxicology programmes learn how to research and comprehend the harmful effects of chemicals on living things, how to comprehend the impacts of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, and how to comprehend the many treatments for toxicity. It is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates ideas from various academic fields, including Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, and Environmental Sciences.

Study Levels:

Numerous colleges and institutions offer toxicology degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The field also places a strong emphasis on research, allowing students to seek doctorates in toxicology. For those studying toxicology, these levels of study include:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry (Toxicology and Analysis of Pollutants)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Sciences with emphasis on Physical and Chemical Dynamics
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forensic Science
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Toxicology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Toxicology
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Toxicology and Environmental Health
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Forensic Toxicology
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Environmental Toxicology
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Pharmacology and Toxicology
• PhD

Specialisation:

Since toxicology is a broad field, students can pick from a number of areas of specialisation, such as:

• Forensic Toxicology

• Toxicology and Environmental Health
• Environmental Toxicology
• Pollution Monitoring
• Drug Toxicology
• Toxicology Physiology
• Food safety and Toxicology
• Molecular Toxicology
• Ecotoxicology
• Toxicology and Cancer Biology
• Clinical Toxicology
• Descriptive Toxicology
• Regulatory Toxicology
• Genetic Toxicology
• Toxicology- Plant Pathology
• Teratology

Employability:

The number of employment-generating opportunities in the discipline of toxicology is enormous due to its importance around the globe. This subject's numerous sub specializations expand the range of its useful applications and value as a field of study. Students might take advantage of many employment prospects because of this. Graduates and postgraduate students in chemistry, as well as clinical professionals in the field of toxicology, all contribute to the field of cancer research. In turn, this broadens the range of its useful applications. Graduates with degrees in toxicology can choose from a variety of jobs in India. The students could work in jobs like:

• Toxicologist
• Jr. Research Officer – Toxicology
• Preclinical Toxicologist
• Specialist in Toxicology (Genotoxicology)
• Assistant Professor (Forensic medicine & toxicology)
• Lead - Pre-Clinical Pharmacodynamic and Toxicology
• Jr. Toxicologist
• Director Pharmacology and Toxicology (In Vitro)
• Scientist Toxicology
• Deputy Director (Toxicology)
• Manager – Toxicology

• Eco Toxicologist
• Research Associate: Pre-clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
• Scientist Biocompatibility, Toxicology (medical Devices)
• Personnel Pharmacology and Toxicology (In Vivo)
• Project Staff
• Technical Manager Toxicology
• Senior Resident-Toxicology
• Toxicology – Veterinary Pathologist

Graduates with toxicology degrees have a wide range of career options abroad. The students could pursue careers in:

• Toxicologist
• Research Associate
• Laboratory Technician
• Medical Affairs Associate
• Sales Representative
• Drug Safety Associate
• Pharmaceutical Marketer
• Clinical Scientist
• Risk Assessor
• Drug Information Specialist
• Medical / Scientific Writer
• Regulatory Compliance Officer
• Drug Developer