January 17-18, 2002

NOTICE OF INTENT   Approval of Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Toxicology; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana-Missoula to initiate a masters and doctoral degree program in Toxicology. The program builds on the expertise developed as a result of the newly-approved Center for Environmental Health Sciences and serves a need for additional trained scientists in this area. No other program of this kind exists in the State of Montana. The proposed program will require a bachelor's degree for entrance and will involve 30 credits of post-baccalaureate study for the M.S. and 60 credits for the Ph.D. degree.

 

EXPLANATION: The University will offer a Masters (M.S.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) program in Toxicology within the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences. Toxicology represents the study of adverse health effects of xenobiotics (compounds foreign to humans). In the biomedical area, toxicologists study the mechanisms of action and exposure to chemical agents as a cause of acute and chronic illness. Toxicologists recognize, identify, and quantify hazards resulting from occupational exposure to chemicals and the public health aspects of chemicals in air, water, food, drugs, and other parts of the environment. Toxicologists also research the discovery and development of new drugs and pesticides. At the molecular level, toxicologists study mechanisms by which toxicants modulate cell growth and differentiation. Ultimately, many of these studies lead to new therapeutic approaches.

The Center for Environmental Health Sciences within the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences will provide resources for establishment of these programs. The Board of Regents approved this Center in 2000. This new program represents a unique strength in environmental health studies at The University of Montana, utilizes the expertise of several new faculty, enhances research and research funding, and serves a national need for masters- and doctoral-level individuals in toxicology.

The completed signature page resides on file at the President's Office, The University of Montana-Missoula.