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Toxicology is the scientific discipline that deals with the harmful effects of chemical and physical agents on living organisms. Experts from diverse scientific backgrounds are needed to conduct research and teaching in such a multidisciplinary science, and the University of Saskatchewan is fortunate to be able to draw upon such fields as agriculture, biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, hydrology, medicine, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine, to name but a few.
The Toxicology Group is an interdisciplinary body under the umbrella of the College of Graduate Studies and Research. It consists of faculty members from a number of University departments, as well as scientists from various research centres on campus. The Toxicology Graduate Program is managed by the Toxicology Centre, with participation from Toxicology Groups members, and offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in toxicology. When the program was established in 1980, the University of Saskatchewan was the only institution in Canada offering an advanced degree program in toxicology. At present approximately 40 students are registered in the program . In addition to general toxicology, activities and interests in the program include analytical toxicology, aquatic toxicology, ecotoxicology, immunotoxicology, nutritional toxicology, radiation toxicology, veterinary toxicology, and wildlife toxicology (for more detailed information, go to Research and/or Faculty).
Research and teaching in toxicology at the University of Saskatchewan is spearheaded by the Toxicology Centre, relying heavily on the participation of members of the University's Toxicology Group. The Centre, orginally created with the assistance of a $2 million contribution from the Federal Government, and was occupied in 1986. Recently, an $11.8-million expansion to the Centre was completed, giving it unique capabilities that now make it the foremost centre in the country for water pollution research (see About the Centre). In a coordinated effort with centres in Montréal, Québec and Guelph, Ontario, the Centre in Saskatoon acts as the western node for the Canadian Network of Toxicology Centres, incorporated in 1988 with a mandate to improve human and environmental health by advancing Canadians' understanding of toxic substances and their impact on human health and the environment.
Student Admission
The basic requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Saskatchewan should be consulted. Applicants to the Toxicology Graduate Program must possess a recognized undergraduate degree in the life sciences, such as a B.Sc., M.D., D.V.M., B.S.A., or B.S.P. Undergraduate programs should include training in vertebrate physiology and biochemistry. Courses in environmental chemistry, pathology, and pharmacology are desirable. Students will not be officially accepted into the M.Sc. or Ph.D. programs until a suitable supervisor with adequate research funding has been identified.
Objectives of the Programs
The primary objective of the Master's and Doctoral programs is to allow candidates to develop toxicology as their major area of expertise.
Program Requirements
Master's and Ph.D. programs require at least 9 and 15 credit units, respectively, from the core courses with additional courses as determined by the Advisory Committee and research work resulting in an acceptable thesis.
Structure and Operation of Advisory Committees
All students registered in M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs will require an advisory committee. After a student has met the admission requirements, he or she will be matched with a supervisor appropriate to the student's area of proposed study.
For M.Sc. candidates, the advisory committee will consist of the Academic Coordinator (or designate), who is chair of the committee, the student's supervisor, and at least one additional member. For Ph.D. candidates, the advisory committee will consist of the Academic Coordinator (or designate), who is chair of the committee, the student's supervisor, one cognate member, and at least two additional members.
The advisory committee will establish a program of study, supervise the student's progress, participate in qualifying and comprehensive examination committees, provide guidance and advice to the student, and approve the student's research proposal and final thesis.
Monitoring Student Progress
Monitoring a student's progress is the responsibility of the advisory committee. Progress is reported by the Academic Coordinator (or designate) to the Toxicology Group Executive and to the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
Academic Standards
M.Sc. students must maintain a 70% GPA, with a minimum of 65% in each course. Ph.D. students must maintain a 70% GPA, with a minimum of 70% in each course. M.Sc. and Ph.D. students must also maintain satisfactory progress in their research project.
Seminars
All graduate students will be required to participate in the TOX 990 seminar series, as part of the degree requirements.
Qualifying and Comprehensive Examinations
Qualifying and comprehensive examinations are not required of M.Sc. candidates. Qualifying examinations for Ph.D. students will take the form of an oral examination, usually within 12-24 months of entry into the program. Comprehensive examinations for Ph.D. candidates will take the form of both an oral and written examination.Examination committees in most instances shall be comprised of the advisory committee and at least one additional member.
Transfer from an M.Sc. to a Ph.D.
Students registered in the M.Sc. program who already hold an M.Sc. degree in another discipline may transfer to a Ph.D. program if: they have successfully completed a qualifying examination; they have attained a minimum 75% GPA; satisfactory progress and evidence of originality is evident in their research; they have demonstrated adequate written and verbal communication skills.
Students registered in the M.Sc. program who do not hold an M.Sc. degree in another discipline may transfer to a Ph.D. program if exceptional progress is evident, including: outstanding performance on the qualifying examination; a minimum of 80% GPA; a high level of productivity and originality in their research as indicated by peer-review research publications or exceptional progress; demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills. This option is available to only a limited number of outstanding students.
Transfer from M.Sc. to Ph.D. programs should occur during the first year of study in most instances.
Thesis Requirements
For both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees, a thesis must be prepared by the student on their research. The thesis must be defended by the student subsequent to approval by the advisory committee. For each Ph.D. defense, an external examiner is added to the advisory committee. Bound copies of the thesis must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies and Research and the Toxicology Centre.
Awards Program
A limited number of scholarships are available to outstanding students.
Available Scholarships
Ph.D. Scholarship - This award may be held for a maximum of 48 months.
M.Sc. Scholarship - This award may be held for a maximum of 30 months.
Partial Tuition Scholarships for national award holders may also be considered. In exceptional circumstances, where outstanding M.Sc. candidates are transferred to a Ph.D. program, the student may hold the combined scholarships for only 48 months.
The award of scholarships will be recommended by a Selection Committee consisting of the Chair of the Toxicology Group, the Academic Coordinator (Graduate Chair), and one additional representative from the Toxicology Group Executive. Under normal circumstances, applications for scholarships are reviewed in January through March for the following academic year. A limited number of scholarships or partial scholarships may be awarded throughout the year.
Minimum Criteria for the Award
Allocation of Scholarship Funds
The value of M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholarships will be consistent with NSERC, CIHR, or College of Graduate Studies and Research awards. At the present time, the levels of funding are: M.Sc. Scholarship - $16,200 per year; Ph.D. Scholarship $19,200 per year.
In a limited number of cases, the Toxicology Graduate Program may exceed these funding guidelines to attract exceptional students who possess unusually high academic standards or demonstrate other unique attributes related to past research credentials or equity issues. These awards are known as tuition supplements. They are awarded at three levels: $1,000 per year; $2,000 per year; or $3,000 per year. The level of the award will be influenced by available funding and the tuition assessment for the current academic year. Tuition supplements will be used in many instances as an incentive to attract students who have been awarded national scholarships from outside agencies.
Job Opportunities for Graduates of the Program
Most students completing M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees have been actively recruited by prospective employers, in both the public and private sectors. The University of Saskatchewan program offers research training and formal course requirements that are unique in Canada. These features enable our graduates to pursue many alternative careers in toxicology.
For further information, or to receive an application package for the Toxicology Graduate Program, contact
Coordinator, Academic Programs in Toxicology
Toxicology Centre
University of Saskatchewan
44 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3
CANADA
Telephone: (306) 966-7441
Facsimile: (306) 931-1664
E-mail: tox.centre@usask.ca
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