University Catalog 2025-2026

Toxicology (Minor)

The minor in Toxicology (formerly known as the Environmental Toxicology Minor) provides undergraduate students with an understanding of how chemicals and physical agents can adversely affect biological systems and the environment. Areas of exploration include the mechanisms of chemically induced toxicity, the fate and effects of chemicals in the environment, and the evaluation of chemical hazards and risks. The Toxicology minor is available to undergraduate students in all majors at NC State University and may be especially appropriate for students majoring in the life sciences, agricultural sciences, physical sciences, natural resources, or science education. Students should be aware that many of the courses in the Toxicology minor have pre-requisites and should plan accordingly.

Admissions and Certification of Minor

Students can enroll in the Toxicology Minor after through CODA (in MyPack) after completing TOX 401 with a C or better. All requirements for the minor must be completed no later than the semester in which the student expects to graduate from their major degree program. Students apply to graduate in the minor through MyPack at the same time that they apply to graduate in their major program.

Coordinator

Dr. Elizabeth Ellen Thompson
2202 Toxicology Building
919.515.9774
eethomp2@ncsu.edu

 SIS code: 17ETM

Plan Requirements

  • Completion of a minimum of 18 credit hours.
  • A grade of ‘C-‘ or better is required for all courses taken to fulfill minor requirements, with a 2.0 GPA required in the minor for graduation.
  • No more than one course in the minor can be taken for credit only (S/U).
  • Courses taken for the minor can also be used toward major requirements, GEP Electives, or Free Electives.
  • At least 9 credit hours of the minor must be completed at NC State.
Required Courses
NOTE: Start with TOX 401
TOX 401Principles of Toxicology4
TOX 415Ecotoxicology4
TOX 400Undergraduate Seminar in Toxicology1
NOTE: Take TOX 400 after you have taken several other courses for the minor.
Foundational Courses
Complete at least 3 credit hours from the following:3
Ecology
Cell Biology
Introductory Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I
Principles of Genetics
General Microbiology
Introduction to Statistics
Elective Courses
Complete at least 6 credit hours from the following: 16
Community Ecology
Cancer Cell Biology
Quantitative Analysis
Analysis of Environmental Issues
Environmental Technology Laboratory I
Environmental Technology Laboratory II
Environmental Technology Laboratory III
Environmental Technology Laboratory IV
Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
Fundamentals of Air Pollution
Environmental Technology Laboratory V
Food Microbiology
Epigenetics, Development, and Disease
Geochemistry of Natural Waters
Human Nutrition and Chronic Disease
Humans and the Environment
Total Hours18
1

Other courses and research experiences may qualify if they involve significant toxicology content; approval by the Coordinator of the Minor is required. Email BioSciHelp@ncsu.edu with course or experience information if you want to make a request.