Toxicology Minor
Note: The minor in toxicology will likely be available to declare beginning in the summer 2027 term.
Description. The Toxicology minor provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of how natural and synthetic toxicants adversely affect biological systems by disrupting normal physiological, cellular, molecular, and biochemical functions. Key areas of focus include, but are not limited to, the mechanisms of chemically induced toxicity, the environmental fate and physiological effects of chemicals, the assessment of chemical hazards and risks, and the toxicology and regulation of pharmaceutical drugs.
Rationale. The Toxicology minor provides students with a strong foundation in biological and toxicological sciences, preparing them to understand how chemicals and environmental factors affect living systems. Through classroom learning and critical analysis of scientific literature, students build skills in scientific reasoning, communication, and problem-solving. This interdisciplinary training equips students with practical and analytical tools essential for addressing real-world challenges in public health, environmental science, pharmaceuticals, forensics and biomedical research. Graduates of the Toxicology minor will be well-prepared for careers in healthcare, research, regulatory agencies, and industry. The minor also supports entry in to graduate programs. It broadens scientific skills and strengthens a resume for both industry and academic paths.
Learning outcomes. Students will be able to:
(Reasoning)
• Correctly draw evidence-based conclusions from scientific literature and data, applying creativity in problem-solving.
• Critically analyze scientific theories, experiments, and contemporary toxicological issues.
(Knowledge)
• Demonstrate understanding of toxicological principles and the societal role of toxicology in risk analysis and communication.
• Explain the development of biological effects within environmental and public health contexts.
(Practical Skills)
• Apply broad scientific and toxicological concepts to analyze real-world exposures
• Evaluate ethical, well-designed toxicological experiments based on appropriate methods and quality assurance practices.
(Communication)
• Communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Present evidence-based arguments and critically engage with scientific literature.
Credits. 20-22 cr.
Intended Audience and Admission. The intended audience for this minor will be students who have completed their first year of biology and chemistry courses: BIO 101 + BIO 102 (or BIO 103), BIO 104 and CHE 101 + CHE 102 (or CHE 103), CHE 104. See Minor Coordinator for admissions permission.
Minor coordinator. Prof. Shu-Yuan (Demi) Cheng, Department of Sciences (646-557-4637, shcheng@jjay.cuny.edu)
Requirements. All students take four required courses with a choice of two electives. A maximum of two courses can overlap with a student’s major, other minors or programs. At least 50% of the minor must be taken in residency at John Jay College.
Part One. Required Courses
Required
| CHE 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE 202 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| | |
| BIO 355 | Human Physiology | 3 |
| OR | |
| BIO 375 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4 |
| | |
| TOX 313 | Toxicology of Environmental and Industrial Agents | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 14-15
Part Two. Elective Courses
Select two.
| TOX 336 | Principles of Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| TOX 338 | Cellular and Molecular Toxicology | 4 |
| TOX 340 | Clinical Toxicology | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 6-7
Total Credit Hours: 20-22