Pharmacology and Toxicology

The pharmacology and toxicology field is part of the larger biomedical industry, which is growing rapidly and offers many opportunities for medical scientists. From the pharmacologist's discovery of new medications in the fight against disease to the toxicologist's advancement of public health through the uncovering of environmental toxins the betterment of mankind is the ultimate goal. Read on to learn more about this field of study.

Inside Pharmacology and Toxicology

Pharmacology and toxicology are related disciplines in the field of biomedical science. Pharmacology is the study of the positive effects that drugs have on living organisms to help in the treatment of disease, while toxicology is the study of the negative effects that chemicals have on living organisms, the knowledge of which assists in the advancement of environmental health.

For the student interested in entering the field of pharmacology and toxicology, a Bachelor of Science degree is typically the minimum requirement for pharmaceutical manufacturing careers. However, most people working in research and development in the biomedical science field are required to have advanced degrees. Those who work with human subjects administering medications and experimental therapies require a medical degree. Medical scientists often hold both a doctoral degree in a biological science and a medical degree.

A bachelor's degree in any of the biological sciences, such as genetics or biochemistry, is a common starting point and would include classes such as math, biology, chemistry and physics. The student pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacology and Toxicology can expect to take classes in cardiovascular and renal pharmacology, endocrine and metabolic pharmacology, neuropharmacology, scientific writing, immunology, pathology and molecular biology.

Many toxicologists find jobs within government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration or the Environmental Protection Agency, where the focus lies in keeping the public protected against unsafe chemicals. Pharmacologists are generally involved in drug research and development, assisting in the discovery of new medications to advance the cures for diseases. Those with doctoral degrees often teach in universities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the medical science field was expected to grow as much as 40 percent from 2008-2018, much faster than the average for all occupations, with the best opportunities for those with a Ph.D. or medical degree. The BLS reported that in May 2010, the annual median wage for medical scientists was $76,700 (www.bls.gov).

Learn More About Pharmacology and Toxicology

Are you scientifically oriented? Do you want to help fight disease or protect the public from dangerous environmental toxins? Perhaps a degree leading to a career as a medical scientist is the path for you. Learn more about this career choice from Education-Portal.com.

Degree Options

A Bachelor of Science is a good starting point for the student who wishes to pursue a career as a medical scientist. However, an advanced degree will be necessary for a job in research in the toxicology and pharmacology field.

Career Options

Does a job with the Environmental Protection Agency or Food and Drug Administration helping to protect the public sound like a good match for you? Perhaps your interests lie in the research and development of new life-saving medications. Education-Portal.com has information that can help you make a career decision.

Distance Learning Options

Perhaps you're interested in getting started in this field of study, but don't have time to get to campus. Online courses are a great way to go. Take a look at some of the offerings that will help get you closer to a career in the pharmacology and toxicology field.

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