Graduate Calendar Archives: 2004 / 2005

Ottawa-Carleton Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology

Note: this (Web) version reflects changes that have been made since the publication of the print edition. For a summary of the changes, see the Updates page.

Room 2240 Herzberg Building
Telephone: (613) 520-3515
Fax: (613) 520-5613

The Program

Coordinator: Jules Blais
Department of Biology, University of Ottawa

Associate Coordinator: William Willmore
Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University

Toxicology is the study of effects of toxic substances on living systems. These toxic substances can either be organic or inorganic, synthetic or natural materials. As a field of research, it crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries such as chemistry, biology, and the environmental sciences. Environmental toxicology further extends to aspects of chemical transport, fate, persistence and biological accumulation of toxic substances and their effects at the population and community levels. While individual researchers usually specialize in a particular area, toxicologists today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines. To meet this challenge the University of Ottawa and Carleton University offer a Collaborative Program in the supporting Institutes leading to a Master of Science degree with Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology.

The Ottawa-Carleton Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology (OCCET) is intended to augment the research and training available to students through the individual supporting Institutes. This is done by encouraging students to integrate the knowledge and skills of their different disciplines, including animal and plant physiology, biochemistry, endocrinology, inorganic and organic chemistry, geochemistry, earth sciences and several fields of environmental science into a comprehensive ability to assess toxicological risks.

Supporting Institutes

The primary degree granting units are:

1. The Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, the joint graduate program of the departments of Biology at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
2. The Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Chemistry, the joint graduate program of the departments of Chemistry at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
3. The Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, the joint graduate program of the de partments of Earth Sciences at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

The Collaborative Program is managed by a committee of made up of representatives from the various participating units. A Coordinator and Associate Coordinator administer the program.

Members of the Collaborative Program

• Arnason, J.T., Ph.D., Plant secondary chemicals, plant-insect Interactions, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Bawagan, A.D.O., Ph.D., Physical chemistry, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University
• Blais, J., Ph.D., Environmental toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology
• Boutin, C.., Ph.D., Environmental toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, Carleton University (Adjunct)
• Burk, R., Ph.D., Environmental analytical chemistry, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University
• Chakrabarti, C.L., Ph.D.,D.Sc., Environmental toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University (Distinguished Research Professor)
• Charest, C., Ph.D., Plant eco-physiology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Clark, I., Ph.D., Hydrogeology, isotopes and aqueous geochemistry, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa
• Findlay, C.S., Ph.D., Modeling of toxicant transport, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Fortin, D., Ph.D., Biogeochemistry of metals, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa
• Hollebone, B.R., Ph.D., Chemical toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University
• Kaplan, H., Ph.D., Protein chemistry and enzymology, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University
• Kennedy, S.W., Ph.D., Environmental toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa (Adjunct)
• Lai, E.P.C., Ph.D., Analytical chemistry, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University
• Lambert, I.B., Ph.D., Genetic toxicology, biochemistry, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, Carleton University
• Lean, D.R.S., Ph.D., NSERC Industrial Chair in Ecotoxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Martin, C., Ph.D., Epigenetics of toxins, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Mayer, P., Ph.D., Physical chemistry, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, University of Ottawa
• Michel, F.A. Ph.D., Isotope and geochemical studies of groundwater and permafrost, Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University
• Miller, J.D., Ph.D., Environmental toxicology of natural toxins, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University
• Mineau, P., Ph.D., Wildlife and pesticide toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, Carleton University (Adjunct)
• Mitchel, R.E.J., Ph.D., Radiation toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa (Adjunct)
• Moon, T.W., Ph.D., Comparative physiology, biochemistry, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Philogene, B.J.R., Ph.D., Insect physiology, chemical ecology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Pick, F.R., Ph.D., Aquatic sciences, microbial ecology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Robin, M.J.L., Ph.D., Hydrogeology, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa
• Scaiano, J.C., Ph.D., Physical organic chemistry, photochemistry, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, University of Ottawa
• Scott, S.L., Ph.D., Surface chemistry, kinetics, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, University of Ottawa
• Trudeau, V.L., Ph.D., Physiology and toxicology of reproduction, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• White, P., Ph.D., Genotoxicity, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa
• Wigfield, D.C., Ph.D., Chemical toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Chemistry Institute, Carleton University
• Willmore, W.G. Ph.D., Biochemical toxicology, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, Carleton University

Master's Program

Application to the Program

Applications should be directed to the primary participating unit that is the most appropriate to the student's research interests. Once accepted and registered in one of the Institutes, students must be sponsored into the Collaborative Prog ram in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology by a faculty member involved in the program. This will normally be the student's supervisor.

Application forms and further information can be obtained by writing directly to any of the participating institutes or departments or to the program coordinator.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission to the Master's in the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology are as follows:

1. Prior admission to the master's program in one of the supporting Institutes participating in the program.

2. Completion of a relevant introductory course in toxicology, either:

(i) prior to admission to the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology; or (ii) by taking one of the two introductory courses, 'Principles of Toxicology' (BIOL 6402/BIO 9101 - CHEM 5708/CHM 8156) or 'Ecotoxicology' (BIOL 6403/BIO 9104 - CHEM 5705/CHM 9109), while registered in the Collaborative Program.
If the student wishes to be exempted from any introductory toxicology courses, it is student's responsibility to provide justification. The suitability of any introductory toxicology courses as a prerequisite for the Collaborative Program will be decided by the executive Program Committee of the Program.

3. A letter of recommendation from the participating faculty member of the collaborative program, which both recommends admission and indicates the willingness of the faculty member to supervise the candidate's research program in Chemical and/or Environmental Toxicology.

Degree Requirements

The student is responsible for fulfilling both the Institute and departmental requirements for the Master's degree, and the requirements of the Collaborative Program.

The minimum requirements of the Collaborative Program are as follows:

1. All courses required by the primary program and approved by the Collaborative Program. If an introductory course (either Principles of Toxicology ((BIOL 6402/BIO 9101/CHEM 5708/CHM 8156/ TOXI 5708[0.5 credit](TOX 8156)) or Ecotoxicology (BIOL 6403/BIO 9104/CHEM 5705/CHM 9109/ TOXI 6403 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9104)), or an approved alternative) has not been completed prior to admission, it must be included among these courses.
2. The Seminar in Toxicology (BIOL 6405/BIO 9105 - CHEM 5805/CHM 8167/ TOXI 6405 [0.5 credit](TOX 9105))*.

   * If the student completed this course for the master’s specialization, this requirement does not apply.

In addition, students may be directed by their Institute Committee or Advisory Committee to take or audit further courses to complement their background and research program. A list of approved electives is provided under "Graduate Courses".

Thesis Requirement

A research thesis on a topic in toxicology supervised by a faculty member of the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology.

Doctor of Philosophy

Application to the Program

Applications should be directed to the primary participating unit that is the most appropriate to the student's research interests. Once accepted and registered in one of the Institutes, students must be sponsored into the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology by a faculty member involved in the program. This will normally be the student's thesis supervisor.

Application forms and further information can be obtained by writing directly to any of the participating Institutes or Departments or to the program Coordinator.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission to the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology at the Ph.D. level are as follows:

1. Prior admission to the Ph.D. program in one of the supporting Institutes
   participating in the program.
2. Completion of a relevant introductory course in toxicology, either
   1. prior to admission to the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental toxicology;
      or
   2. by taking one of the two introductory courses, Principles of Toxicology (BIOL 6402/BIO 9101/CHEM 5708/CHM 8156/ TOXI 5708 [0.5 credit] (TOX 8156)) or Ecotoxicology BIOL 6403/BIO 9104/CHEM 5705/CHM 9109/ TOXI 6403 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9104), while registered in the Collaborative Program.

   If the student wishes to be exempted from any introductory toxicology courses, it is the student's responsibility to provide justification. The suitability of any introductory toxicology courses as a prerequisite for the Collaborative Program will be decided by the Program Committee of the Program.

3. A letter of recommendation from a participating faculty member who is a member of the
   Collaborative Program, which both recommends admission and indicates the willingness of the professor to supervise the candidate's research program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology.

Degree Requirements

Students are responsible for fulfilling both the Institute and Departmental requirements for the Ph.D. degree, and the requirements of the Collaborative Program.

The requirements of the Collaborative Program are as follows:

1. All courses required by the primary program and approved by the Collaborative Program. If an introductory course (either Principles of Toxicology ((BIOL 6402/BIO 9101/CHEM 5708/CHM 8156/ TOXI 5708 [0.5 credit] (TOX 8156)) or Ecotoxicology (BIOL 6403/BIO 9104/CHEM 5705/CHM 9109/ TOXI 6403 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9104)), or an approved alternative) has not been completed prior to admission, it must be included among these courses.
2. The Seminar in Toxicology (BIOL 6405/BIO 9105 - CHEM 5805/CHM 8167/
   TOXI 6405 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9105)).*

   *If the student completed this course for the master’s specialization, this requirement does not apply.

In addition, students may be directed by their Institute Committee or Advisory Committee to take or audit further courses to complement their background and research program. A list of approved electives is provided under "Graduate Courses".

Thesis Requirements

A research thesis on a topic in toxicology supervised by a faculty member of the Collaborative Program in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology.

Graduate Courses

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for 2004-2005 and to determine the term of offering, consult the Registration Instructions and Class Schedule booklet, published in the summer and also available online at www.carleton.ca/cu/programs/sched_dates/

Course codes refer to listings of the supporting Institutes. The credit weight is listed immediately after the course title. A 0.5 credit course at Carleton University is equivalent to a 3 credit course at the University of Ottawa. In instances where two credit values are listed, the value at Carleton is first.

Codes listed for the courses below represent the Department offering the course as well as a special program code (TOXI/TOX). Carleton University uses four-letter codes (BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, TOXI) whereas the University of Ottawa uses three-letter codes (BIO, CHM, GEO, TOX). Students will use the code at the University where they are registered.

BIOL 6402 [0.5 credit] (formerly 61.642) (BIO 9101)

CHEM 5708 [0.5 credit] (formerly 65.578) (CHM 8156)

TOXI 5708 [0.5 credit] TOX 8156)

Principles of Toxicology

The basic theorems of toxicology with examples of current research problems. Concepts of exposure, hazard and risk assessment will be defined and illustrated with experimental material from some of the more dynamic areas of research.

 

BIOL 6403 [0.5 credit] (formerly 61.643) (BIO 9104)

CHEM 5705 [0.5 credit) (formerly 65.575)(CHM 9109)

TOXI 6403 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9104)

Ecotoxicology

Selected topics and advances in ecotoxicology with emphasis on the biological effects of contaminants, such as the potential for biotic perturbance resulting from chronic and acute exposure of ecosystems to selected toxicants, the methods of pesticide, herbicide and pollutant residue analysis and the concept of bound residues.

 

BIOL 6405 [0.5 credit] (formerly 61.645) (BIO 9105)

CHEM 5805 [0.5 credit] (formerly 65.585) (CHM 8167)

TOXI 6405 [0.5 credit] (TOX 9105)

Seminar in Toxicology

Current topics in toxicology are highlighted, with presentations by students, faculty and invited speakers. Students will present a seminar and submit a report on the topic.

 

BIOL 5709 [0.5 credit] (formerly 61.579) ( BIO 8113)

CHEM 5709 [0.5 credit](formerly 65.579) (CHM 8157)

TOXI 5709 [0.5 credit] (TOX 8157)

Chemical Toxicology

Overview of empirical data relating to the toxicity of various classes of chemicals for test organisms, followed by study of toxicity at the cellular level, including studies of interactions between toxic substances and enzymatic systems.