2 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
Exposure to chemicals happens every day in human life through the living environment and diet; yet the health impact and toxicological consequences of these exposures are often unknown to general populations. This 300-level course examines basic concepts of toxicology in human health as they apply to the exposure of environmental agents, e.g., chemicals, metals, and poisons in daily life and attempted poisoning in criminal cases and political assassins. With an emphasis on historical accounts of poisonings and case analyses, the course describes commonly encountered chemicals and poisons, their symptoms, clinical diagnosis, basic toxicological mechanisms, and medical interventions. Students will also learn some of the large-scale environmental and occupational incidents that have led to legal actions, and the role of toxicology in forensic investigation of purposed poisoning. The course is ideal to students who are inspired to become a future healthcare professional in any of the health-oriented pre-professional programs or students with majors in biomedical health sciences, environmental and occupational health sciences, medical laboratory science, and/or public health.
Learning Outcomes1Define the concepts of poisoning, forensics, and toxicology.
2Describe the dose-response relationship and routes of exposure for common chemicals.
3Discuss common poisons from a historical perspective.
4Explain signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments related to typical poisons.
5Illustrate basic biological mechanisms leading to adverse health outcomes.
6Understand professions and duties involved in the field of clinical toxicology.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
GPA by professor
made by Purdue students.