The program in toxicology offers study leading to a Ph.D. degree in the biomedical sciences with specialization in the broad area of toxicology. Program faculty members are drawn from faculty members from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the University of Texas School of Public Health. Opportunities for collaboration exist with NASA, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Houston, Rice University, and with Texas Southern University through an NIH-funded training program. Graduate work consists of research tutorials, core courses in the biomedical sciences, advanced courses in toxicology, and other specialized courses. Under the direction of a faculty preceptor and with the assistance of a faculty supervisory committee, the student is required to carry out independent research leading to original findings in an area related to toxicology and culminating in the Ph.D. thesis. In addition, the program's faculty and students participate in regular seminars, a journal club, and research meetings.

Research opportunities exist to study molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxicity in the respiratory, kidney, liver, reproductive, skin, and immune systems. In addition, study can be conducted in nutritional toxicology, mutagenesis/carcinogenesis, occupational/environmental medicine, cytochrome P-450, toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs, radiation-induced injury, and exposure assessment analysis. Particular strengths of the program are the modern molecular and cellular approaches used in these areas of study in order to understand mechanisms of cell and organ injury using various model systems and an opportunity for interaction with industry.

Modern facilities support research in all areas of molecular and biological science. Libraries, computer facilities, and equipment of the highest quality are employed in research throughout the University of Texas components. The Texas Medical Center complex is one of the world's major centers of medical research and technology. The Medical Center has extensive facilities for patient care and opportunities for interaction with clinical researchers as well as with other biomedical science groups. This provides students with broad exposure to both clinical and biological approaches to research.

Graduate School assistantships are available to first-year Ph.D. students. In 1999-2000, first-year students receive $18,000 per annum. The assistantships require no service other than degree-related academic activities. They also provide all or the majority of the students' medical and dental insurance. After the first year, students are supported by traineeships, research assistantships, and a variety of special fellowships.

Tuition for full-time students (those who are registered for 9 semester hours) is $522 per semester for Texas residents and $2,466 per semester for nonresidents in 1999-2000. Students who are employed on at least a half-time basis by the University as graduate research assistants or who hold certain competitive fellowships are considered state residents for the purpose of tuition assessment.

Houston has a wide selection of living quarters within a convenient distance of the University. Generally, rents for unfurnished one-bedroom apartments begin at $550 per month. Health Science Center housing is available.

The GSBS student body has tripled in size since 1980. In the summer of 1998, 399 students registered, 90% in the Ph.D. program, 9% in the M.S. program, and 1% as non-degree students; 32% are from Texas, 35% from other U.S. states, and 33% from foreign countries; 50% are female and 50% are male. The 1998 entering class included 4 African Americans, 2 American Indian, 2 Hispanics and 12 Asian Americans.

The Texas Medical Center is located approximately 5 miles south of downtown Houston. Houston, one of the nation's largest cities and seaports, is located 50 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. The Houston Symphony, the Houston Ballet, the Houston Grand Opera, the Alley Theatre, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Contemporary Arts Museum are among the many cultural attractions in the area.

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences was established in 1963 by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to provide research training in the basic biomedical sciences. While the School became part of the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center in 1972, the relationship with the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is maintained through participation of its research faculty in the education and training of GSBS students.

The preferred application date for U.S. citizens seeking fall admission is January 15. Applications for the fall, spring, or summer terms must be completed two months prior to the anticipated enrollment date. All credentials from U.S. applicants should be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar.

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit the International Student Application by December 15.

UT Core Courses

• Cell Biology (GS 040013)
• Immunology (GS 060014)
• Histology (GS 120063)
• Cancer Biology (GS 040063)
• Neuroscience (GS 140017)
• Medical Pharmacology I

TSU Core Courses

• Environmental Toxicology (ES 901)
• Environmental Policy and Management (ES 905)

Shared Core Courses

• Biomedical Statistics (GS 010014)
• Toxicology I: Principles of Toxicology (GS 130063)
• Toxicology II: Mechanisms of Toxic Action (ES 902/GS 130083)
• Toxicology III: Cellular & Molecular Toxicology (GS 130093)

Additional Common Courses

• Biochemistry (GS 030014)
• Ethical Dimensions of the Biomedical Sciences (GS 210051)
• Seminar in Toxicology (GS 130721)
• Contemporary Topics in Toxicology (GS 130611)

Elective Specialization Courses

• Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis (GS 130073)
• Respiratory Toxicology (GS 130102)
• Molecular Basis of Gene Action (GS 040023)
• Molecular Basis of Oncogenes (GS 040134)
• Current Topics in Programmed Cell Death (GS 040791)
• Cytokines and the Immune Response (GS 060073)
• Principles in Pathology (GS 120043)
• Reproductive Biology (GS 120083)
• Mechanisms of Hormone Action & Signal Transduction (GS 130024)
• Statistical Aspects of Risk Assessment (PH 1875)
• Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology (PH 2998)
• Analysis of Toxicant (ES 908) and Laboratory (ES 909)
• Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry of Toxic Chemicals (ES 911)
• Neurophysiological Basis of Neurotoxicology (ES 912)
• Advanced Simulation Modeling (ES 913)
• Modeling Laboratory (ES 914)

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