Contemporary concepts in toxicology: a novel multi-instructor general education course to enhance green chemistry and biomedical curricula

Abstract

An undergraduate course in contemporary toxicology was developed by the Chemistry Department at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with assistance and participation from the Dow Chemical Company Toxicology and Environment Research and Consulting department (DOW-TERC). It was designed as an overview of xenobiotic effects on human health and environment and focuses on new predictive approaches used early in sustainable product development. Planned as a hybrid, administrated by GVSU, with lectures by both GVSU and DOW-TERC scientists, the course included classical elements of dose/response, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and newer advances in predictive toxicology, bioprofiling, databases, and product stewardship. Student performance assessments on a series of scaffolded case study, journaling, and exams, indicated their emerging ability to think critically and to apply their growing toxicology knowledge in solving problems. Opinion surveys indicate students’ positive responsiveness to the multi-instructor format. This course can serve as a model for programs at other institutions.

Keywords

• Toxicology
• education
• green chemistry
• academia-industry collaboration