June 3, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR AMY MCMILLAN IN BUFFALO, NY
Hi Marissa, you will need to take all the basic college courses as well as a
full year of introductory chemistry and probably inorganic and organic
chemistry. You would also need to take a basic and an advanced physiology
course. You will probably want to major in biology or chemistry and I would
highly recommend minoring in the one you don't major in. The other courses
you will need will depend on your major and minor - an advisor at the
college you are interested in attending can tell you more clearly what you
will need. I might also add that to be a toxicologist, or any kind of
scientist, it is really valuable to get some practical experience in your
field of interest while you are in college. As you are choosing a school,
choose one where students have opportunities to do research projects with
individual faculty members and pick a school that has faculty interested in
the kinds of things you are interested in. Most schools have great websites
that have information on what faculty do for research. Good luck!