Master's Programme in Toxicology

The Master's Programme in Toxicology gives students in-depth knowledge of the broad and interdisciplinary toxicological field. The programme focuses on human health and prepares students for either a research or professional career and provides a solid platform for doctoral education in toxicology-related fields or employment in risk/safety assessment-related areas in the public sector or in industry.

The programme fulfils all the course requirements for the European Register of Toxicologists (ERT).

The Master's Programme in Toxicology is unique in its two-year cohesive education in the broad and inter-disciplinary area of toxicology, where interactions between chemicals and the human body are in focus.   The programme covers principles and applications in toxicology and risk/safety assessment for a broad range of chemicals - pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cosmetics, environmental contaminants, occupational exposures etc. Students learn how to contribute to a sustainable future in the chemical safety area.   Students will benefit from the close connection to high-quality research and risk assessment work within the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM). The programme also collaborates with pharmaceutical and chemical industries, national authorities, as well as with KI doctoral courses and researchers at other departments both within and outside KI. The programme regularly visits the European Commission Joint Research Centre and especially their laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL-ECVAM).

The first semester is focused on the mechanisms and effects from interactions of cells and tissue with chemicals and drugs, while the second semester highlights methods and concepts for studying toxic effects and assessing health risks. The third semester puts everything into the context of policy, ethics, and society, and with a global sustainability perspective. Students can choose a track for in-depth studies in "Molecular and cellular toxicology" or "Risk assessment and in silico toxicology".   The master's thesis project is based on the interest of each student and may be a laboratory-based project with direct or indirect relevance to toxicology, or a literature-based project in the risk assessment area. Students find their project at KI, other universities in Sweden or abroad, at authorities or companies.   The programme strives to teach the latest developments from science, methodology and chemical regulations, such as Adverse Outcome Pathways, non-animal methods and the European strategy for Endocrine Disruptors.   The programme also puts a special emphasis on group dynamics and development, as well as giving the students opportunities to develop their own networks and prepare for their future careers.