Online
Spring (alternate years, even)
Credit: 3 graduate 
Instructor: Deborah Keil

Course Description

The primary goal of this course is to provide an understanding and knowledge of the mechanisms of toxicity including the role of metabolism in enhancing and reducing toxicity and the effects of toxicants on major organ systems. Students are expected to learn the following fundamental toxicological concepts: major classes of toxicants, absorption, distribution and storage of toxicants, biotransformation and elimination of toxicants, and effects of toxicants on major organ systems. Clinical and environmental agents specific to human health and an introduction to risk assessment of exposure to toxicants will also be discussed.

Meeting Place and Times

Participants log in to the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4 - 6 times per week and spend 8 - 10 hours per week while the course is in session, either online or offline working on course related assignments, to stay current and successfully complete this 3 credit graduate course.

Instructor(s)

Dr. Deborah E. Keil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology and Cell Biology at Montana State University. Her broad licensure in toxicology, chemistry, medical laboratories, and infection control reflects experience grounded in scientific rigor, regulatory fluency, and translational impact. She is a board-certified toxicologist (DABT) with more than 25 years of experience in academic and public health research. 

Her work explores the interface between environmental toxicants and immune function (immunotoxicology). Dr. Keil has examined the toxicological, immunological, and biochemical effects of approximately 25 environmental and pharmaceutical agents, including trichloroethylene, PFAS compounds, ammonium perchlorate, Libby amphibole asbestos, heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, uranium), DEET, JP-8 jet fuel, pyridostigmine bromide, and has evaluated wastewater for selected pharmaceuticals such as opioids, cannabinoids, and drugs of abuse entering nearby surface waters. She has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on more than 30 federally and privately funded research projects through the NIH, EPA, DOD, and state agencies, many leading to translational applications in community health and environmental policy. 

Dr. Keil’s research and teaching emphasize cross-disciplinary inquiry—bridging immunology, toxicology, and environmental health. To complement her scientific and regulatory expertise, she recently earned an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Executive MBA Program, expanding her capacity to integrate science, innovation, and leadership in advancing public and environmental health. 

Prerequisites

CHMY 141, and 143 College Chemistry I and II 
BIOB 160 - General Biology

Target Audience

This course is appropriate for premed, health professional, and environmental science majors.

Time Commitment:

8-10 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Tuition and Fees

See the Online Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid page.

If you are also taking a face-to-face course, please refer to the MSU Fee Schedules.

Required Books/Materials

  • Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology, 4th Ed.
    Authors:  Curtis Klaassen and John Watkins
    Price $60 ebook, $82 Paperback
    ISBN-13;  978-1260452297;  ISBN-10:  1260452298

    Available to purchase or rent online

Computer Requirements:

  • Internet access
  • A device and browser that pass the system check for Brightspace LE, MSU's learning management system

This course uses a learning management system. You will learn more closer to the course start date.

For More Information

Contact Marni Rolston mrolston@montana.edu

406-994-2029

How to Register

You must be accepted as a student to Montana State University to take this course.

Learn how to apply.

After your application has been accepted, you will register via MSU's online registration system, MyInfo.

Registration requires a PIN number. Learn how to find your PIN[BROKEN LINK].

Once you have your PIN, learn how to register through MyInfo.