Syllabus for Ecotoxicology

Learning outcomes

The main objective of the course is to give the students knowledge and skills that allow an overall assessment of the fate of foreign chemicals in the environment and of their effects on different biological organisational levels. To that end, the conceptual framework introduced during the course in toxicology will be further developed and used.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• describe sourcesand fate of chemicals in the environment
• present and explain negative effects of chemicals on different biological organisational levels
• estimate the risk that adverse effects of a chemical to propagate between different biological organisational levels based on knowledge about the toxicity, degradability, and bioavailability of the chemical
• retrieve and critically evaluate toxicological information from different sources (Internet-based databases, hand books, scientific articles)
• independently carry out, and present orally and in writing , classification and labelling of chemicals dangerous for the environment
• independently carry out, and present orally and in writing, environmental risk assessment of chemicals

Content

Environmental chemistry: This part comprises an overview of different chemical groups of anthropogenic origin present in the environment. Focus will on their sources and fate in the environment.

Effects of anthropogenic chemicals: This part comprises negative effects of chemicals on different biological organisation levels (cell, organ, organism, population, ecosystem) with focus on mechanisms. Experimental and theoretical projects are carried out and the students present the projects orally and in writing.

Hazard assessment: This part comprises retrieval and critical evaluation of toxicological information from different sources (internet-based databases, hand books, scientific articles etc.) for classification and labelling of chemicals. The students perform as an individual project a classification and labelling of chemicals dangerous for the environment according to EU guidelines and present their findings orally and in writing . According to current legislation the chemical industry is responsible for classification and labelling of chemicals.

Environmental risk assessment: This part comprises environmental risk assessment of chemicals. The environmental risk assessments are performed as projects and are presented orally and in writing.

Instruction

The teaching is given as lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, exercises and project work. Active participation in all parts of the project work is compulsory. The course includes integrated communication training.

Assessment

Modules: Theory 8 credits; Project work 7 credits

The theory is examined through written examination. The module project work is examined through written and oral presentations and critical evaluation of other course participants' project reports.