Tags
EES, S
Admissions requirements
Environmental Science
Biostatistics or Quantitative Research Methods
Description
This course will provide students with a theoretical and applied approach to the science of environmental toxicology. The first part of the lecture series will focus on basic principles of ecotoxicology, such as i) uptake, bioaccumulation and elimination of contaminants, ii) different testing methods, and iii) responses that can be observed in organisms. In the second part of the course we will focus on existing and emerging areas of ecotoxicology (pesticides, POP’s, pharmaceuticals), including in-depth case studies.
As part of the course there will be several hands-on labs planned. During these labs students will apply the tools and procedures discussed in class to further understand toxicant fate and effects in ecosystems. In addition, there will be a risk assessment assignment, in which field (e.g., community level environmental “effects” monitoring) and laboratory (e.g., LC50 tests) methods for understanding contaminant fates and effects will be examined.
Course objectives
Content:
Students can define and discus important principles in ecotoxicology, such as i) uptake, bioaccumulation and elimination of contaminants, ii) different testing methods, and iii) responses that can be observed in organisms.
Students can list and discuss existing and emerging areas of ecotoxicology (pesticides, POP’s, pharmaceuticals), including in-depth case studies.
Skills:
Students can design a study and defend their chosen approach;
Students are able to analyze and criticize (both by positive and constructive feedback) the study design used within the scientific literature or by their peers;
Students are able to analyze the results of their study using the scientific skills discussed above;
Students can write a report in a scientific format, which includes an abstract, introduction, methods section, results section and discussion section;
Timetable
Once available, timetables will be published here.
Mode of instruction
The main mode of instruction will center around lectures and labs. In addition, students are required to complete individual and group assignments. To facilitate completion of these assignments, there will be some time set aside during lectures to discuss and work on assignments (the remainder of the work is conducted outside class hours).
MAKE SURE TO BRING A NOTEBOOK AND A PEN TO CLASS!
Attendance is compulsory for students.
Assessment
Assessment will occur through two exams, one individual assignment (lab report), and a group assignment (review on a topic). In addition, participation in class will determine part of the final grade.
Individual Assignment: 30%
Group Assignment: 30%
Course Participation: 10%
Final Exam: 30%
Exam: The exam will consist of a combination of multiple choice, short-answer and essay questions.
Individual assignments: You will conduct a risk analyses, and write a summary report on your findings.
Group report and presentation: This group project consists of a lab component in which data is collected, a data-analysis, a written report, and a group presentation/discussion in class.
Course participation: You will be assessed throughout the block on your class participation.
Blackboard
There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.
Reading list
TBA
Registration
This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Thijs Bosker, t.bosker@luc.leidenuniv.nl