Tag(s)
[BSc], EES, S
Admission Requirements
Environmental Science.
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 discuss 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).
Students can apply the tools and procedures discussed in class to further understand toxicant fate and effects in ecosystems.
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 basic analytical skills;
Students can write a report in a scientific format, which includes an abstract, introduction, methods section, results section and discussion section;
Mode of Instruction
The main mode of instruction will center around lectures and discussions on current topics on environmental sciences. 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).
Literature
No textbook is required; readings will be provided in the syllabus.
Contact Information
Dr.Thijs Bosker, t.bosker@luc.leidenuniv.nl