701-1312-00L Advanced Ecotoxicology
Semester | Spring Semester 2017 |
Lecturers | R. Eggen, E. Janssen, K. Schirmer, M. Suter |
Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
Language of instruction | English |
Courses
Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
701-1312-00 V | Advanced Ecotoxicology | 2 hrs |
| R. Eggen, E. Janssen, K. Schirmer, M. Suter |
Catalogue data
Abstract | This course will take up the principles of environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology from the bachelor courses and deepen the understanding on selected topics. Linkages will be made between i) bioavailability and effects, ii) structures of compounds and modes of toxic action, iii) effects over various biological levels, moderated by environmental factors, iv) chemical and biological assessments |
Objective | - Understanding the key processes involved in fate, behavior and the bioaccumulation of (mainly) organic contaminants - Overview on and understanding of mechanisms of toxicity - linking structures and characteristics of compounds with effects - processes in hazard assessment and risk assessment - get insight in integrative approaches in ecotoxicology |
Content | Units 1-3: Fate of contaminants, dynamic interactions with the (a)biotic environment, toxikokinetics - physico-chemical properties - partitioning processes in environmental compartments - partitioning to biota - bioavailability and bioaccumulation concepts - partitioning in biota Units 4-6: Toxicodynamics (effect of contaminants on biota) - internal concentrations; dose-response concept - molecular mechanisms of toxic actions - classification - Exercise: databases and estimation of toxicity Unit 7-10: Toxic effects: from molecular to ecosystems - complex mechanisms and feedback loops - mixtures and multiple stressors - stress- and adaptive responses - dynamic exposures - confounding factors, food web interactions - Exercise: linking compounds with modes of toxic action Unit 11: metal ecotoxicology Unit 12-14: integrative approaches and case studies - bioassays, -omics, systems ecotoxicology, phenotypic anchoring - in vivo versus in vitro biotesting - linking chemical with biological analytics - bioassay-directed fractionation and identification - (inter) national case studies and linkage of learned with approaches in practice |
Lecture notes | Parts of scripts will be distributed, otherwise copies of overheads and selected publications |
Literature | R.P. Schwarzenbach, P.M. Gschwend, D.M. Imboden, Environmental Organic Chemistry, third edition, Wiley, 2005 C.J. van Leeuwen, J.L.M. Hermens (Editoren), Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction, Kluwer, 1995 Principles of ecotoxicology, CH Walker, RM Sibly, SP Hopkin, DB Peakall, fourth edition, CRC Press, 2012 |
Prerequisites / Notice | Required: 1. Basics in environmental chemistry 2. Basics in environmental toxicology |
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
ECTS credits | 3 credits |
Examiners | R. Eggen, E. Janssen, K. Schirmer, M. Suter |
Type | session examination |
Language of examination | English |
Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
Mode of examination | oral 30 minutes |
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. |
Learning materials
No public learning materials available. | |
Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |