Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology

Education facts

Code: ES2615

Ecotoxicology studies the effects of chemicals on non-human organisms (animals, plants, microorganisms) within an ecosystem. The course teaches the fundamentals of ecotoxicology as a scientific discipline, providing knowledge concerning environmental chemicals, methods to study the nature and extent of environmental pollution, and the fundamental techniques necessary to quantify toxic effects on biological systems of various levels of complexity (individuals, populations and ecological communities). Ecotoxicology also provides the fundamental scientific basis for ecological risk assessments and the course will therefore also connect to the corresponding regulatory frameworks. Finally, the course will highlight and discuss the role of ecotoxicology within the wider context of neighboring scientific disciplines (e.g. human toxicology, environmental law). The course contains a small laboratory part, which focusses on describing the ecotoxicity of a selected set of compounds in a bioassay, with particular emphasis on experimental strategies, experimental design and data evaluation. In total, course consists of four subparts: Lectures, which are not compulsory, but whose content will provide the basis for the following quizzes, seminars, exercises and the final exam.<br> Compulsory elements, in the form of quizzes and computer exercises. Students that do not take part in compulsory elements of the course are required to submit written summaries of the content of these moments to pass the course.<br> A compulsory laboratory part. Active participation, the preparation of a written report and an oral presentation (group task) is required.<br> Final individual exam on the content of 1) and 2), in written form (hall exam).

Entry requirements

120 credits out of which at least 60 credits have to be completed in environmental science-natural science, chemistry or biology. Students with equivalent education can be allowed to enter the course. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology

  University of Gothenburg

  GÖTEBORG

  Start date: 31 August 2026

  End date: 30 September 2026

  Pace of study: 100 %