Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology

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).