The aim of this course is to give the students an introduction to environmental science and ecotoxicology, and to contribute to the student's knowledge about how pollutant chemicals released in nature may cause adverse effects in organsisms, populations and ecosystems. Both terrestrial and aquatic issues are addressed in the course, although the main focus will be on aquatic environments.
Contents
Tematically the coulse include the following elements:
- Classification of pollutant chemicals and different kinds of pollution.
- Major sources of pollution from industries and the society.
- Pollution issues related to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
- Environmental behaviour and fate of pollutant chemicals
- Uptake and distribution of pollutants in organisms
- Biological effects of pollutant chemicals in individual organisms and populations
- Standardised methods for assessment of chemical toxicity
- Methods used in environmental monitoring and environmental risk assessment
- Environmental regulation of chemicals
- Environmental issues in offshore oil and gas industry
- Ecotoxicology in the Arctic environment
- Climatic issues and ocean acidification issues
- Emerging environmental pollutants
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that the students prior to this course have a basic competence level within general chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology and biochemistry.
Learning outcomes
The main learning outcome for the student shall be a general knowledge in the essentials of environmental science and an ability to explain the main aspects related to various forms of anthropogenic pollutant chemicals and their potential adverse effects in nature. After taking the course the student shall also have a good overview about the most important methods and study approaches used in studies and research of environmental pollutant chemicals.
Files/Documents
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