Learning outcome

After completed the course, the students should have the following qualification regarding knowledge, skill and general competence:

• Be in the forefront of where and how environmental pollutions are spread /distributed in the nature, and negative consequences for the ecosystem and living organisms, including man.
• Skill about chemical properties of pollutants, analytical methods and theories in order to interpret the fate of environmental pollutants in nature, i.e. distribution/circulation, metabolism and accumulation along food webs.
• Be able to carry out research within ecotoxicology other than what directly incorporated in the required reading. Furthermore, the students should be able to handle complex research projects, as well as be able to evaluate relevant ethical implications.

Course Description

The course will cover accumulation, spreading and the break down of foreign matter and natural poisons in nature, and the use of bio-markers to indicate poisons in the environment. Genetic and bio-chemical eco-toxicology will also be covered, as well as diseases and the transmission of disease across species. The course also consider the most important environmental pollutants, especially in relation to the Norwegian environment: various metals, pesticides, radioactive material, oil pollution and combustion products, chlorinated and brominated organic material, acidification and eutrification-related poisons. Toxic effects at an individual level, as well as at a higher organisational level, are also central topics. In the theme-paper, the students should document broad knowledge concerning a current theme within the field of eco-toxicology. In the laboratory course, metal analyses in water and various tissue materials will be carried out in relation to various eco-toxicological problems, as well as PAH exposure in human.

Assessment Methods

Grades will be given for the 2 part-exams. The seminar paper counts for 20% and the written final examination (4 hours) counts for 80% of the final grade. All assessed elements must be passed to pass the course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean