Ecotoxicology Field of study: Environmental Protection
Programme code: W2-S2OS19.2020

Module name: Ecotoxicology
Module code: 2OS_17
Programme code: W2-S2OS19.2020
Semester: summer semester 2020/2021
Language of instruction: depending on the choice
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 4
Description:
The aim of the module is to achieve the knowledge concerning the fate and irreversible effects caused by different chemical substances in ecosystems, preparation of experimental models, their realisation, analysis and finally presentation of the results. It also important to obtain ability to understand the interrelations between biotic and abiotic factors under chemical stressors impact. Lectures present basic ecotoxicological sections In respect to methodology of scientific research in toxicology, environmental chemistry and ecology. They contain: knowledge related to interrelation of toxic substances in aspect of biochemical, physiological and morphological changes in organisms (on the example of metals and pesticides); effects of toxic substances on different levels of biological organisation from subcellular to ecosystem; analyses of simple or complex systems of relations between natural physicochemical factors and toxic substances, roles of ecotoxicological studies in environmental risk assessment on the base of case studies. Exercises learn students methods of assessment of effects toxic substances on organisms from different ecosystems and to achieve practical skills how to examine effects of the toxic substances on the base of set of biotests and biomarkers used in ecotoxicology, proceed statistical analysis of the data and preparation of the final report. Students learn how to use applicable in ecotoxicology units. Self-study – with manuals, original manuscripts, statistical and other applicable programs , internet sources, to prepare to exercises or to perform the final results.
Prerequisites:
Recommended: knowledge and abilities in: describing biochemical changes, technics and analytical methods used in environmental protection, basis of different biological disciplines: zoology, botanic, ecology and skills in using basic statistical methods.
Key reading:
as obligatory literature in syllabus
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
Interprets and understands interrelations between environmental chemistry, toxicology and ecology in aspects of environmental stressors action and basic scientific methods of these disciplines, which are used in ecotoxicology, in this respects related to identifications of the threats and risk assessment [2OS_17_1]
 2OS_W01_P [5/5] 2OS_W03_P [5/5] 2OS_W05_P [5/5] 2OS_W06_P [5/5]
Describes and classifies interrelations between toxic substances action on the different levels of biological organisation systems [2OS_17_2]
 2OS_W01_P [4/5]
Uses adequate ecotoxicological biotests and bioindicators methods and describes properly interrelations between toxic substances and response of organism, population, ecosystem. Uses good laboratory practice principles. [2OS_17_3]
 2OS_U02_P [5/5]
Performs experiments and acute or chronic tests of chemical substances contamination for varied representatives of organisms and is able to uses adequate apparatus and technics, which enable properly prepare the results and present them officially. [2OS_17_4]
 2OS_U01_P [4/5] 2OS_U02_P [4/5]
Uses acquired knowledge from ecotoxicology on the base of varied scientific sources, also internet, in the process of self-study and in process of raising awareness of environmental safety and ecological education. [2OS_17_5]
 2OS_K01_P [4/5] 2OS_K02_P [4/5] 2OS_K03_P [4/5]
Type Description Codes of the learning outcomes of the module to which assessment is related
continuous assessment of knowledge, activity and practical skills; partial tests [2OS_17_w_1]
Continuous evaluation of students during exercises, referred to appropriate student self-study preparation and abilities of knowledge presentation, discussion and drawing conclusions.
 2OS_17_1 2OS_17_3 2OS_17_4 2OS_17_5
reports on the performed experiments and ecotoxicological tests [2OS_17_w_2]
Reports will be based on exercise protocols, measurements an proper statistical analyses and finished with adequate conclusions and lead to presentation and defence of presented in the report thesis.
 2OS_17_3 2OS_17_4 2OS_17_5
final test [2OS_17_w_3]
Evaluation of the knowledge presented during lectures, self-study activity and practical part of exercises lead to final score
 2OS_17_1 2OS_17_2
Form of teaching Student's own work Assessment of the learning outcomes
Type Description (including teaching methods) Number of hours Description Number of hours
lecture [2OS_17_fs_1]
Lecture on selected issues in the form of a multimedia presentation, using Internet resources
 10
Self-assimilation of knowledge. Work with the basic literature recommended in the syllabus, including supplementary literature (pdf files, reports; websites.)
 15 final test [2OS_17_w_3]
laboratory classes [2OS_17_fs_2]
Performing under the supervision of the person conducting experiments, bio tests, measurements and observations, statistical treatment of results; discussing and documenting the results of own or group tasks together with conclusions and presenting the conclusions to other working groups.
 30
Theoretical preparation for conducting laboratory experiments in a small working group or individually, based on recommended literature and online sources, or instructions. Preparation of reports on experiments and bio-tests using literature data to compare own results.
 30 continuous assessment of knowledge, activity and practical skills; partial tests [2OS_17_w_1] reports on the performed experiments and ecotoxicological tests [2OS_17_w_2] final test [2OS_17_w_3]
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)