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Ecotoxicology – part I

VU Amsterdam
1 week
1.5 ECTS
Tuition fees

Aim of the course

This course offers basic ecotoxicological training for PhD students and scientists from universities and research institutes who in the future will be involved in ecotoxicological research. The course is also suitable for industrial and governmental researchers, managers and policymakers. The basic knowledge offered in this course is essential for all those who are or wish to become involved in the field of hazards posed by environmental contaminants.

This course provides a broad overview of different aspects of ecotoxicology, including environmental chemistry, toxicology, ecology and risk assessment related topics. The course consists of lectures, working classes and practicals. Lectures will generally be held in the mornings. Experimental work, video training, working lectures and study visits will take place in the afternoons, to provide examples and practical understanding of the theory. The course is divided into two parts of one week each.

The first week (part 1) deals with issues determining exposure. Focus will be on environmental chemistry, including the fate of chemicals in the environment and uptake in organisms.
Specific subjects are:
• Fate of chemicals in the environment
• Sorption and (bio)degradation of organic chemicals
• Speciation of metals in soil and water
• Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of persistent chemicals
• Structure-activity relationships

On successful completion of the course, participants should:

Environmental exposure (week 1)
• know the main factors determining exposure of organisms (including man) to environmental contaminants;
• have insight in the main factors of importance for the fate and distribution of chemicals in the environment;
• know the main factors determining the uptake of chemicals in organisms;
• have insight in the methods used in ecotoxicology to assess the bioaccumulation potential of chemicals in organisms and food chains;

Coordinator: Maria Margalef Jornet

Examination
Participants will give oral presentations on specific assignments, which will be discussed by the group. The course is concluded with a written exam.

Information
Usually both Ecotoxicology courses (part I and II) are taken together. However, it is possible to follow the courses separately, e.g. when experience already exists on one of the courses.

Please note that the course can be cancelled up to one month before its starting date, when the number of applications is below the minimum required. For general inquiries please contact the PET Office.

Ecotoxicology - part II
Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology