Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011

The course provides students with an introduction to the field of ecotoxicology: the study of the fate and effects of contaminants in ecosystems. Students will gain knowledge of the principles and current theoretical issues within the field. The course models the process of conducting collaborative scientific research in the field of ecotoxicology from hypothesis formulation, to design, sampling, analysis and dissemination of findings through a variety of scientific contexts. As such, the course provides students with an understanding of experimental design and analysis, designing and performing ecotoxicological research, and the skills of presenting findings in both written and oral scientific settings.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory Health and Safety requirement. Students will receive full information on this compulsory component in the course outline provided by the school.

Objectives On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Navigate and synthesise the scientific literature to gain a detailed knowledge of the sub-discipline area of ecotoxicology;
2. Apply knowledge of ecotoxicological theory to new environmental situations;
3. Interpret, summarise, validate and critique ecotoxicological data from the scientific literature;
4. Collect and analyse field and/or laboratory data.
5. Interpret and analyse statistical data;
6. Make informed management decisions based on data;
7. Work as part of a team to design, plan, carry out, analyse and report the findings of an experiment in ecotoxicology;
8. Communicate findings to a scientific audience in both written and oral formats.
Content * Contaminants and their fate in ecosystems
Major classes of contaminants
Routes by which contaminants enter ecosystems
* Environmental fate of contaminants in individuals and ecosystems
* The effects of contaminants on individual organisms
Toxicity testing
Biochemical and molecular effects of contaminants
Physiological, organ level, individual and behavioural effects of contaminants
Interactive effects of contaminants
Biomonitors
* Biomarkers
* Effects of contaminants on populations and communities
Population level effects and population dynamics
Evolutionary responses to environmental stressors
Community and ecosystem level effects
Experimental design and data analysis
* Ecological risk assessment and environmental management
* Bioremediation
Replacing Course(s) BIOL3350 Ecological Research
Transition Not to count with credit for BIOL3350.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge STAT1070; BIOL1002
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Field Study
Lecture
Laboratory
Student Projects
Assessment Items
Examination: Formal
Presentations - Individual
Reports Individual scientific paper - draft and final.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Student Projects: for 36 hour(s) per Term for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ENVS3004