Selected Topics in Environmental Toxicology

Level of Study

The course fits for master and ph.d. students.

Teaching semester

Autumn or spring (irregular).

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 2/33 for the spring/autumn semester. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on Mitt UiB.

Objectives and Content

The course aims to give in-depth knowledge about current topics in toxicology and environmental/eco-toxicological research. Topics may vary from studies of mechanisms to studies of dispersion and ecological effects of pollutants, including oil pollution, pharmaceuticals and microplastics. Theory and relevant methods will both be reviewed. The curriculum will be selected from relevant literature, in the form of book chapters and scientific articles, that will be discussed in seminars presented by students and tutors.

Read about BIO316 students investigating microplastics at Marineholmen campus!

Learning Outcomes

Having completed this course, the student will have in-depth knowledge about current topics in toxicology, ecotoxicology, and environmental toxicology, for example legacy and emerging contaminants, mechanisms of action of contaminants, plastic pollution etc. The student will be familiar with the most recent research in the field, and will have developed an insight in concepts and methods that will make the student able to critically assess new results in the field.

Required Previous Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology or equivalent. BIO216 or other introductory course in toxicology.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology or equivalent. BIO216 or other introductory course in toxicology.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

None

Teaching and learning methods

The course consists of seminars with group works, project assignments with presentation, and a student workshop linked to a special topic.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Participation in all activities in the course is mandatory.

Forms of Assessment

Assessment is based on participation in seminars and workshop, and presentation og project assignments.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is pass/fail.

Reading List

The literature includes scientific articles and book chapters with updated and relevant background for understanding and discussion. The literature list will be ready by December 1 for the spring term.

Course Evaluation

Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find courseevaluations in the Quality Assurance Reports.

Programme Committee

The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.

Course Administrator

Department of biological sciences