Aquatic Toxicology

Code:

CMRM23

Acronym:

CMRM23

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Marine Biology and Ecology

Instance: 2015/2016 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Microscopy
Course/CS Responsible:	Master Degree in Marine Sciences - Marine Resources

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MCMRM	8	Plano Oficial Bolonha 2014 com ramos	1	-	5	50	135

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The main objective of this course is to provide knowledge and develop skills in Aquatic Toxicology. These skills encompass the themes of general toxicology, risk assessment, and response mechanisms involved in detoxification of various types / classes of compounds (eg, PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, metals, dioxins / dibenzofurans, natural and synthetic estrogens, pharmaceuticals) . Will also emphasized the role of biomarkers and their utility in environmental toxicology.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is expected that students gain skills in the study area, being able to assist in the evaluation of risk situations, the proposed solutions for the prevention and learn to identify the analytical means to diagnose the degree of environmental pollution.

Working method

Presencial

Program

The course will cover the most important principles of environmental toxicology, focusing on evaluation of environmental toxicants, types and mechanisms of response to toxic properties and effects that specific groups of pollutants in the environment have on the health of various habitats, in particular the water (eg PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, metals, dioxins / dibenzofurans, natural and synthetic estrogens, pharmaceuticals). This unit also will focus on the interdisciplinary nature of aquatic toxicology. Toxic responses and measurement of such responses will be discussed at the level of biological organization, from the molecular / biochemical, cell and animal to its impact on populations, communities and ecosystems. The party will give particular emphasis to the biochemistry of toxic absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. A brief instrumental component will enable the student to understand the main analytical methods used in analyzes of field. The course will also focus on a few topics that have received particular attention from environmental toxicologists, including the use and development of biomarkers.

Mandatory literature

Wayne G. Landis, Ruth M. Sofield , Ming-Ho Yu ; Introduction to Environmental Toxicology: Molecular Substructures to Ecological Landscapes, Cambridge University Press, Fourth Edition, 2011. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1439804100
Mikko Nikinmaa ; An Introduction to Aquatic Toxicology, Academic Press, 2014. ISBN: ISBN-10: 0124115748

Complementary Bibliography

Ernest Hodgson ; A Textbook of Modern Toxicology, Wiley-Blackwell, Fouth Edition, 2010. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-0470462065
Marquita K. Hill ; Understanding Environmental Pollution, Cambridge University Press, Third Edition, 2010. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-0521736695

Teaching methods and learning activities

Exhibition, demonstration, discussion of problems and experimental.

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Ecology > Ecotoxicology
Health sciences > Pharmacological sciences > Toicology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Participação presencial	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	85,00
Frequência das aulas	50,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

Presence to three quarters of classes taught and realization of special works.

Calculation formula of final grade

The evaluation will be conducted during class (40%) and a final exam (60%). The evaluation will be conducted during class (40%) and a mandatory final exam (60%). In both components students must achieve a minimum of 10/20 values.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Presentation of a seminar on environmental pollutants that most affect the aquatic environment (group work). Preparation / presentation of a research project on the topics discussed in the seminars.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Student workers (TE), association leaders (DA) and other students with special status will be evaluated similarly to regular students. However, in cases where the law exempts failure by faults in the classes that will be evaluated (the DC component) are those in which the student will attend.

Classification improvement

The grade improvement will only be possible for the component assessed in the final exam.