| CODE | BIO5145 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Ecotoxicology and Pollution Studies | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Biology | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Ecotoxicology is the study of the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms, especially at the population, community, ecosystem level. It is a multidisciplinary field, which integrates toxicology and ecology. Its ultimate goal is to be able to predict the effects of pollution so that risks of pollution may be effectively managed and reduced, as well as to identify remediation options. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit aims to provide a broad overview of ecotoxicology. It will be relevant to applied ecology, environmental pollution, and environmental science. It will provide an integrated view of this interdisciplinary subject, from molecules to ecosystems, emphasising basic principles, the interdisciplinary perspective, the role and contributions of this subject in the management of environmental contamination risks and in the legal frameworks such as EU directives. Case studies will be taken from the Mediterranean and local contexts. As far as possible it will be based on experience gained in ecotoxicology and pollution management by the lead coordinator, over the past 30 years. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify the major classes of contaminants in air and in water; - Define and explain the main concepts underlying toxicokonetics; - Evaluate and discuss the effects of contaminants at the molecular, individual, population and ecosystem levels; - Define and explain the main concepts underlying environmental quality standards; - Explain the main modelling approaches to marine discharges and aerial plumes; - Explain the main features and define the main concepts in noise and vibration; - Explain the main concepts in exposure to radiation, including types, impacts on biota including humans and safety aspects; - Explain the main stages of risk assessment; - Explain the scope and main features of major EU Directives relevant to Environmental Management. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Integrate theory of ecotoxicology with applied problems in environmental contamination with special reference to Mediterranean and local case studies; - Apply knowledge toxicokinetics to assess risks of environmental contamination; - Apply knowledge gained to appreciate emerging issues in ecotoxicology; - Apply various biological impact endpoints, biomonitoring and biomarkers to the local and Mediterranean contexts; - Apply knowledge of methods and procedures to monitor environmental quality; - Evaluate management principles and relevant EU Directives to manage problems of environmental quality in the Mediterranean and local contexts; - Critically assess published literature and apply its findings to communicate scientific information in the appropriate manner. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: Stine K E & Brown T M (2015) Principles of Ecotoxicology. CRC Press. Newman M C (2014) Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology: The Science of Pollution. CRC Press. Walker C H, Sibly R M, Hopkin S P & Peakall D B (2012). Principles of Ecotoxicology. CRC Press. Supplementary Readings: Various online sources, especially ones related to EU Directives. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study and Visits | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Victor Axiak Nadine Axisa Chris Camilleri Michelle Ellul Miraine Rizzo Elaine Saliba Mark Scerri |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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