COURSE OBJECTIVE:
The course content explains the basic concepts of ecotoxicology, types of toxic substances, basics of quantitative aspects of toxicity and regulations in ecotoxicology. The presence of pollutants in the environment is discussed, with emphasis on the toxicity of various chemical compounds, ways of assessing risk, and ways of preventing and eliminating the harmful effects of accidents involving chemicals.
COURSE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Introduction to ecotoxicology. Ecological hierarchy. Cycle of elements in an ecosystem.
Effects of inorganic and organic substances on the environment.
The presence of pollutants in the air and the effects on the environment and humans.
The presence of pollutants in water and the effects on the environment and humans. Waterborne diseases.
The presence of pollutants in soil and the effects on the environment and humans. Soil syndromes.
1. partial exam
Types of adverse effects. Acute and chronic toxicity. Toxicity as a result of interaction of chemical compounds.
Bioaccumulation, bioconcentration and biomagnification. Biological transformation, excretion and accumulation of toxic substances in the body. Bioavailability.
Pathways of uptake of pollutants into the body. Absorption and distribution of pollutants through the respiratory tract, skin and digestive system. Factors involved in the uptake of pollutants.
Effects of pollutants on population, community and ecosystem.
Monitoring of changes in the environment - monitoring. Biomarkers.
Disasters and accidents in the world.
Vulnerability of the Republic of Croatia to disasters and accidents. Legislation.
II. partial exam
SEMINARS: Students will be divided into teams. Each team will be given a topic to work out and present to the other students.
LABORATORY EXERCISES: Laboratory exercises will be conducted to determine the ecotoxicity of the pollutant present in the environment using bacteria V. fischeri, P. putida, microalga Chlorella sp. and yeast S. cerevisiae. In addition to the ecotoxicity tests, a susceptibility test of bacteria, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis, is performed with the test substance. The results obtained are processed and interpreted.
DEVELOPMENT OF GENERAL AND SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES OF STUDENTS.
Enabling students to understand all aspects of negative anthropogenic activities with emphasis on chemical pollution of nature and environment. Enable students to independently and objectively assess the harmfulness of chemicals to the living world based on available information. In addition, upon completion of the course, students will have a basic knowledge of how and through which research methods they can gain knowledge about the possibilities of preventing, combating and eliminating harmful consequences of accidents with chemicals.
STUDENTS OBLIGATIONS IN TEACHING AND THEIR PERFORMANCE
Attendance at lectures (minimum 70%), seminars (100%) and tutorials (100%). Conducting seminars on a specific topic of the course, preparing presentations and lectures to students. Writing of a laboratory report.
TEACHING METHODS
Lecture using a power point presentation. All necessary materials were provided on Merlin.
METHOD OF EXAM OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXAM:
Two written exams during the semester (exemption from oral exam).
METHOD OF MONITORING THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF COURSES:
Student survey
METHODOLOGY PREREQUISITES no
LEARNING OUTCOMES AT PROGRAM LEVEL:
1. linking the basic elements of physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms important to ecosystem quality and sustainability.
2. linking expertise in local and global environmental protection, environmental improvement and management, and environmental legislation.
3. identify the problem through integrated application of basic environmental science.
4. utilize various methods of communication with the scientific and technical community and society at large.
5. demonstrate independence and reliability in independent work and efficiency, dependability and adaptability in teamwork.
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