Applied Ecotoxicology BIOR52

This course provides understanding and practical knowledge of how ecotoxicological theories and models are applied and implemented by different stakeholders in society, mainly outside academia

An overall aim is to identify the role of ecotoxicology in society and to practice use of your knowledge of ecotoxicology to resolve issues or problems caused by the use of chemicals in society. We will highlight present and historical case studies (f ex Minamata and BTKemi) and practice how to develop strategies to handle and communicate these and similar issues in academia, authorities and the rest of society. 

Study visits
During the course you will attend several study visits to experience how ecotoxicology is implemented in society. You will visit chemical industry, consulting agencies, waste treatment industry, remediation facilities, and authorities to get a broad spectrum of activities where ecotoxicology knowledge is applied.

Projects
You will perform two larger projects during the course. A probabilistic environmental risk analysis is conducted using risk software on a student chosen case of chemical use in society, f ex human pharmaceuticals, pesticides, anti-foulants or personal care products. The project is presented  at the end of the course as a written article and a poster. The second project is an applied project from society. Actors in society: industry, consulting agencies, municipalities, regional county boards, NGOs, KEMI, coast guards, police, prosecution authority, university etc, send in issues and problems that the students will address during the course. This project is performed individually and presented at the end of the course in a written report and orally.

Examination
At the end of the course there is an open seminar in the form of a conference where you present your project. There is no written exam, and knowledge will be tested during seminars and written and oral presentations.

And then...
This course provides tools and skills to perform ecotoxicology related work at different workplaces in society and also provide a network of potential employers of graduated students with sound knowledge of ecotoxicology.