Høst 2015

BIO-3007 Ecotoxicology: A practical introduction to environmental monitoring tools - 5 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for arktisk og marin biologi

Type of course

Master course for biology students.The course is available as a singular course.

Course contents

The course gives knowledge of ongoing national and international monitoring programs, the guidelines and demands that are linked to the programs and the monitoring tools that are utilized in the programs.

Environmental monitoring involves chemical measurement of environmental pollutants in biota and abiotic compartments (water, sediment) as well as measurement of environmental pollutants bioavailability and bioactivity through implementation of biomarkers and bioassays that provides insight into the causality of any higher-level adverse effects that may be observed. Cod (Gadus morhua) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) are recommended species for monitoring faunal effects of anthropogenic activities. An experimental setup will be conducted to simulate an acute oil spill where cod and blue mussels are exposed to crude oil. Through this experiment the students will gain practical training in sampling procedures and up-to-date chemical and biological analysis utilized in environmental monitoring programs: Measurement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in sea water, blue mussel (body burden) and cod muscle; lysosomal membrane stability in blue mussel haemocytes; EROD activity in cod hepatocytes and PAH metabolites in cod bile. The results from the experiment are to be presented and discussed in a written laboratory report. The written report, together with an oral presentation of it, constitutes the foundation of the student evaluation from the course.

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Concerns only admission to singular courses. Applicants from outside the Nordic countries: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Admission requirements

Local admission , application code 9371 - - Master`s level singular course.

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) in biology or equivalent qualification in biology.

Objective of the course

The course aims to give an introduction to- and practical training in biological and chemical monitoring tools utilized in environmental monitoring programs.

Students that have completed BIO-3007

Knows examples of national and international monitoring programs, and the guidelines and demands linked to the programs
Can undertake biological sampling for oil spill monitoring
Understands and can describe the principles of chemical analysis of PAH concentration in biotic and abiotic compartments
Have practical training in three biomarker analysis: Lysosomal membrane stability, EROD, bile PAH metabolites.
Can interpret, present and discuss biological and chemical analysis results within the monitoring context

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

Lectures (4 hours), colloquiums (6 hours) and laboratory work (five days).

Assessment

Participation at experiment and laboratory work and delivery of laboratoty report is mandatory. The final exam is an oral presentation of approved laboratory report. Grade: Passed/Failed.
There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.