2 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture Upper Division
This course covers theoretical and applied approaches to the science of ecotoxicology, including application of the tools and procedures used to understand toxicant fate and effects in free-ranging animals and ecosystems. Students are expected to be knowledgeable in chemistry, biology, and animal physiology.
Learning Outcomes1Review of basic ecotoxicological principles.
2Know the various types, sources and environmental fate and effects of contaminants.
3Know the modes of toxicant uptake, transformation, storage and depuration.
4Know the dose/concentration-response, exposure routes.
5Know the factors that influence toxicity.
6Know the contaminant distribution, bioaccumulation, and biomagnifications.
7Know the biomarkers of exposure and effects: Molecular to ecosystem-levels.
8Know the basic principles in aquatic toxicity testing.
9Know the common toxicity assays using invertebrates, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals (in vitro, in vivo, mesocosms, and in situ bioassays).
10Know the field case studies: Complex effluents (sewage and paper mills); Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicants (PCBs, PAHs, dioxins); Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Heavy metals; Nutrients and pathogens.
11Statistical analyses of toxicity data.
12Introduction to ecological risk assessment.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.