Environmental Toxicology, Second Cycle, 10 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and comprehension
After having completed the course the student shall

• be able to explain how the chemical properties of environmental toxicants affect the uptake, toxicity, metabolism and elimination of the compounds from the body,
• be able to illustrate how toxicants can exercise their effect at the molecular, cellular, organ, organism and population level,
• be able to elucidate mechanisms for chemically induced neurotoxicity, endocrine toxicity and genotoxicity, and
• be able to describe different bioanalytical methods and their importance to identify mechanisms of action of environmental toxicants.

Skills and ability
After having completed the course the student shall

• have an increased ability to investigate the toxic effects of chemicals on molecular and cellular levels,
• have an increased ability to plan and perform an experimental study and present the results in writing and orally, and
• communicate and discuss the experimental results.

Values and attitude
After having completed the course the student has the ability to

• critically evaluate experimental data and theoretical interpretations,
• seek and critically evaluate primary scientific information in the area, and
• reflect over group work, their own role within the group, and their own learning process.

Content

The environmental toxicology course deals with toxicological effects of various foreign substances (xenobiotics) on living organisms and toxicological methodology. Students learn about how humans and other organisms are exposed to environmental pollutants and how the physiochemical properties are linked to absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination (toxicokinetics) and toxicological effects of the compounds in the body (toxicodynamics). Emphasis will be placed on the effects of the compounds at molecular, cellular, and organism levels and how the effects can be studied. The course also gives insight into environmental and human health risks with different classes of chemicals and the link between the chemical community, chemical exposure and public health.

The course contains a practical laboratory work where the students study the occurrence of organic pollutants in environmental samples. Students design the practical work, which include sampling plan, sample collection, sample preparation and mechanism specific analysis of the samples.

Examinations and grades

Theoretical Part, 7 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practical Part, 3 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for the theoretical part on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical part, which includes participation in laboratory work, oral presentations and obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Modes of assessment

• Theoretical part (code A001): Written exam
• Practical part (code A002): Oral examinations, practical examinations and written assignments

Absence from Mandatory Course Component
If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

A first-cycle qualification comprising 90 credits in the main field of chemistry or biology. Or a first-cycle qualification comprising 90 credits in the main field of environmental science where toxicology is included. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The teaching is in english. If the course only receives a few registered participants, the teaching methods described above can be completely or partly replaced by supervision.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Klaassen, Curtis D. (9th Edition)
Casarett & Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons
Publisher: McGraw-Hill education / Medical, 1600 pages

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Handouts and copied materials will be added.