This course will take up principles of environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology and deepen understanding of: i) bioavailability and effects, ii) structures of compounds and modes of toxic action, iii) principles of hazard and risk assessment. Where possible, particular emphasis will be placed on the use of alternatives to vertebrate animals in toxicity assessments.

This course enables students to become familiar with state-of-the-art concepts and methods of molecular ecotoxicology. We explore mechanisms of chemicals toxicity in fish cells and embryos, i.e. alternatives to conventional animal tests. The course is organized in theoretical and practical training components, including data evaluation/presentation. Students work both in class and in small groups.

Introduction in methods and basics in ecotoxicology. Behaviour and bioavailability of pollutants in the environment. First insights in toxic effects, from the molecular level to ecosystem level. Linking the structure of pollutants with behaviour and effects.

What happens to chemicals in the environment? How do we determine whether they degrade over decades and accumulate in the food chain? Answers to these questions are provided in this lecture, which covers basic knowledge about distribution behavior, environmental analysis, abiotic and biotic degradation reactions, and toxic effects of chemicals as part of environmental chemical risk analysis.

Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic aspects of xenobiotic interactions with cellular structures and mechanisms. Toxic responses at the level of organs (immune-, neuro-, reproductive and genotoxicity) and organisms. Introduction into developmental toxicology and ecotoxicology.

Introduction to environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. Fate and reactions of organic pollutants in the environment. Biodegradation, bioavailabiliy and bioaccumulation. EToxic effects from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Overview on risk assessment of chemicals.

Introduction to how chemical properties and biological interactions govern the disposition and influences of toxicants.