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701-1312-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS , D-HEST

Ecotoxicology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Kristin Schirmer, Dr. Elisabeth Janssen
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:19

Abstract

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.

Objective

• describe the key processes involved in fate, behavior and the bioaccumulation of (mainly) organic contaminants • demonstrate overview on and understanding of mechanisms of toxicity • relate structures and characteristics of compounds with effects • explain processes in hazard assessment and risk assessment • obtain further insight in integrative approaches in ecotoxicology

Content

Units 1-4: Interactions of chemicals with the (a)biotic environment - physico-chemical properties - partitioning processes in environmental compartments - partitioning to biological phases - uptake and elimination on organism and cellular level - exercise based on "personal" chemical: environmental behavior and bioaccumulation Units 5-7: Toxicity assessment - derivation of toxicity parameters - toxicity mechanisms - exercise based on "personal" chemical: databases and estimation of toxicity Unit 8-11: Toxic effects: from molecular to ecosystems - how to deal with multiple chemicals/species - level of complexity: molecules–cells–organisms–ecosystems - principles of chemical hazard and risk assessment - exercise based on "personal" chemical: risk evaluation

Resources

Lecture Notes

Material will be in the form of lecture slides, selected publications and exercise material.

Literature

R.P. Schwarzenbach, P.M. Gschwend, D.M. Imboden, Environmental Organic Chemistry, third edition, Wiley, 2005 Principles of ecotoxicology, CH Walker, RM Sibly, SP Hopkin, DB Peakall, fourth edition, CRC Press, 2012

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
none. Closed books.
Compulsory continuous performance assessment (graded): there are three graded exercises during the semester. All exercises need to be passed individually. The sum of grades of the exercises will count 20% to the final grade. The end-of-semester exam will count 80% to the final grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Ecotoxicology
Regular and active participation is a prerequisite for obtaining credit points. Practice: 01.-05.06. and 08.06.2026 at Eawag, Dübendorf
  • Mon 12:15-16:00 (NO D 11)
  • Mon 13:15-16:00 (NO D 11)
3 h weekly

Offered In