Ecotoxicology

Catalog description

Ecotoxicology is an interdisciplinary field that involves the study of chemicals and radiation on organisms and their environment. The goal of this course is to introduce the science of ecotoxicology, including a survey of classes of contaminants as well as the impacts of various toxins. The emphasis will be on organism and ecosystem effects of toxins, as well as some toxicity testing methods and pertinent government regulations. Additionally, we will undertake a research project as well as critical readings of current literature. One of the biggest challenges students face in this course is dealing with potentially conflicting data and applying scientific thinking in the process of making decisions about these controversies. These challenges will underscore the political, economic, and scientific constraints that U.S. regulatory agencies work under to protect public health. The goals of this course are to: - introduce the science and history of ecotoxicology - look at classes of contaminants and their modes of action - understand the impacts of various toxins on organisms and ecosystems - introduce some of the various U.S. agencies that evaluate and regulate contaminants in the environment - critically review scientific papers, data, and arguments - learn to communicate like a scientist with an emphasis on communicating complex topics to a lay audience - demonstrate understanding of the scientific method and apply that understanding to the development of a research project