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Ecotoxicology
Undergraduate | RMI-SCB303 | 2024
Put the study of ecotoxicology under the microscope. Measure how effective various water pollution sampling methods are. Analyse the impact chemicals and pollutants have on ecosystems. Turn your findings toward critical scientific reviews.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Ecotoxicology
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- define critical terms and concepts in ecotoxicology
- describe and evaluate the biological, ecological and chemical factors affecting toxicity testing
- differentiate between toxicants in their effects on organisms and ecosystems
- explain the effects of bioaccumulation and biotransformation in organisms and ecosystems and the impacts of major pollution events such as oil spills
- describe, discuss and apply tests for pollution using micro-organisms, plants and invertebrates
- describe and evaluate biological indicators of pollution at the habitat and organism level
- evaluate the risk to ecosystem function from a pollutant.
- Introduction to ecotoxicology
- Toxicity testing
- Chemical distribution
- Specific toxicant effects
- Biological monitoring
- Ecological risk assessment
- Photosynthetic organisms and pollution
- Water pollution and water sampling methods
This subject has a vocational focus. It introduces to the student the field of environmental toxicology and teaches them practical skills in pollution sampling techniques and their application to the study of environmental assessment. This subject enables students to develop a detailed knowledge of ecotoxicological principles. It prepares the students to utilise ecological sampling techniques in the field to solve applied ecotoxicological problems and in preparing critical scientific reviews, specifically in important areas of ecotoxicology.
Students who do not attend the essential on-campus labs will not be allowed to submit lab reports and will not fulfil the requirements for completion of this subject.- Invigilated Exam (45%)
- Online tests (10%)
- Literature review & seminar (20%)
- Lab reports (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
Others
First year Biology and Chemistry, Animal Structure and Function, or evidence of equivalent capabilities.
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Mandatory on-campus attendance for practical classes in the laboratory.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.