Environmental Toxicology

An understanding of chemical toxicity and the methods of assessing toxic responses, including dose-response, biomonitoring and bioassays, will be developed during this module. Students will learn the routes by which chemicals enter biota and the biochemistry detailing biotic transformation and metabolism.

They will also develop presentation skills through the preparation and delivery of a case study on selected toxins present in the environment. In addition to this, the module will examine such topics as drinking water quality and health. An understanding of how toxicology plays a central role in the development of regulatory environmental quality standards for various pollutants in air, water and foodstuffs will also be provided. The effects of pesticides on non-target organisms and the accumulation of organic contaminants in food chains are examined in computer modelling and laboratory-based practicals, and are accompanied by demonstrations from scientists in the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Students will also learn about endocrine disrupting chemicals, chemical/toxicant synergy, the effects of chemical mixtures and the role of epidemiology in examining population level effects.