Τμήμα Ωκεανογραφίας και Θαλασσίων Βιοεπιστημών

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Aquatic Toxicology
School:
Of the Environment
Academic Unit:
Department of Marine Sciences
Level of studies:
Undergraduate
Course Code:
191ΘΔ13Ε
Semester:
F
Course Title:
Aquatic Toxicology
Credits
5
Course Type:
Specialized general knowledge
Prerequisite Courses:
Analytical Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Statistics.
Language of Instruction and Examinations:
In Greek. Case studies are presented and discussed in English.
Is the course offered to Erasmus students:
Yes,
  • (2) Learning Outcomes
  • Learning Outcomes

The aim of Aquatic Toxicology courses is: 

-To introduce to the basic concepts and principles of Aquatic Toxicology which are used in courses such as marine pollution, environmental chemistry, etc.  

-To provide basic knowledge of concepts and principles of Aquatic Toxicology. 

-To provide the background knowledge related to aquatic toxicity tests, processing and presentation of data, which are necessary to assess adverse effects of pollutants to marine biota. 

-To introduce some of the techniques and practical skills needed for courses dealing with pollution of aquatic systems i.e. marine pollution, environmental chemistry, etc. 

At the end of this course the student should: 

-Know and understand the basic concepts, principles, and data related to aquatic toxicology. 

-Be familiar with the basic concepts, principles, and data related to aquatic toxicology. 

-Be able to process and understand relevant data which are necessary for the assessment of pollutants toxicity. 

-Have the basic knowledge and experience to undertake more advanced courses dealing with marine pollution and environmental chemistry, and to be asset to his/her future professional career. 

Skills: Design of toxicity tests, data processing and evaluation of potential effects. 

  • General Competences

-Apply theory in practice 

-Search, analyze and synthesize data and information, using the necessary tools 

-Independent work 

-Team work 

-Capacity to work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams 

-Respect for the natural environment 

-Production of free, creative and inductive thinking 

  • (3) Syllabus

Theory lectures:

-Ιntroduction to Aquatic Toxicology 

-The aquatic environment 

-Factors that affect the environmental concentration of chemicals 

-Basic Concepts and Principles 

-Factors that influence toxicity 

-Toxic agents and their effects 

-Concentration-response relationships 

-Toxicity testing: Methodology & general design of acute & chronic toxicity tests.  

 -Sediment toxicity tests. 

-Statistical analysis of data.  

-Interpreting toxicity test data 

-Bioaccumulation & bioavailability in multiphase systems 

-Bioindicators used to assess toxicity 

Lab courses: Students training includes preparation of toxicity tests, statistical analysis, and interpretation of data.

  • (4) Teaching and Learning Methods - Evaluation
  • Delivery:

Face to face (lectures and lab practice) 

  • Use of Information and Communication Technology:
  • Use of ICT in teaching (PPT presentations) 
  • Communication with students via e-mail and e-class platform 
  • Uploading course material on e-class system. 
  • Face-to-face communication for questions to be resolved.
  • Teaching Methods:
Activity Semester workload
Lectures
26
Laboratory exercises
13
Assignment work
30
Independent study of the course theory
55
Final exam
3
Course total
127
  • Student Performance Evaluation:
  • Language of evaluation: Greek. 
  • For students with disabilities, evaluation takes place via oral examination. 
  • Final student’s grade is defined by the final exam of the course (90%) and its overall performance in laboratory practice (10%). 
  • Evaluation of lab practice: students after completing all practical exercises should deliver a technical report.  
  • Evaluation of students in the theoretical part and lab practice takes place via a final written exam. This comprises, short-answer questions and open-ended questions. 
  • The exam paper is accessible to the students for any clarifications regarding the final grade. 
  • (5) Attached Bibliography

– Suggested bibliography: 

-Βλαχογιάννη, Θ. και Βαλαβανίδης, Α., 2010. Δοκιμασίες Τοξικότητας και Οικοτοξικότητας σε Υδρόβιους Οργανισμούς, (Σελ. 109).  

-Βαλαβανίδης, Α., 2008. Οικοτοξικολογία και Περιβαλλοντική Τοξικολογία, (Σελ. 463). 

      Ηλεκτρ. Δ/νση: http://www.chem.uoa.gr/courses/organiki_1/val_oikotox.htm 

-Rand, G.M., 1995). Fundamentals of Aquatic Toxicology: Effects, Environmental Fate, and Risk Assessment, 2nd. Edn Taylor & Francis, (Σελ. 1125). 

-Zar, J.H., 2009. Biostatistical Analysis, 4th Edn, Prentice Hall International, (Σελ. 663). 

-Shayne, G.C., 1998. Statistics and Experimental Design for Toxicologists, 3rd Edn CRC Press, (Σελ. 437). 

– Useful links/Related academic journals: 

-Aquatic Toxicology – https://www.journals.elsevier.com/aquatic-toxicology 

-Chemosphere – https://www.journals.elsevier.com/chemosphere 

-Environment International – https://www.journals.elsevier.com/environment-international 

-Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry – http://setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal 

-Environmental Pollution – https://www.journals.elsevier.com/environmental-pollution