INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Stephen Bentivegna

To be announced

LECTURES: W 6-8:30 A.M., NU 105 (Nursing Building)
TEXTBOOK: Principles of Ecotoxicology
C.H. Walker, S.P. Hopkin R.M. Sibly, and D.B. Peakall, 2nd edition

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this course is to give a good overview of environmental toxicology. The emphasis will be on ecological impact as oppose to affects on humans. It will cover important principles that govern why certain substances are environmental hazards. It will also cover basic toxicology allowing student to understand why substances are toxic and how toxicity is measured in the laboratory and field. Specific substances relevant to this field of study will be discussed such as acid rain, ozone, organic nutrients, pesticides, metals, PCBs, and petroleum.
 

DATE	TOPIC	READING
9/12	Introduction, Basics of Toxicology, Fundamentals of Environmental Toxicology, & Sources of Pollutants	Chp. 2&3-
9/19	Fate of pollution, Fate of Metals	Chp. 4&14
9/26	Fate of Metals and Organics	Chp. 4&5
10/3	Paper Discussion, Review and Exam I
10/10	Toxicity Testing, EC50 and Computer Tutorial	Chp. 6
10/17	ADME, Environmental factors, Paper Discussion	Chp. 4,5&7
10/24	Biochemical Reactions (chemicals, radiation, metals, organics)	Chp. 7&HO
10/31	Physiological Reactions, Review, Exam II
11/7	Biomonitoring, Paper Discussion	Chp. 11
11/14	Biomonitoring, Biomarkers	Chp. 11
11/21	No Class
11/28	Population Effects, Paper Discussion	Chp. 12
12/5	Tolerance, Community Effects	Chp. 13 &14
12/12	Ecosystem Effects, Review	Chp. 14
12/19	Exam III

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GRADING
The course grade will be based on three exams a paper discussion. Point distribution will be as follows:
 

Assignment	Points	Total points	Grade
Exam I	100 points	350-315 (100-90%)	A
Exam II	100 points	314-298 (89-85%)	B+
Exam III	100 points	297-280 (84-80%)	B
Paper discussion	50 points	279-263 (79-75%)	C+
		262-238 (74-68%)	C
		237-210 (67-60%)	D+
		209-193 (59-55%)	D
		192-0 (54-0%)	F

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Exams
Make-up exams will only be given if I am contacted ahead of the time and provided with a doctors note when appropriate. Assignments must be done on their due date.  Plagiarism or cheating on an exam will result in zero credit for that assignment. Exams are not cumulative.

Paper discussion
Once during the semester you will lead a class discussion on a journal article.  I will let the class decide whether they would prefer me to supply the articles or if you would like to choose your own.  I will supply a list of the appropriate journals to choose the articles from if you decide to select your own.  The discussion should include the objectives of the research described, the methods used, the results and the importance to the field.  This is not a seminar, the whole class is expected to have read the article and contribute.  I will do a demonstration first.  Ideally the discussion should last for about 30 minutes and should help the class understand recent material covered in the lecture.  I will have a sign up sheet at the first lecture for dates, topics will be added later as they are chosen.  Grading will be based on demonstrated knowledge of material, how it correlates with lecture material, ability to engage the class and your participation in your classmates discussions.

I am happy to help you with this course. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you need help.