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Identical coursesStress Ecology and Ecotoxicology (B-KUL-G0R65A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Stoks Robby (coordinator) | Stoks Robby | N. Aims
The students acquire profound knowledge in concepts of stress ecology and ecotoxicology, and the associated research methodology and thereby integrate related disciplines such as Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology and Physiology. They have knowledge of effects of single and combined stressors at different levels of biological organization and are able to integrate across these levels. They are capable of a critical interpretation of primary scientific literature on contemporary themes in stress ecology and ecotoxicology, and can communicate their findings in English to other researchers. They can design, carry out and analyze experiments with chemical and environmental stressors in a team and solve problems associated with the development of this research project.
Previous knowledge
Basic knowledge of Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology and Physiology.
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
5 ects. Stress Ecology and Ecotoxicology: Lectures (B-KUL-G0R65a)
Content
> General principles
> Chemical stressors and Ecotoxicology
>> Principles of toxicity testing
>> Effects of pollutants on organisms
>> Effects of pollutants on populations
>> Effects of pollutants on communities and ecosystem functions
>> Applications
> Environmental stressors
>> Predator stress
>> Global warming and Temperature stress
> Combined effects of chemical and environmental stressors
>> Synergisms and antagonisms
>> Cross-tolerance
Course material
PPT slides
Format: more information
Lectures will be combined with article discussions and student presentations
1 ects. Stress Ecology and Ecotoxicology: Practicals (B-KUL-G0R66a)
Content
Students will carry out a standard ecotoxicology test and will thereby evaluate the effect of a pollutant on the capacity of animals to deal with global warming. Students will test how environmental stressors can change the toxicity of a pollutant.
Course material
Guidelines for the practicals
Evaluation
Evaluation: Stress Ecology and Ecotoxicology (B-KUL-G2R65a)
Explanation
A student passes when the weighted final score (theoretical exam 70%, practicals 15% and article discussions 15%) is at least 10/20 and when each of the three partial scores (theoretical exam, practicals and article discussions) is at least 8/20. If a student does not actively participate in the practicals and in the article discussions, he/she cannot pass for the course (NA).
Information about retaking exams
The practicals cannot be redone during the 3rd exam period.