Ecotoxicology Laboratories (3cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The aim of the course is to familiarize the students with practical work methods and routine tests that are used in ecotoxicological research.

Content (course unit)

Aluminium toxicity to plants, Daphnia magna toxicity test, Eisenia fetida toxicity test and luminescent bacteria toxicity test demonstration

Assessment methods and criteria

After completing Ecotoxicology Laboratories course the student is able to understand the importance of standardised working methods and documented test procedure, he/she is able to execute an ecotoxicology test set up according to the work instructions, to carry out the monitoring, measuring, documenting and analysing the results of the test.

Teaching methods

Laboratory exercises, theory sessions, discussion, reporting, group work.

Student workload

Laboratory exercises 36 h
Self-study (pretasks, reporting) 45 h
Total 81h

Content scheduling

Three long laboratory works: Aluminum toxicity: sunflower test, soil toxicity of a pesticide (earthworm test) and water toxicity of a pharmaceutical compound (Daphnia magna test).

Further information

Literature: Laboratory exercise handout. Educational methods: teach-in, demonstrations, self study/distance learning, exercises, assignments, practical work, summary report/essay and laboratory work/workshop. Prerequisites: E-11161, E-11162, E-11163. Language of instruction: English. Study year: 3-4. Will be arranged every second year, optional with E-01307.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Pre-tasks are done as scheduled, acceptable presence on the lab sessions is achieved, pretasks and reporting is done according to the TAMK Report Guide instructions, by the deadlines.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Pre-tasks are done excellent, as scheduled, acceptable presence on the lab sessions is achieved, laboratory working is implemented excellent, reporting is done excellent according to the reporting instructions in TAMK Reporting Guide. Pre-tasks and reporting reflect students own thinking. Student is participating in lab work in a constructive manner. Group work is implemented considering other group members and as per scheduled.