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ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (Regoli)
LAMBERTO RE

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 2
Hours 16
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code ST03 3S443

Prerequisites

Knowledge of general and organic chemistry, general and cell biology is important requisites for this course.

Development of the course

The course will include 64 hours of lectures (8 CFU), of which 40 hours (5 CFU) of  Ecotoxicology (3 CFU and 2 CFU explained by Prof. Maura Benedetti and Prof Francesco. Regoli respectively) and 24 hours (3CFU) of Environmental Impact Assessment (Prof. Stefania Gorbi). The teaching activity includes both lectures and practical lessons in didactic and computer laboratories.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: 
The course will allow students to learn about the major classes of environmental contaminants in terms of chemical/physical characteristics, distribution in environmental matrices, bioaccumulation, bioavailability and biomagnification; furthermore the course will enable students to acquire the knowledge on the application of analytical models of ecological risk.

Ability to apply the knowledge:
Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge through the use of appropriate models of ecological risk analysis, involving on the weighted integration of chemical and biological parameters.

Soft skills:
At the end of the course and laboratory activities the students will be able to demonstrate an independent judgment on the interpretation of analytical data resulting from ecotoxicological approach; in addition the increase in communication skills is also resulting from the group’s activities done during laboratory attendance.

Program

Contents:
Main classes of chemical contaminants of ecotoxicological interest and their distribution in the environmental matrices, including persistent pollutants and their global spread. Factors affecting bioavailability and toxicity of chemical contaminants. Bioconcentration, bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
Ecological risk assessment (ERA); models of risk analysis, integrated Weight of Evidence approaches (WOE): case studies.

Laboratory exercises:
In the computer laboratory we will be presented and applied some examples of ecological risk analysis.

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The final exam consists of an oral examination in which 3 questions are provided. Each question is given a score between 0 and 10.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes:
During the oral exam, the students must demonstrate that they have acquired basic knowledge about the main issues concerning the ecotoxicology and environmental impact assessment.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
The final mark is assigned in a scale of thirty. The exam is passed when the score is equal or greater than 18. It is expected to be awarded the highest marks with honors (30 cum laude).

Criteria for conferring final mark:
The final grade is awarded according to the answers adequacy to the questions proposed by the examining committee.
The honors (cum laude) will be given when the students will demonstrate full mastery of the subject, the correct use of terminology and the ability to make connections, where it is possible, between the various topics.

Recommended reading

Lecture notes
Slides and scientific literature suggested during the course.
Manuals and Guidelines ISPRA 67/2011: “Batterie di saggi ecotossicologici per sedimenti di acque salate e salmastre” 
Manuals and Guidelines ISPRA 88/2013: “Batterie di saggi ecotossicologici per sedimenti e acque interne.

Courses

• Scienze ambientali e protezione civile