University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
OCEA0026-2  Marine ecotoxicology

Duration :  30h Th
Number of credits :  
Master in Biology of organism and ecology, in-depth approach, 2nd yearFirst semester3
Lecturer :  Krishna Das
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
1. General Introduction
2. How to assess pollutant impact?
3. Impact on individuals, populations and ecosystems
4. Classification of pollutants
5. Trace metals
6. Organic pollutants
7. Metabolism of pollutants
8. Global changes and oceans
9. Case study: the Aral Sea
10. Seminar
Learning outcomes of the course :  
- Evaluation of anthropogenic threats towards the marine environment - Bibliographical research
- Development of critical thinking through the study of a environmental actuality, the way it is presented by the medias and the uderlying scientific facts.
- How to present orally some scientific results?
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
Basic knowledge in biology, biochemistry and biogeochemical cycles
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
This course will include: 1. An introduction to Ecotoxicology (Ex cathedra) and its applications to the marine environment.
2. A seminar prepared by each student and involving some bibliographical research. The thema will be proposed by the teacher. Each student will present orally his/her work.

3. Practical training combining field work (fishery campaing) and laboratory analyses. A scientific report will be evaluated.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
Marine Ecotoxicology class will start on November 18th, 2011, each Friday from 08:30 to 10:00 AM. Location: Laboratory for Oceanology, B6C, 2nd floor Sart-Tilman The remaining teaching hours are devoted to the preparation of a public seminar.
Recommended or required readings :  
PDFs file of power-point presentation
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Oral (1) and written (2) evaluations will be realised under the form of a seminar. The thema will be proposed during the first class. (1) Each student will have to submit a short review of maximum 5 pages. (2) the student will have to present to work orally (power-point presentation of max 10 min).
Training(s) :  
Students will study the level of mercury contamination of several fish and invertebrate species of the North Sea. Sampling will be organized through a fishery campaign from the vessel R.V. Belgica in March 2012. Mercury and stable isotope composition will be determined in the laboratory to attempt a link between trophic ecology and level of mercury contamination.
Contacts :  
Krishna Das (04/ 3663321, krishna.das@ulg.ac.be)


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