Duration
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment : 20h Th
Marine ecotoxicology : 15h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) (MER - Erasmus mundus) | 6 crédits | |||
| Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) (Erasmus Mundus ECT+ : Environmental Contamination and Toxicology) | 6 crédits |
Lecturer
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment : Mathieu Poulicek
Marine ecotoxicology : Krishna Das
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment
The first part of the course is devoted to description of "natural" organic molecules biodegradation in the marine realm (external and internal processes for control and optimisation of the activity within the "microbial loop")(8 hours).
The second part consists in description of some mathematical models of microbial activity in natural conditions (2 hours).
The third part is devoted to exploring the ways of artificially introduced molecules biodegradation (domestic wastes, detergents, aromatic cycles and halogenated molecules, hydrocarbons and plastics)(8 hours).
The last part of the course is devoted to "biodeterioration" processes (when biodegradation goes too far) (2 hours).
Marine ecotoxicology
Description
The class is given in English.
This course is an introduction to Marine Ecotoxicology and includes concepts such as definition of ecotoxicology, pollution, environmental toxicology, anthropogenic impacts on individuals, populations and communities, focusing on the marine environment.
Students will also learn about impact of selected pollutants including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), plastics and mercury.
Table of Content
- General Introduction
- Impact of pollutants on individuals, populations and ecosystems.
- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the marine environment.
- Trace elements and mercury in the marine environment.
- Plastics in the marine environment.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment
To get in touch with the complexity of interactions within the microbial world and focus on positive aspects of bacterial activity.
Marine ecotoxicology
Evaluation of anthropogenic threats towards the marine environment
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment
Elementary knowledge (general microbiology course) of the bacterial world.
Marine ecotoxicology
Students should have basic knowledge on biology, biochemistry and biogeochemical cycles.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Marine ecotoxicology
This course will include:
1. An introduction to Ecotoxicology (Ex cathedra) and its applications to the marine environment.
2. Students will receive scientific papers to be read at home (mandatory) to prepare the next class. These papers will be then analysed during the course by the students during group sessions. The working time at home is included in the credits of the present course.
3. Seminars: invited lecturer (ULiège and abroad) can be invited to present their research in aquatic ecotoxicology.
4. No practical training.
5. The student will prepare a scientific poster that will be evaluated during the exam session (see evaluation).
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment
Five times 4 hours to place according to scheduled courses
Marine ecotoxicology
Mode of delivery: face to face
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
Recommended or required readings
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment
Course notes and copy of all illustrations distributed at first course.
Course edited, printed and distributed by Oceanographic Institute Press (Paris)
Marine ecotoxicology
PDFs file of power-point presentation and other documents on eCampus.
Students will be requested to read some documents at home to prepare the next class and group working sessions.
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment
Oral exam with notes
Marine ecotoxicology
- Evaluation will be in English.
- Oral evaluation will be realised under the form of a public seminar..
- The scientific quality of the presentation and the ability of the student to respond to questions related to the topic and the theory given during the class will be evaluated during the exam session.
> Online oral examination (update 10/12/2020)
Work placement(s)
Marine ecotoxicology
No practical training
Organizational remarks
Marine ecotoxicology
More details through eCampus and emails
Contacts
Biodegradation of organic molecules in a sea environment
Mathieu Poulicek - Tél 04 366 50 67 - Email: mpoulicek@ulg.ac.be
Marine ecotoxicology
- Secretariat M Lunetta: 04 366 50 62
- Meeting with my secretary: Mrs Mariella Lunetta is in her office (B6C, room 1/21 , Sart Tilman) the Tuesday from 8:30 -10:30 am and the Thursday from 13:30-15:00 pm.
- Meeting with us: I will make time available during and directly after the classes for your questions. I rarely can be available for unscheduled meeting. To make appointment , call 04 366 50 62 (Mrs Lunetta) or send an email: M.Lunetta@ulg.ac.be.
- My mailbox is in the room 2/48.
- We ask for your co-operation with these regulations.
Krishna Das (04/ 3663321, krishna.das@ulg.ac.be)