Accessibility statement

Ecotoxicology - ENV00047M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This aim of the module is to introduce students to the pressures placed on ecosystem and human health by chemical contaminants and the environmental, chemical and biological factors driving these pressures.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

  • Have a broad understanding of different types of chemical and biological contaminants and of how these are released to or formed in the natural environment;
  • Understand the fate and transport processes for contaminants in the environment;
  • Understand how contaminants can affect both environmental and human health;
  • Understand how information on fate and effects can be drawn together to assess the risks of chemicals to the environment.

Academic and graduate skills

  • Laboratory skills

Other learning outcomes (if applicable)

  • Experience of application of the academic knowledge to the workplace through practitioner seminars

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Feedback on the summative report will be delivered individually and on a class basis (standard 4 week turnaround)

Exam marks will be provided within 4 weeks of the examination date.

Indicative reading

Baird, C and Cann, M (2005). Environmental Chemistry 3rd edition. WH Freeman.

Harrison RM (2001). Pollution: causes, effects and control, 4th edition, RSC, Cambridge

Hemond HF, Fechner-Levy EJ (2000). Chemical fate and transport in the environment. 2nd edition. Academic Press.

Williams I (2001). Environmental Chemistry: a Modular Approach. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an introductory text suitable for those who have not studied Chemistry to A-level or equivalent; it introduces basic principles but doesnt cover the contaminants topic in detail.

Wright and Wellbourne. Environmental Toxicology.

Connell, Lam, Richardson and Wu. Ecotoxicology

Timbrell. Introduction to Toxicology


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.