Kristin Schirmer: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Kristin Schirmer |
| Address | EAWAG Überlandstr. 133 I. f. Biogeochemie/Schadstoffdyn. 8600 Dübendorf SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | 044 823 52 66 |
| Fax | 044 823 53 11 |
| kristin.schirmer@usys.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Adjunct Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-1312-00L | Advanced Ecotoxicology | 3 credits | 2V | R. Eggen, E. Janssen, K. Schirmer, M. Suter | |
| Abstract | This course will take up the principles of environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology from the bachelor courses and deepen the understanding on selected topics. Linkages will be made between i) bioavailability and effects, ii) structures of compounds and modes of toxic action, iii) effects over various biological levels, moderated by environmental factors, iv) chemical and biological assessments | ||||
| Learning objective | - Understanding the key processes involved in fate, behavior and the bioaccumulation of (mainly) organic contaminants - Overview on and understanding of mechanisms of toxicity - linking structures and characteristics of compounds with effects - processes in hazard assessment and risk assessment - get insight in integrative approaches in ecotoxicology | ||||
| Content | Units 1-3: Fate of contaminants, dynamic interactions with the (a)biotic environment, toxikokinetics - physico-chemical properties - partitioning processes in environmental compartments - partitioning to biota - bioavailability and bioaccumulation concepts - partitioning in biota Units 4-6: Toxicodynamics (effect of contaminants on biota) - internal concentrations; dose-response concept - molecular mechanisms of toxic actions - classification - Exercise: databases and estimation of toxicity Unit 7-10: Toxic effects: from molecular to ecosystems - complex mechanisms and feedback loops - mixtures and multiple stressors - stress- and adaptive responses - dynamic exposures - confounding factors, food web interactions - Exercise: linking compounds with modes of toxic action Unit 11: metal ecotoxicology Unit 12-14: integrative approaches and case studies - bioassays, -omics, systems ecotoxicology, phenotypic anchoring - in vivo versus in vitro biotesting - linking chemical with biological analytics - bioassay-directed fractionation and identification - (inter) national case studies and linkage of learned with approaches in practice | ||||
| Lecture notes | Material will be in the form of copies of overheads, selected publications and exercise material. | ||||
| Literature | R.P. Schwarzenbach, P.M. Gschwend, D.M. Imboden, Environmental Organic Chemistry, third edition, Wiley, 2005 C.J. van Leeuwen, J.L.M. Hermens (Editoren), Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction, Kluwer, 1995 Principles of ecotoxicology, CH Walker, RM Sibly, SP Hopkin, DB Peakall, fourth edition, CRC Press, 2012 | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Required: 1. Basics in environmental chemistry 2. Basics in environmental toxicology | ||||
| 701-1330-00L | Molecular Ecotoxicology  Number of participants limited to 15. Target group: MSc Environmental Sciences. Enrollment re-opened. Please register for the class until July 31, 2020 Waiting list will be deleted after August 17, 2020. | 3 credits | 6P | K. Schirmer, S. Fischer, C. vom Berg-Maurer | |
| Abstract | This laboratory course enables students to become familiar with state-of-the-art methods and concepts of molecular ecotoxicology. We explore mechanisms of action of chemicals occurring in our freshwaters on fish cells and embryos. The course is organized in theoretical and practical training components, including data evaluation and presentation. Students work both in class and in small groups. | ||||
| Learning objective | Molecular methods are crucial for shedding light on mechanisms underlying biological structure and function under normal and stress conditions. The aim of this course it to demonstrate the power of these methods but also their limits and to enable students to appreciate them both in theoretical and practical terms. | ||||
| Content | Training comprises designing and carrying out of chemical exposure experiments and assessment of disturbances or defense responses in fish cells and embryos, such as impact on viability, sub-lethal developmental effects, growth, and associated gene or protein expression. Applied techniques include cell/embryo culture, microscopy techniques, polymerase chain reaction, video analysis and statistics. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Course material will be provided in the form of background scripts and method protocols. | ||||
| Literature | No particular recommendation. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Basic knowledge in cell and molecular biology as well as ecotoxicology are required. | ||||