Ecotoxicology
Prof. Dr. J枚rg Oehlmann, oehlmann@bio.uni-frankfurt.de, Phone +49 69 798 42142
Dr. Matthias Oetken, oetken@bio.uni-frankfurt.de, Phone +49 69 798 42148
Module information
The pollution of the environment with chemicals has increased in
line with economic development. This increase is evident not only in terms of
the number of chemical compounds produced but also in terms of their production
volume. Ecotoxicology studies the harmful effects of these chemicals on
ecosystems. It enables us to assess the hazard potential and risk of
environmental chemicals, thus providing an essential basis for protecting our
environment and its natural resources.
In the lecture for the module, general and specific knowledge about
the behaviour and effects of chemicals in the environment and risk assessment
are imparted. The laboratory-based practical course with an integrated seminar
is research-oriented and aims to put theoretical knowledge into practice in
small groups under supervision. For this purpose, a comprehensive investigation
programme for the hazard and risk analysis of an individual substance, a
technical process or environmental samples as part of biological effect monitoring
must be timed, carried out and evaluated. The effects on the molecular,
organismic and community levels are determined with the help of in-vivo
and in-vitro tests with animals, plants and microorganisms. After
appropriate evaluation, the test results are used to characterize the
environmental risk for the chemicals, processes, or environmental samples
examined.
Time slot of the module鈥� Second half of
the winter semester
Number of participants 鈥� 12
Special features 鈥揟he module can be
performed wholly or partly in English upon agreement with students. Experiments
of the genetic engineering safety level S1 are part of the practical course.
The students are expected to be willing to conduct experiments with
invertebrates.