Toxicology is the study
of the nature and mechanism of toxic effects of substances on living organisms
and other biologic systems (an ecological examination, eg., community). It also deals with the quantitative assessment of the
severity of the effects in relation to the exposure of the organisms.
Environmental toxicology
examines the effects of environmental
toxicants on health and the environment.
Ecotoxicology as derived from ecology and toxicology places an emphasis
on the effects of environmental chemicals upon species other than man.
This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to the rapidly expanding field of toxicology. Students are encouraged to question/examine how toxic substances impact their daily lives and our ecosystem.
Text:
Principles of Environmental Toxicology
Authors: Ian C. Shaw and John Chadwick
Lecture Notes: access via Wofford intranet at ftp://biology2/bio487
Tentative
Course Schedule
Spring 2004
Week/Date Lecture
Topics Text
(chapter) Assignments
Feb.
5
What is toxicology?
Environmental change and health
(eg., Industrial Chemicals, Pesticides)
Occurrence
Exam
1
Transport
Ecology
Exam
2
March
23-30 Fate
and behavior
6
April 5-9 Spring Break
April
1-15
Physiological effects
Exam
3
April
20-29
Toxicity testing and risk assessment
3, 5
May
4
Natural products
Future considerations
9
May
10
Final Exam Monday 2:00-5:00 PM
In
class presentations
of current toxicology literature &/or news making toxicological events.
Each student will make two presentations that will stimulate the discussion of toxicological concepts and methodologies, ecological &/or physiological consequences, or perhaps regional (Municipal, State or Federal) governmental management/regulation, or maybe examine the economic impact of event.