School of Science and Technology

Course Syllabus

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall
- further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
- develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Knowledge and comprehension:
After having completed the course the student shall have an
- increased understanding about the toxic effects of organic and inorganic toxicants on molecular, cell, organ, organism and population level,
- increased understanding of properties, origin, fate and behaviour of environmental toxicants in the environment and in food,
- increased knowledge about toxicological test methods, exposure measurements, model calculations and risk valuation methods, and
- understanding of all steps in modern chemical risk assessment

Skills and ability:
After having completed the course the student shall have an increased
- skill to perform a scientifically based risk assessment of chemicals,
- ability to plan and perform a short scientific study and present the results in writing and orally.

Values and attitude:
After having completed the course the student has an increased ability to
- critically evaluate experimental data and teoretical interpretations, and
- seek and critically evaluate scientific information in the area.

The course focuses on performing a scientifically based risk assessment of chemical compounds. The course includes practical assessment work on the basis of current principles and praxis regarding risk assessment methodology, including qualitative, quantitative and cumulative methods. Scientific methods for the generation of data and about experimental tests, epidemiology, exposure assessment, and chemical characterization are dealt with. The course also includes an overview of scientific sources for toxicological data, important legislation, and examples of the differences between the various authorities working in the field.

Lectures, seminars and a literature assignment.
If the course has few students will the teaching be in form of tutoring.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

ECTS Grading
The course grading is translated to the ECTS grading scale.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

A first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits of which at least 90 credits are for specialised study in the main field of study chemistry, biology, or environmental science where environmental toxicology is included. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

The language of instruction is English.


Reading List and Other Teaching Materials

Additional Reading

Kompendier och kopierat material. / Compendium and copied material.

See this Course Syllabus as PDF