Örebro university - Course Syllabus MX111G


Course Code:	MX111G	Subject Area:	Field of Science
Main Field of Study:	Environmental Science	Credits:	10
		Subject Group (SCB):	Enviromental Science
Education Cycle:	First Cycle	Progression:	G1F
Established:	2015-12-02	Last Approved:	2016-03-30
Valid from:	Autumn semester 2016	Approved by:	Head of School

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:
- the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
- the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
- the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:
- gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
- stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
- communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Knowledge and comprehension
After having completed the course the student shall have an
- increased understanding of the uptake, metabolism and elimination of toxicants from the body,
- increased understanding about the toxic effects of 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, and
- understanding of current problems regarding environmental pollutants from a natural science and society perspective.

Skills and ability
After having completed the course the student shall have
- an increased ability to investigate the toxic effects of chemicals on molecular and cellular level, and
- an increased 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 ability to critically evaluate experimental data and teoretical interpretations, and
- an ability to seek and critically evaluate scientific information in the area.

The theoretical part of the course comprise of environmental toxicants, their properties, origin, distribution, and presence in the environment and in food, and also their effects on humans and the environment. That includes absorption, distribution, transformation and elimination of environmental toxicants and toxic effects at molecular, cellular, organism and population level. The course provides insight into actual environmental problems from a societal perspective (for example, policies of chemical agents, hazardous waste, chemical spills, risk assessment of chemicals). The laboratory part deals with persistent organic pollutants in environmental samples and includes field sampling, sample handling and work-up, as well as toxicological studies on molecular and cellular level.

Lectures, seminars, group assignment and laboratory exercises.
If the course has few students the teaching will 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.

Practical Part, 3 Credits. (Code: 0200)
Groupwise written and oral presentations of laboratory work. Attendance at laboratory work and oral presentations. Active participation in seminars.

Absence from Mandatory Course Component
If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

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.

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

Courses in Biology, Chemistry or Environmental Science comprising at least 45 Credits. 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

Klaassen, Curtis D & Watkins III, John B (2015: 3rd edition)
Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology
McGraw-Hill Medical, 544 pages

Kompendier och kopierat material tillkommer/ Handouts and copied materials will be added.