Module: Environmental Toxicology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Environmental Toxicology
Module Code	BIO1014 (ITS: BE436)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides an introduction to the principles and applications of environmental toxicology, focusing on how pollutants impact human health, ecosystems, and society. Students will first examine the foundations of the discipline, including exposure pathways, dose–response relationships, and the processes of toxicokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) and toxicodynamics (mechanisms of action and target organ effects). Building on this foundation, the module explores the impact of environmental toxicants on major biological systems. Case studies, regulatory frameworks, and emerging issues such as endocrine disruption, microplastics, and nanotoxicology will be used to illustrate the challenges of assessing and managing environmental health risks.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain and apply the core principles of toxicology to environmental contexts, with reference to real-world hazards.
2. Describe the environmental fate of toxicants, including transport, transformation, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification, and predict their ecological and human health impacts.
3. Discuss the role of biotransformation and elimination pathways in modulating toxicity and susceptibility.
4. Understand dose–response relationships and interpret toxicological data (e.g., LD50, NOAEL, LOAEL) in the context of environmental exposure.
5. Evaluate the biological effects of environmental toxicants on specific organ systems (e.g., respiratory, nervous, endocrine, etc.) and their underlying mechanisms.
6. Develop and apply critical thinking and scientific literacy skills to analyse, interpret, and communicate evidence-based perspectives on environmental health challenges.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Environmental Toxicology topics
Class Presentation	12	Students will work collaboratively in pairs to research a specific environmental toxicology topic, prepare a PowerPoint presentation addressing key pollutants, pathways, mechanisms, impacts, and regulatory responses, and deliver a 15-minute in-class presentation followed by questions.
Independent Study	89	Students are expected to review lecture material, engage with recommended readings, prepare for the group presentation, and revise for the final exam.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10157	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Tomas Zurawski	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Janosch Heller, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	n/a	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Foundations of toxicology
Principles of exposure, hazard vs. risk, dose–response relationships.

Fate and transport of environmental toxicants
Sources, persistence, bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

Toxicokinetics
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

Toxicodynamics
Mechanisms of action and target organ toxicity.

System-specific toxicology
Effects on the integumentary, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems.

Case studies and contemporary challenges
E.g., environmental disasters, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, plastics and microplastics, nanotoxicology, etc.

Learning will be supported through a combination of:
• Lectures: introducing key principles, methods, and case studies. • Independent self-study: directed reading of textbooks, review articles, and primary literature. • Student presentations: group-based oral presentations on selected toxicants or case studies, fostering teamwork and communication skills. • Exam preparation: review sessions to consolidate understanding and practice critical essay-style responses.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None