Descriptif

Environmental ecotoxicology

Ecotoxicity is of major interest in environmental sciences. The aim of this course is to introduce the students the experimental tools and approaches used to assess the impact of chemical emissions on ecosystem. This course is divides into three main blocks. The first one is dedicated to biomarkers. After presenting an overview of the major biomarkers that are used in ecotoxicology, we will discuss both the advantages and the drawbacks of their use. We will then present the current research perspectives to better assess the effects of a toxic exposure on ecosystems. The second block will introduce the students to the current and future developments of genomics in the context of environmental sciences, in particular the latest applications on so-called non-model organisms of ecotoxicological interest. An introduction to the -omics technologies (genome sequencing, high-throughput mass spectrometry) will give the students some background on the state of the art. The students will learn about the challenges and practical applications of -omics-derived biomarkers in ecotoxicology. The third block present and discuss the assets and shortcomings of the different types of ecotoxicological tests.

Teaching staff

- Selim Ait-Aissa, Researcher, INERIS

- Hélène Arambourou, Researcher, IRSTEA

- Davide Degli Esposti, Research Scientist, IRSTEA

- Ségolène De Vaugelade, Research Scientist, Expertox

- Edith Nicol, Engineer, Ecole Polytechnique

- Stephane Pirnay, Research Scientist, Expertox

Course outline

• Biomarkers

- Overview of the major biomarkers that are used in ecotoxicology

- Advantages and drawbacks of using biomarkers.

- Current research perspectives

• Genomics

- Fundamentals in omics sciences

- Current and future developments of genomics in the context of environmental sciences

• Ecotoxicological tests

- In vivo tests, principle, advantages and limitations

- In vitro tests, principle, advantages and limitations

- In silico tests, principle, advantages and limitations

The module includes 24 hours of courses, 10 hours of practical work and a field trip in INERIS.

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Level required: Basic knowledge in biology

Language: English

Credits ECTS: 5

Supervisor: Edith Nicol