NPLK14006U Pesticide Use, Mode of Action and Ecotoxicology
MSc Programme in Agriculture
MSc Programme in Environmental Science
The rationale behind the development of pesticides, their use and their regulation is the frame of references of the course. The importance of mode of action and site(s) of action of pesticides will be stressed and linked to chemical properties, uptake, translocation and metabolism in target and non-target organisms. The principles of assessing pesticide selectivity will be an integral part of the course. We deal with formulations of pesticides and use of adjuvants to enhance efficacy, either by the manufacture or by the end user. Various reference models to assess joint action of pesticide mixtures are taught and the implication to their use is validated and side effects are described. We focus on aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicology in relation to pesticide loads, intentional and not intentional discharge in the environment and also the ecotoxicological effects of pesticides on populations and communities. Risk assessment of the pesticide use is evaluated in relation to ecotoxicology, and the national and international registration systems. An excursion to Cheminova (http://www.cheminova.dk), the only Danish pesticide producing factory and the private field and laboratory testing company Agrolab (http://www.agrolab.dk/) is an integral part of the course
The students should know about the scientific principles of
chemical, physical and biological properties of pesticides, their
use in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, public land and
households and their ecotoxicological side effects. The
curriculum encompasses the advantages and disadvantages of
pesticide use, the knowledge of which is instrumental for those who
wish to work with pesticide development, their management and use
in industry, agriculture, horticulture, forestry and on public
domains, their legislation and registration.
Knowledge:
- Describe chemical and physical properties of pesticides and know
the site and mode of action of exemplary pesticides representing
the most used pesticide groups
- Know the principles of pesticide use in crops and for
non-agricultural purposes (pest and vector control) including their
effects on both target and non-target organisms
- Summarise the rationale behind pesticide development and
registration
- Classify pesticides and reflect about their impact in relation to
use, load and ecotoxicology
Skills
- Statistical analysis and biological interpretation of
dose-response data from bioassays with various organisms and
endpoints
- Analyse and interpret data from mixtures toxicity experiments
- Assess efficacy/toxicity of herbicides and recognise
characteristic symptoms in the field and greenhouse.
- Evaluate toxicity data in a regulatory context
- Apply quantitative methods to assess pesticide load, drift and
fate in organisms and environment.
Competences
- Evaluate pesticide applications to target and non-target
organisms in the terrestrial and aquatic environments
- Put various theories and principles of pesticide action into
perspective and make sound judgment of impact of pesticides on
different environments
- Discuss pesticide use from a scientific stand in view of its
controversial issue in the public
- Put into perspective the effect of manipulating agro-ecosystems
on sustainability in relation to food production
The exact editions will be written on Absalon.
Examples of course literature:
Stephenson G.R. and Solomon K.R, Pesticides and the Environment,
CNTC Canadian Network of Toxicology Centres.
Handouts
Cedergreen, N. 2017, Manual for laboratory and theoretical
exercices
- Category
- Hours
- Colloquia
- 5
- Exam
- 1
- Excursions
- 10
- Lectures
- 20
- Practical exercises
- 40
- Preparation
- 100
- Project work
- 10
- Theory exercises
- 20
- Total
- 206
Written and oral feedback is given for all reports on a report-group basis. All reports thereafter have to be re-submitted. Peer-feedback is given on the final presentation, with different groups being asigned to give feedback on the individual presentations. All students are encurraged to ask questions to practical and theoretical exersises during the course and can be expected to recieve feedback on their questions and enquiries.
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- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 20 minOral examination in reports and curriculum, 20 min. preparation
- Exam registration requirements
All exercise reports are submitted and approved
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
One internal censor
- Re-exam
If the requirement is not met, the student has to follow the course the following year as the laboratory exercises need to be followed.
Criteria for exam assesment
See description of learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NPLK14006U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 3
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- 30
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Natural Resources, Environment and Animal Science
Contracting department
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Course Coordinators
- Nina Cedergreen (3-72676a4474706972326f7932686f)
Lecturers
Helle Marcussen - Pesticide fate