ENVS*3020 - Pesticides and the Environment
Course Description
This course examines the role and use of pesticides by various facets of society and the effect of these pesticides on biological activities in the environment. Preparation of a research proposal is required for the course.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the learners should be able to:
- To gain a perspective of the historical and current applications of pesticides and the benefits and drawbacks of their use.
- To be able to describe methods of classifying pesticides based on characteristics including use and mode of action.
- To be able to understand important chemical, physical and biological properties of pesticides that are important for predicting their fate and impact in the environment.
- To gain experience in formulating objective research questions to address current pesticide-related questions.
- To gain an understanding of the role of risk assessment in monitoring and managing existing and emerging concerns with pesticides.
- To be aware of regulations governing the use of pesticides locally and internationally.
- To be able to extrapolate from the principles learned in this course to a broader range of environmental issues.
Course Topics
- Introduction, pesticide risks and benefits
- Pesticide discovery
- Pesticide uses, formulations and applications
- Herbicides
- Fungicides
- Insecticides
- Pesticide uptake, movement and metabolism in target organisms
- Pesticide movement and fate in the environment
- Pesticide toxicity, risk assessment
- Pesticide resistance/integrated pest management
- Pesticide residues in food/human health risk assessment of pesticides
- Pesticide regulations (focus on Canadian perspective)
Additional Requirements
Prerequisite(s): [BIOL*1040 or (2 of BIOL*1050, BIOL*1070, BIOL*1080, BIOL*1090)], CHEM*1040
Equate(s): ENVB*3030
Assessment
Assessment Item | Weight | Learning Outcomes |
Research Proposal – Self Enrollment | 2% | 4 |
Quizzes | 14% | 1, 4, 5 |
Midterm 1 | 22% | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 |
Midterm 2 | 22% | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 |
Research Proposal Part 1 | 20% | 3, 4, 5, 7 |
Research Proposal Part 2 | 20% | 3, 4, 5, 7 |
Total | 100% |
Technical Requirements
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*Course details are subject to change.