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:

1. To gain a perspective of the historical and current applications of pesticides and the benefits and drawbacks of their use.
2. To be able to describe methods of classifying pesticides based on characteristics including use and mode of action.
3. 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.
4. To gain experience in formulating objective research questions to address current pesticide-related questions.
5. To gain an understanding of the role of risk assessment in monitoring and managing existing and emerging concerns with pesticides.
6. To be aware of regulations governing the use of pesticides locally and internationally.
7. 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)

Assessment