Course info

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1.    Interpret and critically analyse data on environmental chemical analysis;

2.    Describe at least five (5) effects of chemicals on humans, safety, and the environment;

3.    Critically evaluate the effect of anthropogenic activities on the environment;

4.    List up to six (6) common chemicals found in the environment; and,

5.    Identify and discuss four (4) soil and water remediation techniques.

 

Course contents

·       Types, nature, and characteristics of various chemicals.

·       Physical and chemical properties of chemicals which are ecologically important.

·       Toxicants: formulation, modes of action (structural activity relationships).

·       Metabolism and movement in the environment synergism, antagonism, perturbation and relative potency.

·       Half-life of toxic chemicals in the environment.

·       Agrochemicals, types, uses, degradation, and persistence.

·       Acceptable daily intake (ADI) of pesticides.

·       Contact and stomach poison.

·       Dose-response relationships.

·       Handling, storage, and safety precautions.

·       Natural pesticides and fertilizers.

·       Advantages and disadvantages of natural agrochemicals over synthetic agrochemicals.