Drifting Through the Environment (term 2)- Semester 1

Description: The environment has increasing numbers, and types, of contaminants entering via water, soil, and air. These contaminants persist, drift, often changing their form, and are taken up by the biota (animals & plants) within an ecosystem.
If you are interested in the environment and want a balanced scientific explanation of how and why contaminants cause issues, this is the group for you. The approach will look at uptake i.e. the process by which organisms absorb contaminants from their surroundings, essential to understanding how pollution affects biological systems. Real-world examples will be examined weekly to understand pollutant pathways, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. Of course, government regulations and policy, politics, individual/corporate interests and historical uses cannot be escaped.
Requirements: Some weeks there will be articles to read or videos to view prior to class (links will be provided).
Tutor: Dr Marilyn Bennet-Chambers
Duration: 8 weeks (term 2)
Start Date: 1st May 2025
Day & time: Thursday 9.45 – 11.45 am