About the Collection of Learning Resources for Environmental Toxicology

The resources archived on this website serve to support a two-tiered (i.e., undergraduate and graduate) course in Environmental Toxicology (BIOL 4517 & 6517) taught in person on the campus of California State University, East Bay (Hayward, California, USA) by Dr. Caron Inouye in the Department of Biological Science.  The field of environmental toxicology advances at a rapid pace, so traditional textbooks become somewhat outdated rather rapidly.  In addition, I have not found a textbook that adequately aligns to the teaching and learning objectives of my course.  Therefore, in addition to my course presentations, learning assignments, and in-class discussions & activities,  students use the resources I've posted on this website.  All resources are open access.  This website is a work-in-progress and is an outcome of an Alternative Learning Solutions faculty award (CSUEB).

Please contact me if you have suggestions, feedback, and/or other resources to share. 

Course Prerequisites
Students must have successfully passed an upper-level course in animal and/or human physiology (e.g. BIOL 3151) and a full year of general chemistry (e.g CHEM 1101-2-3).  Organic chemistry and particularly biochemistry are strongly recommended. 

Course Scope/Objectives
The overarching objective of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of the toxicology of pervasive environmental pollutants.  The course builds on and reinforces the fundamentals of animal physiology and chemistry to provide a deeper understanding of the key physiological responses of wildlife and humans to certain environmental contaminants.  In addition, this course includes covers how environmental toxicants are assessed for risk, monitored, and regulated.  Students engage in ongoing discussions on the unsustainable practices contributing to environmental pollution, the global impact of, and possible solutions to anthropogenic pollution. 

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop and apply a vocabulary of appropriate terminology to effectively communicate information related to environmental toxicology;
  2. Distinguish, classify, and characterize a variety of environmental pollutants based on their biological and physical properties;
  3. Describe the physiological routes and kinetics of exposure as well as mechanisms of detoxification for a variety of toxicants;
  4. Describe the physiological effects of toxicant exposure;
  5. Identify biomarkers and bioindicators of exposure to specific environmental contaminants;
  6. Describe how environmental pollutants are monitored, regulated, and assessed for risk;
  7. Evaluate the scope of the problem associated with certain environmental pollutants, particularly persistent organic pollutants and other anthropogenic sources of pollution;
  8. Gather, present, and evaluate scientific evidence to construct explanations/arguments that support or refute claims concerning environmental pollutants and their impact on human and environmental health;
  9. Identify potential solutions to anthropogenic pollution.

Top E-Resources

Encyclopedia of the Earth - Ecotoxicology

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An amazing e-reference about the Earth -- its natural environments and their interaction with society.  This is a free, fully searchable, and peer-reviewed collection of articles by expert scientists, educators, and other scholars.  Of particular relevance to En Tox is the Ecotoxicology section.  Click on the logo to access this section.  

NLM Toxicology Tutorials

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An interactive tutorial (reference with assessment) from the National Library of Medicine/NIH.  This tutorial focuses on classical human toxicology rather than environmental toxicology, but the fundamental principles, concepts, and terminology are relevant and helpful.  The physiology content is presented at a very basic level.  Click on the logo to access the tutorial.

Environmental Working Group

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Established in 2002, the EWG is a non-profit organization of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers, and computer programmers.  EWG's website is the best of the best resource for research & policy news and public education on current chemical threats to human health and the environment.  Students in the course will use the interactive "Skin Deep" and "Guide to Healthy Cleaning" databases to complete group assignments.  Click on the logo to access EWG's homepage.