After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply toxicology principles to environmental issues.
• Understand how aquatic organisms are exposed to toxic chemicals.
• Identify factors affecting toxicity.
• Understand similarities and differences between the toxicity of metals and organic chemicals.
• Understand detoxification processes, modes of action of toxic chemicals, and types of effects present in molecular and the ecosystem level.
• Assess toxicity in terms of LC50 and EC50, and develop dose-response curves.
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various toxicity testing methods.
• Understand the scientific basis for and limitations of water quality standards.
• Describe the principles of ecological risk assessment.

Intended audience: This course is designed for professionals seeking a greater understanding of aquatic toxicology and for practitioners and agency personnel, including toxicologists, biologists, ecologists, hydrologists, planners, and regulators involved with stream issues.

Prerequisites: Some college-level biology and chemistry coursework is required (even if taken several years ago). A fundamental understanding of aquatic ecology is also helpful.

Education level: Introductory/Refresher

Course materials: Attendees will receive a binder containing workshop proceedings and reference material.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3 CEU's

Registration: $495/$395*
(*Reduced tuition is available to employees of Native American tribes, government agencies, and nonprofits; students; and NAEP and AFS members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976. Register Online!

What to bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Lunch will be on your own. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day.

About the instructor: Ruth Sofield is an Associate Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in the Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University. She has worked on a range of projects including: genetically based tolerance to pollutant exposure in marine systems with the NOAA Ecotoxicology Branch, CCHEBR in Charleston, South Carolina, development of groundwater WET tests with photoactive pollutants with the Washington State DOE; and metal contamination and effects in mining systems in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia with agencies including USGS and USEPA.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to the day prior to the event. Registration may occur up to the day prior to the event provided that space is available.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.