MSc in Ecotoxicology

MSc in Ecotoxicology

Last modified: 14. March 2025

The purpose of the training is to train specialists who, with their natural science, biological (primarily ecological and toxicological) and social science knowledge, are able to independently recognize ecotoxicological phenomena. They know the basic principles of the most important methods of ecotoxicology and the possible ways of their implementation. They are suitable for the evaluation and remediation of perceived environmental damage, as well as for placing their work in a social context. Graduates are well prepared to continue their studies within the framework of doctoral training.

Qualification of the degree:

  • level of degree: Master of Science (MSc);
  • qualification: Ecotoxicologist.

Length of program: 4 semesters
Work schedule: full-time (HU, EN) or correspondence (HU)
Financial options: state scholarship or self-funded
Program Leader: Dr. András Székács university professor
Training location: Gödöllő 
Language of conduction: Hungarian and English
 

Professional practice

The training program of the master's degree in ecotoxicology includes 4 weeks of professional practice, which is determined by the curriculum of the higher education institution. The practical time shall be spent in an institution conducting ecotoxicological tests, research or official work in ecotoxicology. The choice of the institution can be proposed by the student or the university, but shall be approved by the head of department.
 

Skills and professional competences acquired on completion of the program

The professional skills and attitudes of graduates in Ecotoxicology master program include:

  • they know and apply in a complex manner the most important theoretical and practical laws related to the profession of ecotoxicologist;
  • they are proficient in special ecotoxicological statistical procedures;
  • they know the possible behavior of pollutants in the environment, their detection and monitoring methods;
  • they can assess the effects of pollutants in different media (soil, water, air), as well as the reactions of different objects (populations, associations, ecosystems, biosphere) to environmental pollutants;
  • they know global environmental problems, their economic and social background, and the measures aimed at solving them;
  • they know and can apply the possibilities of estimating environmental risks;
  • they know and can apply the possibilities of estimating environmental risks;
  • they are proficient in the domestic and international legal regulations of the field;
  • they know the domestic and international expectations and rules regarding ecotoxicology, and their sources;
  • they know the research methods of the scientific field, the possibilities of their application and development;
  • they know the latest results of ecotoxicology and their skillful use.

Conditions of obtaining pre-degree certificate (absolutorium)

  • completion of: all the compulsory subjects of the program, the required number of optional credits according to the curriculum and the number of credits for the preparation of the thesis, for a total of 120 credits.

Final exam

Condition to attend final exam:

  • obtained pre-degree certificate (absolutorium);
  • submission of thesis and its acceptance by reviewers;
  • the student shall not be in debt to the University.

Parts of final exam:

  • comprehensive complex exam;
  • thesis defense.

Field of knowledge and subjects of final exam
General topics:

  • The effects of xenobiotics are individual (population), bioavailability, biological transformation, excretion and the biotic ligand model.
  • Types and areas of application of "in silico/in vivo/in vitro" methods (advantages, disadvantages).
  • Statistical methods of evaluating ecotoxicological tests.
  • Theoretical foundations, notable points and areas of application of dose-effect models.
  • Effects of mixtures of toxic substances (addition, synergism, antagonism, potentiation), as well as their quantitative estimation.
  • Presentation of the basic principles and important steps of environmental risk analysis (ERA) through an example.
  • New types of challenges in ecotoxicology (e. g. GMOs, nanotechnology). Comparison of the ecotoxicological aspects of GMOs and substances produced by nanotechnology, as well as medicines and plant protection agents.
  • Characterization of the operation of GLP laboratories. Comparison of the operation of GLP and research laboratories (goals, possibilities, advantages and disadvantages).
  • Environmental consequences of hormone-modulating substances.
  • Characteristics of pollutants in soil and water ecosystems (sources of pollution, main types of pollutants, movement, transformation in different environmental elements). Soil and water ecotoxicological studies (characterization of method groups), biomonitoring studies in soil and surface waters.

Specific topics:

  • Problems of DDT application (ecotoxicological, economic and social aspects).
  • Presentation of ecotoxicological laboratory tests (advantages, disadvantages, problems arising during application) based on a chosen test method (e.g. reproduction test developed for Folsomia candida (Collembola) species).
  • Presentation of the REACH program.
  • Presentation of the ecotoxicological effects of a chosen xenobiotic and explanation of causes and consequences.
  • Description of ecotoxicogenomics (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) (purpose, test types, advantages and disadvantages). Possibilities of applying bioinformatics in the field of ecotoxicology.
  • Description of the factors affecting the mobility of xenobiotics and the distribution coefficient.
  • Introduction of species sensitivity distribution (SSD) models
  • Environmental law principles, environmental protection and legislation. EU environmental law, major international environmental conventions.
  • In ovo toxicology of avian reproduction.

Evaluation of final exam and qualification of degree from 2020/21 academic year

Accordingly, to chapter 4.3.16 Final exam and chapter 4.3.17. Degree certificate.

Model curriculum of the program