MSc in Ecotoxicology

1. Name of the master’s programme: Ecotoxicology

2. The level of qualification that can be obtained in the program and the designation of the qualification in the diploma:

• level of qualification: master's degree (magister, master; abbreviated: MSc)
• according to ISCED 2011: 7
• according to the European Qualifications Framework: 7
• according to the Hungarian Qualifications Framework: 7
• qualification: Ecotoxicologist

3. Field of study: Natural Science

    3.1. Classification of the qualification according to the Unified Classification of Fields of Education (ISCED-F 2013): 051
    3.2. Classification by orientation: balanced (40–60 percent)

4. Length of the programme: 4 semesters

5. Number of credits required to obtain a master's degree: 120 credits

6. The aim and competencies of the programme

6.1. The aim of the programme 
The aim of the program is to train ecotoxicologist specialists who, with their acquired knowledge of natural, biological (primarily ecological and toxicological) and social sciences, are able to independently recognize ecotoxicological phenomena. They are familiar with the fundamental principles of the main methods in ecotoxicology and possible ways of their implementation. Graduates are able to evaluate and remediate environmental damage, as well as to put their work in a social context. Our certified ecotoxicologists can be employed in many areas of the labor market: industry, research-development-innovation, services, public administration and all areas where knowledge of environmental risk assessment conforming to the regulations of the European Union is required. Graduates are prepared to continue their studies in a doctoral program.

6.2 Competencies

6.2.1 The Ecotoxicologist’s

a) knowledge:

• Knows and applies in a comprehensive manner the most important theoretical and practical regularities related to the profession of ecotoxicologist.
• Proficient in special ecotoxicological statistical procedures.
• Knows the possible behavior of pollutants in the environment, their detection and monitoring methods.
• Suitable for the assessment of the effects of pollutants in different media (soil, water, air), as well as the reactions of different entities (populations, associations, ecosystems, biosphere) to environmental pollutants.
• Recognizes global environmental problems, their economic and social background, and measures aimed at their resolution.
• Knows and can apply the possibilities of environmental risk assessment estimating environmental risks.
• Knows the operating procedure of GLP laboratories.
• Knows the domestic and international expectations and rules regarding ecotoxicology, and their sources.
• Knows the research methods of the scientific field, the possibilities of their application and development.
• Knows the latest results of ecotoxicology and can use them at a skill level.
• Expert in the national and international legal regulations in the field of expertise.

b) competencies

• Able to recognize and analyze the most important relationships in ecotoxicology, acquire and master new knowledge, and apply the latest results of ecotoxicology at a practical, skillful level;
• Able to apply environmentally conscious principles in practice;
• Able to identify supra-individual environmental hazards and problems, and to prevent, mitigate, or eliminate them by developing scientifically based solutions;
• Able to apply the methodology of scientific research, conduct research work, and publish results in both Hungarian and a foreign language;
• Able to plan, execute, evaluate laboratory and field studies, and draw scientific conclusions;
• Able to apply knowledge acquired in the context of management and quality assurance;
• Able to engage in professional self-education;
• Able to design and operate experimental series, research projects, or monitoring systems while giving proper consideration to relevant standards, legislation, access rights, and required professional competencies;
• Able to establish professional collaboration with experts in related scientific disciplines.

c) attitude

• Strives to recognize problems and find solutions;
• Characterized by creativity, flexibility, and motivation;
• Open to environmental sensitivity and awareness;
• Strives for critical and responsible thinking regarding environmental issues;
• Has a desire for continuous professional development.

d) autonomy and responsibility

• Possesses environmentally conscious thinking and a sense of responsibility;
• Capable of independent work;
• Able to place ecotoxicological problems in a scientific and societal context and interpret them for decision-makers and the public;
• Able to collaborate effectively and, after acquiring sufficient practical experience, assume leadership roles.

7. Professional characteristics of the Master’s programme, the subject areas leading to the qualification, and their credit distribution, which constitute the structure of the programme

7.1. The basic disciplines: 14-30 credits;
Ecological systems and models, ecology, toxicology, environmental protection, physical, chemical, and biological loads of environmental and ecological systems, chemistry of environmental pollutants, bioinformatics, data evaluation methods.

7.2. Professional core disciplines: 20-40 credits;
Complex ecotoxicology, molecular and cellular examinations in ecotoxicology, laboratory and field ecotoxicological investigations, ecotoxicology of aquatic and terrestrial organisms, ecotoxicology and protection of environmental elements, environmental impact and its elimination, ecotoxicological applications in environmental protection.

7.3. Differentiated professional knowledge: 20-33 credits;
Environmental impact, practical applications of ecotoxicology, feed toxicology, ecotoxicological aspects of plant protection, societal aspects of ecotoxicology.

7.4. Optional subjects: 6 credits

7.5. Preparation of master thesis: 30 credits.

8. Requirements for the professional internship and practical training:

A four-week professional internship, to be completed at an institution conducting ecotoxicological studies, research, or ecotoxicology-related regulatory work

9. Distinctive features of the programme: -

10. For programmes taught in a foreign language, the expected level of proficiency in the language of instruction is: B2 level English skill.