MS4241

The ecological risk assessment framework (ERA) can be retroactive and predictive. A retroactive ERA estimates the risk from an existing situation, such as a contaminated site, while a predictive ERA predicts the same for a future situation, such as the proposed licensing of a new housing development. ERA integrates many scientific disciplines in estimating the probabilities of undesired ecological impacts. Industry develop ERA to determine future risk and liabilities associated with the development, use, and disposal of new or existing products. With increasing demand on our ecological resources and decreasing government budgets, resource managers and regulators use environmental risk assessment to organize scientific information and prioritize the decision-making process. Students will learn to focus and interpret scientific information that reduces uncertainty in risk assessment and helps ensure that research emphasis is placed on problems posing the greatest risks. Case studies will be used extensively to illustrate how ecological risk principles are applied to a wide range of situations.

SPRNG