RAD325 Experimental radioecology

The course provides students with in‑depth knowledge and practical experience in experimental methodology and modeling within radioecology, as well as an understanding of the importance of interaction between researchers who develop models and those who generate experimental data.

The lectures cover a range of radioecological models and methods for determining the speciation of radionuclides, dosimetry (including wildlife dosimetry), biological effects (including radiosensitivity and the impact of multiple stressors), advanced analytical techniques for exposure characterization (nano‑ and micro‑analytical methods) and source identification (isotopic ratios as "fingerprints"), as well as nuclear safety and mitigation actions related to nuclear accidents.

The laboratory exercises include a dynamic aquatic microcosm experiment where radioactive tracers, sediments, water, and biota are used to study speciation, mobility, and biological uptake over time.

Knowledge: The student is expected to acquire in‑depth insight into radioecology, with particular emphasis on process understanding, experimental methods, and the development and application of models.

Skills: The student should be able to plan, carry out, and report on both radioecological experiments and modeling studies. The student should also be able to explain the principles of a stepwise development of radioecological models, as well as apply several of the radioecological modeling tools covered in the course, including assessing the uncertainties in model estimates.

General competence: The students are to hold a competence that enable them to contribute to national nuclear emergency preparedness and decommissioning activities by using modeling and experimental approaches to obtain—or advise on obtaining—information that supports consequence and risk assessments related to radioactive contamination.