BIOL5130 · Biology

Environmental Disruptors of Development

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

Satisfies the advanced experience requirement for the Biology major. More than 100,000 chemicals are manufactured and may end up as environmental pollutants. Some have toxic effects at high concentrations and protection plans are already in place. However, embryonic, fetal or neonatal exposure to low "safe" levels of numerous pollutants can (1) induce subtle changes in developmental programs regulated by steroid hormones; (2) increase the reproductive, immune, metabolic or cognitive disorders and (3) increase the risk of adult-onset disorders (breast cancer, prostrate cancer, diabetes, reduced fertility). This course will examine experiments regarding Environmental Endocrine Disruptors and consider how this work is important in the development of regulatory policy.