Risk Assessment and Regulation of Chemicals
This course delves into the intricacies of chemical assessment, presenting fundamental terms and concepts while clarifying the general approach to mitigating risks associated with chemical exposure.
Comprehensive evaluation and management of chemicals necessitate an understanding of toxicity, environmental characteristics, substance exposure, and the scientific principles influencing decision-making.
Key topics covered include:
- Identifying characteristics that classify a chemical as "hazardous."
- Distinguishing between hazard and risk.
- Determining the requisite data for evaluating the hazard and risk of a chemical.
- Locating information about a chemical's hazards and risks.
- Exploring the management of chemicals at national, regional, and global levels.
The course provides an overview of the regulatory systems in the EU and globally (e.g. REACH, CLP, Stockholm Convention, Plant Protection Product Regulation, Biocide Regulation, and Water Framework Directive), aiming to familiarize students with the regulatory landscape and give an understanding of key stakeholders. The course introduces the processes involved in chemical risk assessment: hazard assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Throughout, there is an emphasis on the types of data and methods employed in chemical assessment and how these data and methods are scrutinized and weighted in the assessment process.
Employing a mix of teaching methods, including lectures and seminars, the course employs real-life examples to elucidate the complexities of chemical regulation. The individual project, where students critically analyse an assessment, offers hands-on experience to reinforce their understanding. Past case studies encompassed restriction assessments from the REACH regulation, CLP classifications, and PBT assessments from the Stockholm Convention. Students are tasked with examining the outcome and basis of assessments, the resulting regulatory actions, and comparing these with assessments performed by other expert groups.
Feedback from previous students underscores the success of the course:
- “We learned, we laughed, and we felt comfortable to ask questions and discuss.”
- “I liked everything, especially the seminars.”
- “Amazing usage of different teaching methods, super motivating and encouraging and supportive.”
- “An incredibly supportive and helpful learning atmosphere was there during the whole course to the benefit of all!”
- ”Real-world application projects.”
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from your department
On this page you will shortly find information on registration, learning platform, etc.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
Comprehensive evaluation and management of chemicals necessitate an understanding of toxicity, environmental characteristics, substance exposure, and the scientific principles influencing decision-making.
Key topics covered include:
- Identifying characteristics that classify a chemical as "hazardous."
- Distinguishing between hazard and risk.
- Determining the requisite data for evaluating the hazard and risk of a chemical.
- Locating information about a chemical's hazards and risks.
- Exploring the management of chemicals at national, regional, and global levels.
The course provides an overview of the regulatory systems in the EU and globally (e.g. REACH, CLP, Stockholm Convention, Plant Protection Product Regulation, Biocide Regulation, and Water Framework Directive), aiming to familiarize students with the regulatory landscape and give an understanding of key stakeholders. The course introduces the processes involved in chemical risk assessment: hazard assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Throughout, there is an emphasis on the types of data and methods employed in chemical assessment and how these data and methods are scrutinized and weighted in the assessment process.
Employing a mix of teaching methods, including lectures and seminars, the course employs real-life examples to elucidate the complexities of chemical regulation. The individual project, where students critically analyse an assessment, offers hands-on experience to reinforce their understanding. Past case studies encompassed restriction assessments from the REACH regulation, CLP classifications, and PBT assessments from the Stockholm Convention. Students are tasked with examining the outcome and basis of assessments, the resulting regulatory actions, and comparing these with assessments performed by other expert groups.
Feedback from previous students underscores the success of the course:
- “We learned, we laughed, and we felt comfortable to ask questions and discuss.”
- “I liked everything, especially the seminars.”
- “Amazing usage of different teaching methods, super motivating and encouraging and supportive.”
- “An incredibly supportive and helpful learning atmosphere was there during the whole course to the benefit of all!”
- ”Real-world application projects.”
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Course structure
The course is obligatory for the Master's Programme in Environmental Science - Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, but can also be attended as a freestanding course.
Teaching format
The course contain a mix of lectures, seminars, and an individual project work.
Assessment
Active participation in the obligatory parts (project work and seminars) of the course is required. Knowledge assessment takes place through a written exam and a written and oral assignment.
Your rights and responsibilities
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Course literature consists of scientific articles and reports, adequate to the present issues, found by the students through literature searches as well as supplied by the teacher.
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Course reports
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Contact
Study counsellors
Course coordinator
Marlene Ågerstrand, marlene.agerstrand@aces.su.se, +46 8 16 4021
Department of Environmental Science, Unit of Exposure & Effects
