ENV2657

Environmental health

Mr Tom Jeavons

8 points - Second semester - Four 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and one 2-hour practical work/fieldwork per week - Distance education only

Objectives On completion of this subject, students will be able to appreciate that epidemiology is the study of factors and mechanisms involved in the spread of diseases within human populations; know the basic terminology in epidemiology sufficiently to be able to read and interpret journal articles on epidemiology; describe how information about the incidence and prevalence of diseases in Australia is collected and distributed; describe the characteristics of different types of microorganisms and the range of interactions between microorganisms and humans; discuss the epidemiology of food poisoning; be familiar with the public health measures used to improve food hygiene; describe the freshwater and sea water habitats of microorganisms and the effects of eutrophication on their activities; explain how water is tested for microbiologic quality and how water can be treated to remove sewage and other wastes; describe the common infections caused by waterborne pathogens and airborne pathogens; describe the common chemical hazards in the occupational and general environment; describe the effects of common chemical hazards on human health at different levels of body organisation; describe the properties and effects of common physical hazards on human health; discuss the public health measures designed to protect the public from hazards in the chemical and physical environment; examine and discuss selected public health issues; demonstrate an understanding of individual and community responses to environmental hazards.

Synopsis The subject uses an ecological approach to examine the relationships between humans and their environment. Various factors in the physical, chemical, and biological environment are studied from the perspective of their influence on human health. The subject begins with an introductory study of epidemiological methods which are used to investigate the factors involved in the spread of diseases within populations. Biotic influences on health are explored by studying the microbiology of food, water and air. Case studies introduce students to ways of assessing biological hazards, and preventive measures and control procedures are discussed. Abiotic influences on health are examined by looking at various chemical and physical hazards which the human population is exposed to in the environment. Methods of recognising, evaluating and controlling these hazards are discussed. The subject concludes with an examination of some specific issues - occupational health, global warming and public health, and the response of society to environmental health concerns.

Assessment Journal article critique: 10% - Practical work/fieldwork assessment: 10% - Written assignment (2000 words): 20% - End-of-semester examination (3 hours): 60%

Prescribed texts

To be advised

Recommended texts

Christie D, Gordon I and Heller R Epidemiology: An introductory text for medical and other health science students 2nd edn, NSWUP, 1997
Lee G and Bishop P Microbiology and infection control for health professionals Prentice-Hall, 1997
Philp R B Environmental hazards and human health Lewis (CRC), 1995

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