MPH2043 - Chemical and biological hazards

Leader(s): Dr D Goddard

Offered

Alfred Hospital First semester 2009 (Day)
Alfred Hospital First semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Prevention of human disease resulting from workplace exposures to chemical and biological hazards. Covering toxicological principles, health effects of the major groups of chemical substances, as well as biological hazards from blood and bodily secretions, water, food, animals and travelling abroad.

Objectives

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. nominate groups of commonly encountered substances, giving examples of each;
2. relate the principles of toxicokinetics and the metabolism of foreign substances by the human body;
3. describe the common and well-known adverse effects from substances and biological agents;
4. access and interpret information about the health effects of substances and biological agents;
5. describe the common and important infections spread by water, food, air, blood and animal secretions;
6. describe methods to control the spread of such infections;
7. describe what is meant by immunity, allergy and vaccination;
8. effectively and sensitively communicate information about risks due to substances and biological agents

Assessment

Multiple choice test and short answer test (10% each);
Web based tasks (20%)
Short essay (15%)
Written assignment (25%)
Presentation (20%)

Off-campus attendance requirements

18 contact over 4 days