ENV2757 - Environmental health - 2017

The unit uses an ecological approach to examine the relationship between human health and their environment. Various factors in the physical, chemical, and biological environment are studied from an epidemiological perspective. Case studies introduce students to ways of assessing environmental hazards, and control measures are discussed. Current environmental health issues such as world health, air pollution, and climate change are considered.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Identify the major environmental factors that influence human health;
2. Demonstrate a basic level of understanding of the mechanisms involved in the spread of diseases within human populations;
3. Demonstrate an awareness of the factors involved in risk assessment and risk communication;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the epidemiology of infectious diseases and the use of immunisation to control the spread of infections in populations;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of food contamination and the public health measures used to control food quality and investigate food poisoning outbreaks;
6. Describe the common infections caused by waterborne pathogens and water testing and treatment;
7. Describe common physical hazards and their effects on human health and the public health measures designed to protect the public from these hazards;
8. Access and critically analyse sources of scientific information.

Journal article critique: 15%

Internet research assessment: 10%

Written assignment (2000-3000 words): 15%

Examination (2 hours): 60%

Equivalent of two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour tutorial per week

See also Unit timetable information

ENV1800 or BIO1022