MPH5243 - Chemical and biological hazards - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Deborah Glass

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Deborah Glass

Unit guides

Offered

Alfred Hospital

  • First semester 2018 (Off-campus)
  • First semester 2018 (On-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.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Apply the principles of toxicokinetics and the metabolism of foreign substances by the human body;
  2. Compare common and well-known adverse effects from exposure to substances and biological agents;
  3. Compile the common and important infections spread by water, food, air, blood and animal secretions, and implement methods to control the spread of such infections;
  4. Investigate what is meant by immunity, allergy and vaccination;
  5. Research and critically analyse information about the health effects of substances and biological agents;
  6. Investigate and evaluate the risks of substances and biological agents and demonstrate the ability to communicate this to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment

  • Critical reflections (1,800 words total) (30%)
  • Team presentation (5-7 minutes) (12%)
  • Presentation reflection (500 words) (8%)
  • Essay proposal (600 words) (10%)
  • Essay (2,400 words) (40%) (hurdle)

Workload requirements

12 hours self-directed study per week, plus 3 compulsory block days.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at: