EOH-50A: Occupation Environmental Health A

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course Overview:
EOH-50A: Occupational and Environmental Health provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles, challenges, and strategies for protecting and promoting health in occupational and environmental settings. Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives, this course examines the recognition, assessment, and prevention of health risks associated with workplace and environmental exposures. Topics include hazardous exposures (chemical, biological, physical, and psychosocial), adverse health effects (e.g., cancer, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders), and integrated approaches to prevention, such as addressing climate change, disaster response, and global health equity. The course is designed for students interested in public health, occupational safety, environmental health, and related fields, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address complex health challenges in diverse settings.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental concepts and challenges in occupational and environmental health, including social justice and equity considerations.
2. Identify and assess workplace and environmental hazards, including chemical, biological, physical, and psychosocial exposures.
3. Apply epidemiological and toxicological principles to evaluate health risks and inform preventive strategies.
4. Evaluate the role of government, surveillance systems, and worksite investigations in protecting occupational and environmental health.
5. Analyze the impact of specific adverse health effects, such as injuries, cancer, and neurological disorders, and their prevention.
6. Develop integrated prevention strategies addressing emerging issues like climate change, children’s environmental health, and hazards in specific industries (e.g., agriculture, construction, healthcare).
7. Explore global perspectives on occupational and environmental health to address challenges in diverse populations and settings.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key occupational and environmental health challenges and their social, economic, and ethical implications.
2. Accurately identify and categorize hazardous exposures and their potential health impacts using evidence-based approaches.
3. Design and propose effective interventions to mitigate workplace and environmental health risks, incorporating surveillance and ergonomic principles.
4. Critically assess the role of policy, regulation, and government in promoting health and safety in occupational and environmental contexts.
5. Analyze case studies of adverse health effects to recommend preventive measures tailored to specific populations or industries.
6. Formulate holistic prevention plans that address contemporary issues, such as climate change and disaster response, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
7. Communicate occupational and environmental health strategies effectively, considering global and cross-cultural perspectives.

Course Structure:
The course includes lectures, case studies, group discussions, and practical assignments based on the key sections of the course text: Introduction, Recognition, Assessment, and Prevention, Hazardous Exposures, Adverse Health Effects, and An Integrated Approach to Prevention. Students will engage with real-world scenarios, such as conducting worksite investigations and addressing hazards for specific worker groups, to apply theoretical knowledge.

Target Audience:
This course is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in public health, environmental science, occupational health, and related disciplines, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of workplace and environmental health issues.

Prerequisites:
None, though a basic understanding of biology, chemistry, or public health is recommended.

COURSE CMS SPECIFICS

Credit value: 3-6 (US standard) | 6-12 (ECTS standard)

Indicative duration (full-time): 4-10 weeks

Indicative duration (part-time): 5-12 weeks

Certificate: Yes

COURSE METHODOLOGY

This course is based on standard EUCLID methodology. Students may refer to the following resources:

Academic Guidelines (HQ version)

Academic Guidelines (most recent version, even if unofficial)

Student Orientation Guidelines (most recent version, even if unofficial)

Zotero instructions for EUCLID students

Grammarly instructions for EUCLID students

REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIAL

Course material is provided in the form of embedded videos, audio MP3s, and/or downloadable PDFs.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Written Assignments, Response Papers and Major Paper: 40% (must pass)

Quiz: 10% (must pass)

Final Exam: 50% (must pass)

COURSE SYLLABUS | ACCESS TO 7 PERIODS