180.660.01 INTRODUCTORY PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Provides an introduction to the concepts and principles of environmental health -- the effects of the environment on human health. Presents the major concepts and principles of environmental health, and their relation to the practice of public health. Course utilizes selected environmental agents and vectors as exemplars of these concepts and principles. Intended for MHS students (this course does not meet the Environmental Health requirement for the MPH program).

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the types, sources, and distribution of environmental agents. Identify the vectors in which agents are transmitted. Describe how these agents interact with biological systems, and the mechanisms by which they exert adverse effects. Predict the nature of an agent’s adverse effects from its physical, chemical or infectious properties, and how the effects may manifest in public and environmental health. Describe and use models for prediction of the magnitude of adverse effects. Identify significant gaps in the current knowledge base concerning health effects of environmental agents, and areas of uncertainty in the risk assessment process. Describe current legislation and regulation regarding environmental issues.