317.600.01 INTRODUCTION TO THE RISK SCIENCES AND PUBLIC POLICY

Provides an introduction to the basic paradigm for quantitative risk assessment and illustrates its application in the public policy process using case studies. Examines risk assessment in a broad societal context, considering social, economic, and political factors that affect risk decision-making; evolution of risk assessment; and the use of risk assessment in regulatory processes. Students complete a risk assessment exercise.

• Achieve a general understanding of the concept of quantitative risk assessment and its application to public health problems • Identify the elements of a quantitative risk assessment, utilizing the general framework developed by the National Research Council • Evaluate a report of a quantitative risk assessment and interpret the policy relevance of the findings • Understand current uses of quantitative risk assessment in policy-making