Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

There is increasing evidence that the integrity of the environments in which we live is under substantial pressure, particularly from the way we live. The end result of such pressure is that the basic and fundamental pre-requisites for human health are threatened. The science of Environmental Health has always been concerned with the study of the human - environment interface, and now even more than ever, practitioners are needed who understand this link and the strategies available to control and minimize the risks associated with environmental health hazards. For students specialising in environmental health, this unit provides a foundation on which other units build, whereas for other students, this unit provides an opportunity for them to gain a better understanding of how factors in the environment influence health.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to produce graduates who have an in-depth understanding of the large range of contemporary environmental health hazards (including historical, current and predicted hazards) and the strategies to assess and manage these hazards in a sustainable manner.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will:
1. critically analyse contemporary environmental health issues
2. apply assessment and management strategies for environmental health hazards
3. apply the principles of sustainable development to environmental health issues
4. critically analyse the need for an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the current environmental health issues faced by society
5. communicate and transmit technical information to peers

Content

This unit consists of 4 modules:
1. Introduction to Environmental Health (provides an introduction to environmental health and environmental health management)
2. Ecosystems, Sustainability and Health
3. Environmental Health Issues (eg. air pollution, water and sanitation, waste and contaminated land, communicable diseases and food safety, physical agents)
4. Environmental Health Settings (including Indigenous environmental health, the built environment, and global and emerging environmental health issues).

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

To maximise your engagement with the learning materials in this unit, a combination of face to face and regular technologically - supported communication, online discussion, web tools and podcasts will be used to generate a rich, social learning environment. Lectures and web conferences will be recorded to enable some flexibility in the location, time and mode of study, with respect to work and life commitments.

Assessment

Each assessment type in this unit will be subject to internal /external moderation, such as cross unit discussions and regular meetings of assessors, to ensure that marks awarded by different teaching staff are internally consistent and meet appropriate academic standards (MOPP C/5.2).Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: You will be required to complete an individual case study presentation on an environmental health topic that is linked to a topic in one of the modules.

INTERNAL students only.
Relates to objectives: 1,3,5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Biweekly from Week 3

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: You will be required to make two contributions of 1000 to 1200 words each in response to set questions. Your fellow students will provide comments on your contributions, as you will likewise comment on their contributions.

EXTERNAL students only.
Relates to objectives: 1,3,5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 4 & 7

Assessment name: Report
Description: Analyse environmental health risks associated with disasters and mass gatherings and report on this using a particular case study to guide the discussion.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete a closed-book written theory examination comprising essay questions. This will be conducted on-campus for internal students and at a university arranged location for external students.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Nil required.

Risk assessment statement

Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that regular rest breaks are taken if engaging in prolonged computer-based work.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 25-Oct-2012