B6306 - ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE

Learning outcomes

This course program is designed to equip students with the skills to address and manage the 21st-century challenges associated with the complex relationship between the environment and human health. The curriculum incorporates contemporary issues, modern methodologies, and current global frameworks Thecourse covers fundamental aspects of pollution, their impacts, and modern methods for control and prevention. The program is updated to include holistic approaches, the United Nations Agenda 2030, next-generation risk assessment methodologies, climate change, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and the exposome concept

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

1. Understand the principles of environmental hygiene.
2. Identify and analyze various types of environmental pollution and their sources.
3. Evaluate the impact of environmental pollution on human health.
4. Apply holistic approaches to environmental health issues.
5. Understand and implement the goals of Agenda 2030 in environmental health and hygiene.
6. Utilize next-generation risk assessment tools and methodologies.
7. Assess the impact of climate change on environmental health.
8. Understand the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation on health.
9. Comprehend the exposome concept and its implications for environmental health.
10. Conduct practical assessments in risk assessment

Course contents

SSetting the scene: Introduction to Environmental Hygiene in the 21^st century

• Definition and importance of environmental health and hygiene
• Historical perspectives
• Overview of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Relationship between environmental health, hygiene, and SDGs
• Holistic approaches to environmental health

Air Pollution and Health

• Types and sources of air pollutants
• Effects of air pollution on health
• Air quality standards and monitoring
• Control measures
• Case studies and recent advancements

Water Pollution and Health

• Types and sources of water pollutants
• Effects of water pollution on health
• Water quality standards and monitoring
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in water
• Control measures
• Case studies and recent advancements

Soil Pollution and Health

• Types and sources of soil pollutants
• Effects of soil pollution on health
• Soil quality standards and monitoring
• Control measures
• Case studies and recent advancements

Noise Pollution and Health

• Sources of noise pollution
• Effects of noise pollution on health
• Noise pollution standards and monitoring
• Control measures
• Case studies and recent advancements

Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation

• Types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
• Sources of radiation
• Effects of radiation on health
• Radiation standards and monitoring
• Control measures and protection

Waste Management and Health

• Types of waste (solid, liquid, hazardous)
• Sources and impacts of waste on health
• Waste treatment and disposal methods, including wastewater treatment
• Recycling and waste reduction strategies
• Case studies and recent advancements

Climate Change and Health

• Overview of climate change
• Effects of climate change on health
• Mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Case studies on climate change impacts and responses

Environmental Legislation, Policies, and Agenda 2030

• Global Harmonization System ad EU Regulation for chemical classification
• Policies and regulations for environmental protection
• Role of governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Integrating Agenda 2030 into environmental health practices

Next-Generation Risk Assessment

• Introduction to risk assessment methodologies
• Tools and technologies for risk assessment
• Case studies of next-generation risk assessments
• Practical applications in environmental health and hygiene

Exposome Concept

• Definition and importance of the exposome
• Components of the exposome: internal, external, and general environment
• Methods for assessing the exposome
• Implications of the exposome for public health
• Case studies and recent advancements

Practical Sessions: Risk Assessment Lab

• Basics of risk assessment
• Practical exercises and case studies
• Tools and techniques for assessing environmental risks

Analysis and interpretation of risk assessment data

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended readings:

Essentials of Environmental Health" (Third Edition) by Robert H. Friis

Environmental Pollution and Control" by P. Aarne Vesilind, Susan M. Morgan, and Lauren G. Heine

Environmental Science: A Global Concern" by William P. Cunningham and Mary Ann Cunningham

Teaching methods

1. Lecture and Discussion:
   • Traditional lectures interspersed with discussions to ensure active participation.
   • Q&A sessions to clarify doubts and stimulate curiosity.
2. Case-Based Learning:
   • Real-life case studies related to climate change, AMR, or waste management to illustrate concepts.
   • Students analyze, discuss, and present their findings in groups.
3. Problem-Based Learning (PBL):
   • Presentation of real-world environmental challenges as problems for students to solve collaboratively.
     
4. Flipped Classroom:
   • Assignment of pre-recorded lectures or reading materials for students to review before class.

Assessment methods

Assessments

• Research papers and presentations (10%)
• Lab written test (20%)
• Final exam /written test) (60%)
• Class participation and attendance (10%)

 

Teaching tools

· Slides and Presentations:

• Professionally designed, content-rich PowerPoint slides.
• Use of  visuals like graphs, infographics, and tables to simplify complex concepts.
• Use of standardized templates approved by the university for a formal look.

· Pre-Recorded Lessons:

• Record lectures using university-provided software (e.g., Panopto,  or other institutional platforms).
  
• Breaking  lessons into manageable segments (15-20 minutes) to maintain student focus.

Learning Management System (LMS):

• Slides, recorded lessons, assignments, and additional resources will be uploaded to the university’s LMS (e.g., Virtuale)

Teaching Tools with Mentimeter

1. Interactive Polls and Quizzes:

   • Use of Mentimeter to create polls, quizzes, or surveys to gauge student understanding during or after lessons.
   • Engage students with live responses to assess their grasp of complex concepts like AMR, climate change, or risk assessment.

2. Word Clouds:

   • Start sessions with a word cloud to collect students' initial thoughts or keywords related to topics such as the exposome or environmental hygiene.

3. Live Q&A Sessions:

   • Use Mentimeter for anonymous Q&A, allowing students to ask questions they might hesitate to ask openly.

· Institutional Video Conferencing Tools:

• Conduct live classes or Q&A sessions using tools provided by the university, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
• Share screen to present slides and interact with students through polls or chat.

· Official E-Library Access:

• Guide students to use the university’s digital library for accessing textbooks, journals, and other resources
  

Email and Messaging Tools:

• Use university-provided email systems for official communication.
• Offer scheduled office hours for virtual meetings or email consultations.

Assessment Software:

• Use university-approved platforms for conducting exams and assignments (e.g., Virtuale, EOL).
• Include multiple-choice questions, short answers, and case-based assessments.

Lecture Recording Studio or Tools:

• Record formal lectures  with approved software for polished delivery.

Institutional Repositories:

Upload additional readings, case studies, and multimedia content to institutional repositories for student access.

 

Office hours

See the website of Annamaria Colacci