Description Environmental Epidemiology is the study of the environmental causes of ill-health and disease with a view to prevention. It is a discipline that has changed significantly over time, more recently becoming concerned with complex systemic change such as global warming. Environmental Epidemiology encompasses a broad range of activities, from exposure assessment to adaptation planning, implementation and evaluation. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and critically appraise evidence from the relevant literature, to design a study suitable for exposure and vulnerability assessment, and to develop appropriate health policy.
Students must be enrolled in a postgraduate program.
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
Describe the domain of environmental epidemiology
Critically discuss issues in exposure assessment
Explain important methodological and contextual challenges in environmental epidemiology
Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the main types of study designs used in environmental epidemiology
Debate contemporary issues in environmental epidemiology
Compare and contrast the merits and roles of mitigation and adaptation in contemporary environmental challenges
Undertake an exposure or vulnerability assessment for a defined population or community
Design an epidemiological study to address an environmental exposure topic
1. Exploring the history and scope of environmental epidemiology: from local to global
2. Methods of exposure and vulnerability assessment
3. Study designs for environmental epidemiology
4. Incidents and disasters: Case studies of where biological, chemical and physical agents have been found to be detrimental to health. Case studies will include success stories, for example where epidemiology has been used as evidence for regulatory control
5. Environmental epidemiology in developing countries: contemporary issues associated with poverty and development
6. Global environmental change. The focus of environmental epidemiology has shifted towards more systemic problems. These will be explored under the themes of
- primary effects
- secondary effects
- tertiary effects
7. Using evidence from environmental epidemiology studies to inform policy to protect health
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
