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

1. Setting the Scene: Introduction to Environmental Hygiene in the 21st 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 the SDGs
• Holistic approaches to environmental health

2. 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

3. Introduction to Environmental Pollution

• Definition and classification of pollutants: chemical, physical, and biological agents
• Main sources of pollution: natural and anthropogenic
• The pollutome: the totality of environmental exposures and their biological effects
• Key health impact indicators: morbidity and mortality attributable to pollution
• Burden of disease metrics: Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years of Life Lost (YLL)
• Basic toxicological concepts: dose-response relationships, exposure routes, vulnerable populations
• Mechanisms of action: genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress
• Environmental monitoring and surveillance systems

4. Air Pollution and Health

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

5. Water Pollution and Health

• Types and sources of water pollutants
• Health effects of water contamination
• Water quality standards and monitoring
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in water
• Control measures
• Case studies and recent advancements

6. Soil Pollution and Health

• Types and sources of soil pollutants
• Health effects related to soil contamination
• Soil quality standards and monitoring
• Control measures
• Case studies and recent advancements

7. Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation

• Types and sources of radiation
• Health effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
• Standards, monitoring, and protection measures

8. Climate Change and Health

• Overview of climate change
• Health impacts of climate change
• Mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Case studies of climate-related health effects and responses

9. Environmental Legislation, Policies, and Agenda 2030

• Global Harmonization System (GHS) and EU Regulation on chemical classification
• National and international policies for environmental protection
• Role of governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Integration of Agenda 2030 in environmental health strategies

10. The Concept of Environmental Health Risk

• Hazard vs. Risk
• Cumulative risk
• Aggregate risk

11. Next-Generation Risk Assessment

• Introduction to modern risk assessment methodologies
• Tools and technologies for risk characterization
• Case studies and applied exercises
• Interpretation and communication 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

Final Exam (Written Test)
The final exam consists of a written test covering the entire course programme and accounts for 100% of the final grade.
The exam may include multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, short case studies, or applied exercises.

Evaluation Criteria
Students will be evaluated based on:

• Scientific accuracy of responses (knowledge of content and correctness of information)

• Clarity and synthesis in written expression

• Ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical cases

• Proper use of technical and scientific terminology

Passing the exam requires a balanced preparation across all topics covered in the course, with particular emphasis on the critical understanding of key concepts.

 

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