A study of the major human activities and natural events that lead to release of hazardous materials into the environment as well as the causal links between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on human health. The basic principles of toxicology are presented, including dose-response relationships, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of chemicals. The overall role of environmental risks in the pattern of human disease, both nationally and internationally, is covered. The engineering and policy strategies, including risk assessment used to evaluate and control these risks, are also introduced. Ecological and biopsychosocial models designed to integrate these theoretical perspectives are also addressed.
Students study behaviors that increase an individual's risk of morbidity and mortality.
The course focuses on the epidemiology of smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, poor nutrition, interpersonal violence, accidental injury, and unsafe sex. Emphasis is also placed on psychosocial and environmental factors that support these behaviors, as well as individual and community strategies for reduction and prevention. This course draws on content from the core courses in epidemiology and social and behavioral dimensions of health. The influence of sociocultural background on concepts of health, illness, and health-seeking behavior, and implications for planning public health programs and policies are discussed. This course introduces students to a range of social, psychological, and ethical issues related to human aging.