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About
the Course:
Risk assessment is the method of
estimating probability of harm to humans or the environment resulting
from contact with contaminants in food, water, air or soil. This course
is designed for science or engineering students interested in merging
toxicology, environmental chemistry and health into a framework used to
address environmental contamination problems. The fate, transport and
health effects of selected contaminants are examined and a mathematical
modeling approach is used to estimate human exposure in air, water and
food. Structured around hazard assessment, toxicity assessment, exposure
assessment and risk characterization, the course provides an
introduction to risk assessment, risk communication and risk management.
Students should
possess strong mathematical and computing skills and be familiar with
basic chemistry. The course emphasizes problem solving in the classroom
through hands-on exercises in a cooperative learning setting. Facilities
available in the classroom include multimedia projection capability with
a live Internet connection. Course performance is evaluated
through performance on homework, tests and a semester project.
All course
content materials can be found online at http://blackboard.wcupa.edu.
Registered students have full access to lecture notes, assignments,
sample test materials, review sheets and other resources. Guests
may contact the instructor for limited access.
About
the Environmental Health Program:
The Environmental Health Program at West
Chester University prepares talented students for the technical and
professional demands of careers dedicated to the protection of human
health and the environment. Graduates of the program who earn the
Bachelor of Science degree become entry level Environmental Health
Scientists who work to improve the quality of air, water,
soil and food using technology to measure and control pollutants,
indoors and outdoors. Master of Science degree recipients direct
multidisciplinary teams of professionals as Environmental Health
Managers. At all levels, the program embraces the broad
environmental ethic of sustainability through human cooperation with
nature, including basic rights to a safe home and workplace; clean water
supplies for human consumption, recreation and wildlife; safe and
available food supply; waste and energy management; and careful resource
management for the future.
Details about the Environmental Health Program and
the major can be found at the following links:
About
the Instructor:
Dr. Charles V. Shorten, Professor and Director of
Environmental Health, has been on the faculty at WCU since 1989. Dr.
Shorten's primary research area is the assessment of the fate and
transport of environmental contaminants. Recent publications in this
area have focused on sampling methodologies and artifacts in the
measurement of organic gases and lead. In addition to ENV102, Humans
and the Environment, Dr. Shorten teaches courses in:
See Dr. Shorten's biographical sketch at this link: http://health-sciences.wcupa.edu/health/shorten.htm |
