CCOG for HE 278 archive revision 202204

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Effective Term:
Fall 2022 through Summer 2023

Course Number:
HE 278
Course Title:
Human Health and the Environment
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines the relationship between the environment and human health. Focuses on issues such as persistent environmental contaminants, environmental toxins, chemical exposures, climate change and accompanying disease outbreaks. Includes a strong emphasis on personal decision making. Recommend: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

1. Apply knowledge about current and emerging human environmental health issues to determine potential future behaviors and attitudes that lessen the harm to the immediate and the future health of individuals and their communities.

2. Determine and demonstrate an understanding of current and emerging health and environmental issues in order to develop a personal strategic plan to lessen harm to one’s immediate and future health from environmental contaminants, environmental toxins, and chemical exposures.

3. Assess the relationship between personal lifestyle choices, the environment, and human health to inform future personal and community health decisions.

Course Activities and Design

Course activities will include lectures, class discussions, individual or group projects, research, presentations, reading, internet activities, assessment, and reflection. The course could be delivered via any PCC-approved modalities. SAC-approved course shell will be used for the online course.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade.

Assessment methods may include the following:

  • Written examinations
  • Written assignments
  • Critical analysis of material
  • Course activities and discussion
  • Presentations and/or projects
  • Participation in class activities

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Discuss emerging evidence relating environmental issues to their impact on individual, community, and global health.
  • Identify examples of how toxic agents and environmental contaminants compromise the functionality of the human body.
  • Explore emerging research on pollution in people, biomonitoring, and its impact on health.
  • Understand how environmental characteristics and climate change influences disease transmission, communicable and noncommunicable disease outbreaks.
  • Identify and relate global environmental health changes and their potential consequences for human health.
  • Examine content of professional journals, other media sources, and publications of environmental and public health surveillance agencies.
  • Explore the relationship and interaction between government agencies and private industry
  • Assess lifestyle choices and how those choices impact the environment and health across the socioecological model.
  • Apply the Socioecological Model to environmental health issues to assess personal, community, and global influences and determine potential future intervention strategies.