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College of Public Health University of South Florida
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Department of Environmental & Occupational Health
Syllabus
Course Name: Research Methods in Environmental and Occupational Health
Prefix & Number: PHC3450
Sections: Semester: Fall 2012
Time: T/R 11:00 – 12:15
Course
Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide a broad overview of the instruments and
techniques used in contemporary environmental and occupational health science.
Students who graduate with a Baccalaureate degree in Public Health and seek
employment or pursue an advanced degree in the field of Environmental and
Occupational Health will require a general familiarity with the instruments and
procedures used to collect data regarding environmental exposures, occupational
hazards, or biological monitoring. This course will introduce students to
instrumentation, sampling theory, and issues related to the collection and
interpretation of environmental and occupational health data. The format of this
course will consist of lecture and discussion of course topics, weekly reading and
written assignments, a midterm and final examination, and a group presentation
related to the course content.
Credit hours: 3
Pre-Requisites: None
Co-Requisites: None
Location: College of Public Health
Instructor
Information:
Instructor
Dr. Marie Bourgeois
Address: 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MDC 56
Tampa, FL 33612
Office Hours: By appointment only
Telephone: 813 974-6660
E-mail address: Must use e-mail generated through Blackboard
Reply Policy: Within 24-72 hours
Required
Materials:
Readings will be posted on Blackboard
Recommended
Materials:
There is no required textbook. Students may find the following texts useful:
Air Sampling Instruments for Evaluation of Atmospheric Contaminants ACGIH
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st
Ed. 2005 APHA, AWWA, WE
Atmospheric and Biological Environmental Monitoring J. Kim Young
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Manual of Environmental Microbiology, 3rd Ed. Hurst (Ed) 2007
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Hazardous Waste & Emergency Response (OSHA 3114 - 2008)
Course Format: Class meets twice weekly on: T/R 11:00 – 12:15
Class is lecture based.
Learning Objectives:
(Objectives must be numbered)
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Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Distinguish between personal and area, and active and passive sampling techniques.
2. Describe the different types of data collection needs of professionals and researchers in the
field of occupational health.
3. Describe the different types of data collection needs of professionals and researchers in the
field of toxicology.
4. Describe the different types of data collection needs of professionals and researches in the field
of environmental health industrial hygiene.
5. Describe the different methods for collecting samples of various hazardous occupational
exposures such as fiber based exposures, volatile and semi-volatile compounds, and radiation
exposures.
6. Describe basic principles underlying analytical chemistry instruments including gas
chromatography, liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and mass spectroscopy.
7. Describe the basic principles underlying biomarker analysis methods using fluorescent and
colorimetric assays such as Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
8. Describe general methods of collecting data on human health outcomes such as pulmonary
function testing (spirometry) and audiometry.
9. Understand basic statistical considerations when collecting data, such as use of appropriate
sample size, dealing with measurements below the limit of detection, and evaluating outliers.
10. Relate measurements from analytical techniques to relevant health guidelines and regulatory
standards, such as a maximum contaminant level or an 8 hour time weighted average.
Upon completion of this course, the following checked objectives will
be achieved by the students:
Learning
Objectives
Assessment
Strategies
Identify and articulate the core functions of public health:
Identify the impact of the environment and communicable
disease on health.
1-10 1-5
Exhibit critical thinking and analytical abilities, including the capacities to engage in inductive and
deductive thinking and quantitative reason and to construct sound arguments:
Identify topics pertaining to public health research 1-10 1-5
Demonstrate awareness about current public health topics
including an analysis of the societal attitudes that generate
differences on current public health topics
1-10 1-5
Communicate using effective oral skills:
Demonstrate an ability to contribute effectively to group
discussion and presentations
1-10 4, 5
Apply effective public speaking skills during classroom
presentations
1-10 4
Develop effective written presentations:
Demonstrate the use of information literacy skills such as
locating and evaluating pertinent public health information
1-10 3, 5
Demonstrate the ability to use library resources and scientific
databases
1-10 3
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Exhibit proper referencing secondary materials in APA format 1-10
3
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Assessment Strategies:
1. Midterm Exam 30 points
2. Final Exam 30 points
3. Term Paper 10 points
4. Group Presentation 10 points
5. Discussion Posts 15 points
6. Attendance and participation are required 5 points
(If you are not in class you cannot participate. To receive full credit for attendance (5% of the grade, you
must attend and sign the sign-in sheet bearing your name).
Total Points 100 points
Examinations (2 exams, 30 points each, 60 points total):
Each examination will be comprised of questions covering the assigned chapter readings from the
textbook, power point slides, and additional reading materials. Exams must be taken on the scheduled
date.
Grading Scale and
Criteria:
S/U Grade System: This course is not eligible for a S/U
(satisfactory/unsatisfactory) grade.
A = 90-100
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = <60%
Grading Policies: Activities:
There will be a total of two activities. Each will contribute 10% to the final
grade. The term paper will be independently completed by the student, and
submitted by the specified due date and time. The presentation will be
completed as part of a group. They are intended to promote the student’s
synthesis of the materials presented, and will include such things as
conducting outside research, writing a paper, and compiling a presentation.
No activity may be submitted after the due date.
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Presentation (10 Points): Students may be assigned to a group, and each
student will give a formal presentation on an assigned topic and come
prepared to discuss aspects of the topic with the class. Students will be
evaluated according to the rubric below:
Grading Rubric
0 points 5 points 10 points
Completeness of
information
presented on the
topic
Incomplete Partially
complete
Complete
Clarity of the
presentation
Unclear Partial clear Completely
clear
Ability to answer
questions and
lead discussion
on the topic
Limited Marginally
capable
Excellent
audience
engagement
Overall quality
of presentation
and ability to
work in group
Poor Average Excellent
Participation is expected of the remaining students in the presentations and
all other classes, and will be considered in this portion of the course grade.
Term Paper (10 Points): Each student will select an environmental health
crisis, hypothetical or real, and prepare a 3-5 pages (Times New Roman, 12
pt., double-spaced and APA style 5th ed.) report on appropriate detection,
sampling and analytical methodologies used to ameliorate the crisis. There
is no specific format for the organization of this report; however, you must
include:
A Title Page With Your Name and Student ID
Summary of the event and the subsequent environmental health
crisis. Examples include the Japanese tsunami and radiation,
Haitian earthquakes and cholera, E. Coli in Germany, etc.
A Well-Developed Discussion
References
You must get approval for your topic. Failure to do so will result in a
penalty of one full letter grade.
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Grading Rubric
0 points 5 points 10 points
Format: 12-
pont font;
double-spaced
Incorrect format Partial format Complete
format
APA style Incorrect APA Partial APA Correct APA
Introduction No introduction Limited
introduction
Excellent
introduction
Importance to
Public Health
No discussion
of importance
Limited
discussion of
importance
Thorough
discussion of
importance
Discussion No discussion Limited
discussion
linking topic
and public
health
Excellent
discussion
linking topic
and public
health
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance and Class
Participation:
Attendance and Participation (5 Points): Students are expected to come to
class on time, prepared and actively engage in discussion about the
assigned readings and related concepts. Student’s participation will be
evaluated in terms of the following: (a) apparent thoughtfulness of
comments; (b) active engagement in course material; and (c) ability to keep
open-mind outlook, even when discussing controversial viewpoints. You
will be responsible for all material in lecture. A good portion of the exam
material will be presented and explained in lecture, which may include
outside material. Student who anticipate the necessity of being absent from
class due to their observation of a major religious observance must provide
notice of date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second class meeting.
See Institutional Policies section for Emergency Preparedness for Academic
Continuity.
Permission to Use Lectures: All unauthorized recordings of class are prohibited. Recording of any part of
class lectures is not approved and is prohibited. Documents posted on
Blackboard may only be used for this class and cannot be distributed for purposes
other than this class.
Instructor Expectations: Email: It is required that you include your first and last names and the course
name in every email you send. If you send email through Blackboard it will
automatically include this information. You will receive a response to your email
in 24-72 hours (excluding official holidays).
Civility and Ground Rules: All communication between instructor and students
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(including among students) must be respectful to all parties involved. Rude or
disrespectful communication will not be tolerated and will be considered a
disruption of the academic process (see below).
All students are expected to be awake and alert throughout the class time and
focusing on the lecture and/or other class activities. Talking during the class with
other students is disruptive to the learning process and will not be tolerated. All
cell phones, beepers, and laptops are to be muted during class. Texting,
tweeting, using iPods, earphones & headsets, listening to music, e-mailing, and all
other types of electronic communication (that are not directly related to the class
activities) are prohibited. If you must make or receive electronic communication
(and for emergencies,) you may be excused from the classroom.
Incomplete Policy: An "I" grade may be awarded at the discretion of the instructor only when the
student is otherwise earning a passing grade and only if the incomplete is due to
the omission or fault of the student. Fifty (50%) percent of coursework must be
satisfactorily completed to be eligible for an incomplete grade. Students are to
download the Contract for Incomplete Grades form. The contract should include a
description of the work to be completed, the date by which the work is to be
submitted and should be approved and signed by the course instructor.
Field Trip Policy: There are no scheduled field trips in this course.
Class Participation: The class will start promptly. Students may not disrupt the classroom by arriving
late or constantly exiting and reentering the classroom.
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Course Calendar
Fall 2012
Week/Date Topics Readings and Assignments Due
Week 1
8/28, 8/30 Course Introduction
Purpose of occupational and environmental
monitoring, types of monitoring, definitions
of environment, basics of course
Syllabus Quiz
http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_ii/otm_ii_1.html http://www.epa.gov/osa/fem/methcollectns.htm
Week 2
9/4, 9/6 Air: Introduction
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
Analytical methods
Application and considerations
Case studies
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-
154/chaps.html Chapters C,D,E,N, P
http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/ot
m_ii/otm_ii_1.html
Week 3
9/11, 9/13 Air, continued
Term Paper Topic Due 9/13
submit via email by 5 pm
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-
154/chaps.html Chapters C,D,E,N, P
http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_ii/otm_ii_1.html http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods
Week 4
9/18, 9/20 Bioaerosols
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
Analytical methods
Application and considerations
Case studies
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/promgat
e.html
http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods
http://aerosol.ees.ufl.edu/Bioaerosol/Section01.html
Complete Mold Course: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/index.html
Week 5
9/25, 9/27 Noise
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/index.html http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehear
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Analytical methods
Application and considerations
Case studies
ingconservation/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-136/pdfs/2010-136.pdf
Week 6
10/2, 10/4 Radiation
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
Analytical methods
Application and considerations
Case studies
Term Paper Due 10/4
Submit using SafeAssign Link in Week 6
Module no later than 5 pm
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiation/index.html http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiationionizing/index.html
Week 7
10/9, 10/11
Review and Midterm
Week 8
10/16, 10/18 Biomarkers
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
Analytical methods
Application and considerations
Case studies
http://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/index.html http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/FourthReport_ExecutiveSummary.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-149/pdfs/2005-149.pdf http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/surveillance/en/biomarkers.pdf
Week 9
10/23, 10/25 Food
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
Analytical methods
Application and considerations
Case studies
Group Presentation Topic Due 10/23
submit via email by 5 pm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/files/foodborne_illness_FAQ.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/ss/ss4901.pdf http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/responds/index.html
Week 10
10/30, 11/1 Soil
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
Analytical methods
Application and considerations
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/health/conmedia/soil/index.htm http://www.epa.gov/superfund/lead/ http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/pollsoil
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Case studies contaminants.html http://www.epa.gov/oust/cat/mason.pdf
Week 11
11/6, 11/8 Water: Introduction
Detection
Sampling
Instrumentation
Analytical methods
Application and considerations
Case studies
Group Presentation Outline Due 11/6
submit via email by 5 pm
http://water.epa.gov/
https://www.nemi.gov/
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/analyticalmethods.cfm
Week 12
11/13, 11/15 Water, continued
Week 13
11/20 Water, continued
Week 14
11/27, 11/29 Group Presentations
Week 15
12/4, 12/6
Miscellaneous Topics and Exam Review http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-174/pdfs/2011-174.pdf
Week 16
12/11, 12/13 Final Exam
Reference List
11. Recommended textbooks are available through online retailers and at the Health Sciences
Center Bookstore – College of Medicine courtyard, MDL 1050, telephone: (813) 974-4984.
12. Power point slides for each class will be made available on Blackboard (Bb).
13. Current materials related to this class may be placed on Bb for students to view.
ETA Tutorials - http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/eta/student_resources.htm
o How to find a journal article
o How to submit an assignment
o Plagiarism
o Safe Assignment
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USF Library – http://www.lib.usf.edu
Shimberg Health Sciences Library – http://health.usf.edu/library/home.html
APA Style Citation (also see example in blackboard under assignments) -
http://www.lib.usf.edu/public/index.cfm?Pg=APAExamples
College Success Tips - http://www.mhcls.com/online/study/studymain.mhtml
o Study tips: evaluate internet material, learn in class, manage time, higher test grades, study
tips, writing a term paper
o Library and web-based research
o Your future: resume builder, job search, interview tips, graduate school
INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES
Student Handbook: http://www.sa.usf.edu/handbook/
Student Conduct: USF Student Rights/Responsibilities:
http://www.sa.usf.edu/srr/page.asp?id=81
USF Student Code of Conduct: http://www.sa.usf.edu/srr/page.asp?id=88
Disruption of
Academic
Process/Academic
Integrity of Students:
Disruption of the academic process and violations of the policies regarding
academic integrity will not be tolerated. Review USF policies on Disruption
of the Academic Process and the Academic Integrity of Students at:
http://generalcounsel.usf.edu/regulations/pdfs/regulation-usf3.025.pdf
Academic Dishonesty/
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism will not be tolerated and is grounds for failure. Review USF
Academic Dishonesty and Disruption of Academic Process Policy at:
Undergraduate:
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011DRAFT.pdf#page=61
Graduate:
http://www.grad.usf.edu/inc/linked-
files/USF_Grad_Catalog_2010_2011.pdf#page=42
The University of South Florida has an account with an automated
plagiarism detection service (SafeAssign), which allows instructors and
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students to submit student assignments to be checked for plagiarism. I (the
instructor) reserve the right to 1) request that assignments be submitted as
electronic files and 2) submit students’ assignments to SafeAssign, or 3)
request students to submit their assignments to SafeAssign through myUSF.
Assignments are compared automatically with a database of journal articles,
web articles, the internet and previously submitted papers. The instructor
receives a report showing exactly how a student’s paper was plagiarized.
NOTE: An institution may not release a paper to a plagiarism detection
software without the student’s prior consent unless all personally identifiable
information has been removed, such as a student’s name, social security
number, student number, etc.. Note that a paper/essay is considered an
educational record and an institution may not ask a student to waive their
rights under FERPA for the purpose of submitting papers to a plagiarism
detection software.
For more information about Plagiarism and SafeAssign, visit:
Plagiarism tutorial: http://www.cte.usf.edu/plagiarism/plag.html
SafeAssign: http://media.c21te.usf.edu/pdf/student/bbstud_subsafeassgn.pdf
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Cheating Statement: The USF College of Public Health expects students to maintain academic
honesty in all courses. By virtue of being registered in an public health
course, students agree to refrain from cheating. If cheating in any form
(academic dishonesty) is detected, appropriate action will be taken. (Refer to
USF Academic Dishonesty Policy).
Undergraduate:
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011DRAFT.pdf#page=61
Graduate:
http://www.grad.usf.edu/inc/linked-
files/USF_Grad_Catalog_2010_2011.pdf#page=42
Undergraduate
Academic Policies and
Procedures:
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011DRAFT.pdf#page=46
Special
Accommodations:
Students in need of academic accommodations for a disability may consult
with the office of Services for Students with Disabilities to arrange
appropriate accommodations. Students are required to give reasonable notice
(typically 5 working days) prior to requesting an accommodation.
Students with Disabilities Services: http://www.sds.usf.edu/
Students: http://www.sds.usf.edu/students.asp
Faculty: http://www.sds.usf.edu/faculty.asp
Holidays and
Religious
Observances:
http://generalcounsel.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-10-
045.pdf
Emergency
Preparedness:
In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend
normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of
instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard,
Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s
the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for
course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department
websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.
Student Grievance
Procedure:
Review USF Academic Grievance Policy at:
http://generalcounsel.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-10-
002.pdf
Undergraduate:
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/pdf/cat1011/2010-2011DRAFT.pdf#page=56
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Graduate
http://www.grad.usf.edu/inc/linked-
files/USF_Grad_Catalog_2010_2011.pdf#page=50
Student assistance is provided by Division of Student Affairs, Office of the
Student Ombudsman.
http://www.sa.usf.edu/ombudsman
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Library Resources: USF Library Resources and Services: http://www.lib.usf.edu/
Shimberg Health Sciences Library: http://health.usf.edu/library/
Shimberg Health Sciences Library Tutorials: http://library.hsc.usf.edu/
(follow links under ‘Instructional Services’ section)
Creating Citations &
Using Refworks:
http://guides.lib.usf.edu/CitingSources
Netiquette
(online communication
etiquette for online
courses):
http://eta.health.usf.edu/publichealth/standards/syllabus/Online_Netiquette.
pdf
Plagiarism & Safe
Assign:
See Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism Section
USF Email Accounts: http://health.usf.edu/publichealth/eta/pdf/MyUSF_Email.pdf
Blackboard Tutorials: http://media.c21te.usf.edu/bbstudents.html
Elluminate Live
Tutorials:
(for online courses)
http://media.c21te.usf.edu/elluminatestudents.html