Course coordinator
Dr Ji Lu
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course will provide an overview of the microbiological hazards in various environments that may include water, soil, food, animals (including humans), the atmosphere and buildings. The students will work through some particular case studies of pathogenic microbial hazards. They will gain knowledge of how exposure to microbial agents occur and the adverse health effects that may eventuate. The course will develop the students' knowledge to determine the extent of exposure over a given period of time. An understanding of qualitative and quantitative risk assessment for predicting the probability of adverse health (response) following a particular exposure (dose) will be gained. The management, regulations and standards that set limits for exposures to microbiological hazards will be discussed. The students will obtain an introductory understanding of quantitative microbial risk assessment.
We are exposed to numerous biological hazards in our daily lives. Microbial hazards, in particular, are of great concern, due to the chances of exposure to an enormous variety of organisms through contaminated elements in our environment such asﾠ water or food.ﾠ One of the tasks of environmental and public health professionals is to assess and mitigate the risks of microbial transmission from the environment to humans. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to biological hazards in an environmental health context. A basic background in microbiology will be provided to facilitate the understanding of the growth, exposure and transmission mechanisms of biological hazards, and their impact on human health. Through case studies, we will explore various environmental exposure routes such as water, food, air, soil, fomites, as well as animal vectors. The course also provides an introduction to risk assessment and management using the quantitative microbial risk assessment framework, based on dose-response and exposure data. This course is relevant for students interested in environmental health from a biological hazards perspective, in particular microbial contamination acquired from environmental exposure.ﾠ
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Ji Lu
Dr Lyman Tze Kin Ngiam
Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes
Professor Mark Turner
Dr Simon Toze
Tutor
Miss Ni Made Sri Suliartini
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course will equip the students with a comprehensive understanding of the underpinning science associated with biological hazards in an environmental health context, covering a range of exposure routes such as water, food or vector-borne hazards.
At the end of the semester, students will be capable of formulating a biological risk problem, identifying the mechanisms underlying risk assessment, and critically evaluating source data. Students will learn how to identify the relevant exposure pathways in different scenarios, and use exposure data and health impact data to help quantify biological risk.
Students will acquire competencies in critically interpreting the results of microbial risk assessments and communicating these to a range of stakeholders, including appropriate recommendations for risk management.
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe different types of biological hazards in environmental health.
LO2.
Have an introductory knowledge of microbiology, in particular of pathogenic organisms relevant to environmental health and their health effects on humans.
LO3.
Identify biological hazards from different exposure routes (water, food, vectors, etc).
LO4.
Identify the mechanisms underlying the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) framework.
LO5.
Understand the approaches used for exposure assessment and health impact assessment in the QMRA framework.
LO6.
Conduct risk assessments, interpret the results and effectively communicate these to a range of stakeholders, including appropriate recommendations for risk management.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
In-person quiz series
|
36% |
27/03/2025 - 22/05/2025
In-Class. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Report 1. Assignment on exposure assessment
|
15% |
2/04/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Report 2. Assignment on health effects assessment
|
15% |
2/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Quiz |
Report 3. Assignment on microbial risk assessment
|
34% |
Oral Component In-Class 29/05/2025 Written Report 13/06/2025 3:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-person quiz series
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 36%
- Due date
27/03/2025 - 22/05/2025
In-Class.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
BYD quiz series (three times) performed in class in week 5 (25/3), week 9 (29/4) and week 12 (20/5).
Each quiz has a weight of 12%.
Quizzes are closed book and in-class invigilated. External students will be invigilated via Zoom to complete the quizzes.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be satisfied to receive a grade 4 to pass.Submission guidelines
Quizzes are closed book and in-class invigilated. External students will be invigilated via Zoom to complete the quizzes.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
All quizzes should be finished within the time limit. All submissions should be made within the time limit and questions completed beyond the time limit for the quiz will not be considered.
Report 1. Assignment on exposure assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
2/04/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Individual written assignment on Problem Identification and Exposure Assessment for a given biological hazard scenario.
The report should be centred on defining the coverage of the issue and estimating of the magnitude and frequency of exposure to pathogens via identified exposure pathways for the given case study.
Detailed instructions about the assignment, including learning outcomes and marking rubric, will be provided in Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit report through Turnitin via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Report 2. Assignment on health effects assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
2/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Individual written assignment on health effects assessment, based on health impact data for identified hazard(s) in a case study, focused on relevant population groups.
Detailed instructions about the assignment, including learning outcomes and marking rubric, will be provided in Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit report through Turnitin via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Report 3. Assignment on microbial risk assessment
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Quiz
- Weight
- 34%
- Due date
Oral Component In-Class 29/05/2025
Written Report 13/06/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This assessment includes an oral component and a written report on the application of the quantitative microbial risk assessment framework to a given biological hazard scenario.
-Oral component (in class, on 29/5) - short oral presentation followed by an interview
-Written report (due date: 13/6)
The weight of the oral presentation/interview is 14%, while the weight for the written report is 20%. Both parts are individual.
Detailed instructions about the assignment, including learning outcomes and marking rubric, will be provided in Blackboard.
Oral component:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Written component:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be satisfied to receive a grade 4 to pass.Submission guidelines
Submit report through Turnitin via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark between 0 and 24.99%. Lack of understanding of any of the environmental health-biological hazards concepts and their application in risk assessment and/or very incomplete work. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A mark between 25 and 44.99%. Minimal understanding of most environmental health-biological hazard concepts and their application in risk assessment and/or substantial amounts of incomplete work. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: An overall mark between 45 and 49.99%, or less than 45% in the average of the three quizzes and the assignment "Report 3". Demonstrates developing understanding of environmental health - biological hazard concepts covered but still shows an incorrect understanding of some key concepts. The interpretation of microbial risk assessment is generally incorrect. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 50 and 64.99%; and must have greater than 45% in the average of the three quizzes and the assignment "Report 3". Functional understanding of environmental health - biological hazard concepts; ability to interpret microbial risk assessments. A good understanding of most concepts covered in the course. The student is sometimes able to interpret and communicate microbial risk assessments and to explain their impact to a range of stakeholders. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 65 and 74.99%; and must have greater than 60% in the average of the three quizzes and the assignment "Report 3". Proficient understanding of most environmental health - biological hazard concepts covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to interpret and communicate microbial risk assessments and to explain their impact to a range of stakeholders. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 75 and 84.99%; and must have greater than 70% in the average of the three quizzes and the assignment "Report 3", and complete all the reports (report 1-3). Advanced understanding of most environmental health - biological hazard concepts covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to interpret and communicate microbial risk assessments and to explain their impact to a range of stakeholders, only failing to do so in the most complex cases considered in the course. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: An overall mark between 85 and 100%; and must have greater than 80% in the average of the three quizzes and the assignment "Report 3", and complete all pieces of assessment. Exceptional understanding of most environmental health - biological hazard concepts covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to interpret and communicate microbial risk assessments and to explain their impact to a range of stakeholders, even for the most complex cases considered in the course. |
Additional course grading information
In-person assessment quiz does not permit the use of AI and MT.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Supplementary assessment will be available in the forms of a quiz or report when required.
Use of Calculators
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all quizzes or exams for this course. Please consult ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators for information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
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Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
A link to Ed Discussion will be provided in Blackboard. This will be our discussion forum, available to ask any course-related questions.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Introduction to ENVH7001 Presentation of the course outline, expectations, learning outcomes and assessment items. Overview of all things biological hazards in an environmental health context, and introduction to the major topics covered in the course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Introduction to Microbiology General introduction to microbiology to facilitate the understanding of the biological hazards relevant for environmental health, and their contamination routes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Exposure assessment. Methods to obtain and model exposure data to estimate the magnitude and frequency of exposure to pathogens. Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Health effects of pathogens relevant to environmental health. Introduction to the health impact of key microbial pathogens and toxins. Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Health effects assessment, including dose-response relations and infection-illness (morbidity and mortality). Data acquisition and modelling. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Food-borne biological hazards. Case study based workshop focused on QMRA for various food-borne hazards. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Air-, soil- or fomite-borne biological hazards. Case study based workshop focused on QMRA for various air-, soil- or fomite-borne hazards. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Water-borne biological hazards. Case study based workshop focused on QMRA for various water-borne hazards. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Vector-borne and zoonotic biological hazards. Case study based workshop focused on QMRA for various vector-borne or zoonotic hazards. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Quantitative microbial risk assessment. Comprehensive overview of the QMRA framework. Risk characterisation, variability and uncertainty. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
|
General contact hours |
Lecture & Active Learning Risk characterisation and management. Implementing risk in management and communicating risk. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
|
General contact hours |
Assessment & review Presentations and course review. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.