Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Dutton Park
- Coordinating unit
- Pharmacy School
This course provides a broad overview the diverse range of chemical risks encountered in the environment, which will allow students to better understand the public health implications of exposures to such hazards. This course will develop students' knowledge and multidisciplinary skills on how to assess and manage the risks posed by chemical exposures in an environmental health context. The risk from organic, inorganic and radioactive chemicals that pose hazards through exposure via atmospheric, aqueous, food and other sources will be covered. Students will develop and refine their understanding of how and where exposures occur, how to calculate health risks associated with these exposures, and how to reduce risk through management strategies.
Chemicals are an essential part of life - they are present in us, all around us and in every product we buy. We therefore need to be able to identify which chemicals are relevant to our health and identify those that can pose a risk to health. The Environmental Health Risks - Chemical Hazards course provides a comprehensive introduction to chemicals and the hazards they can pose. The course will develop a in-depth understanding of how the risks associated with chemical exposure are assessed and how these approaches are used. The hazards of naturally occurring and synthetic organic, inorganic and radioactive chemicals will be explored and pertinent case studies used to demonstrate chemical exposures via different pathways and media and how these can be assessed. Assessing any risk that chemicals may pose also requires an understanding of the uptake and distribution of chemicals in the body and how this could lead to harmful effects. As such, this course is relevant to all students with an interest in chemicals in the environment and health.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Ayomi Jayarathne
Dr Pradeep Dewapriya
Dr Richard Bade
Dr Rory Verhagen
Dr Sandra Nilsson
Dr Ian Zammit
Dr Fisher Wang
Professor Kevin Thomas
Guest lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whether your course is delivered internally (weekly lecturesﾠat the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE) building at 20 Cornwall Street,ﾠWoolloongabba) or externally, allﾠcourse information can be found on the course Blackboard site. To log on to Blackboard click here:ﾠhttps://learn.uq.edu.au/.
Aims and outcomes
- To understand the different chemical hazards in the environment that are relevant to humanﾠhealth
- To understand the sources and exposure pathways for different chemical hazards, including exposure assessment methods
- To understand the principles of toxicology and the uptake and distribution of chemicals in(to) humans
- To develop and refine skills in risk assessment of chemical hazards, and apply them as a basis for risk management in real-world settings
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify the different types of chemical hazards in the environment
LO2.
Understand the characteristics of common chemical hazards that pose human health risks
LO3.
Describe the major pathways of exposures to chemical hazards and methods for measuring or estimating (e.g. modelling) exposure
LO4.
Understand the key principles of chemical toxicology, including uptake and distribution pathways for chemicals in(to) humans
LO5.
Apply a systematic, evidence-based approach for investigating chemical hazards and conducting basic risk assessments
LO6.
Interpret the results of risk assessment 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 |
Quiz Series
|
10% |
23/08/2024 5:00 pm 20/09/2024 5:00 pm 25/10/2024 5:00 pm
Each Quiz will open on the Tuesday of due week and is required to be completed by Friday 5:00pm of that week. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Exposure assessment report | 25% |
4/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Presentation of risk assessment workshop outcomes
|
20% |
21/10/2024
Details of the presentation schedule will be provided on Blackboard. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Risk assessment report | 25% |
8/11/2024 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Quiz Series
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
23/08/2024 5:00 pm
20/09/2024 5:00 pm
25/10/2024 5:00 pm
Each Quiz will open on the Tuesday of due week and is required to be completed by Friday 5:00pm of that week.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
A series of multiple choice and multi-answer on-line quizzes to assess students' understanding of the course content with Quiz 1 covering content from weeks 1 to 4, Quiz 2 covering content from weeks 5 to 8 and Quiz 3 covering content from weeks 9 to 11. The questions may involve knowledge recall or performing short calculations (where relevant).
Please note the following:
- ONE attempt is permitted for each quiz.
- The quiz duration is 30 minutes. An additional 10 mins is provided as a buffer for any issues that might arise during your quiz.
- The format may be a mixture of question types, for example: multiple choice, multiple answer, matching, ordering, fill in the blank/s, jumbled sentence/s, either/or (e.g. true/false), short answer, and short essay style questions.
- Questions may be provided randomly from a pool, therefore each student may receive a different but equivalent quiz.
- The quiz will be marked electronically, correct answers will be awarded the marks indicated beside the question, incorrect answers will be awarded zero.
- This is an online quiz undertaken on your own device and in the venue of your choice.
- This quiz is open book, you may refer to any resource while completing it.
- This is an individual assessment that you are required to undertake without any form of communication with other students.
- This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of the assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide only limited support and guidance.
Submission guidelines
Via link on 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.
Exposure assessment report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
4/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
A written assignment will be set based on conducting an exposure assessment. The details of the assignment will be discussed in the Week 5 lecture, modelling exposure to chemicals. Please check Blackboard closer to the submission date for the latest information.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of the assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Upload the document to the link provided in 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.
Presentation of risk assessment workshop outcomes
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
21/10/2024
Details of the presentation schedule will be provided on Blackboard.
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L06
Task description
Each student will prepare and present the workshop outcomes from the Week 11 risk assessment workshop. Details of the presentation will be given out at the workshop and further information will be provided on Blackboard closer to the submission date.
Submission guidelines
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.
Risk assessment report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
8/11/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L06
Task description
A written assignment will be set based on describing the major sources of uncertainties for human health risk assessments. Students should choose an example chemical and describe uncertainties specific to the assessment of its risk to humans.
Submission guidelines
Submit via link on 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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy most or all of the basic requirements of the course |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course. Clear deficiencies in performance, but evidence that some basic requirements have been met |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for Pass but is close to satisfactory overall and has compensating strengths in some aspects |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting, surprising, exciting, challenging or erudite |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
Course Coordinatorsﾠemploy a wide range of techniques and resources toﾠmaximise learning opportunities for students. Each course is conducted through the UQ Learning Management System, Blackboard, which provides an interactive learning and resource-rich environment for students andﾠteachers. Students should regard the course Blackboard site as their classroom.ﾠOn eachﾠBlackboard site, students will have access to:
- Course Profile
- Announcements
- Learning Resources
- Learning Activities
- Assessment tasks
- Readings through UQ Library
- the Course Coordinator
- other students
Blackboard is accessible via PC or Mac environment. To log on to Blackboard click here: http://learn.uq.edu.au/
The Blackboard site also contains a number of online tools that can facilitate communication with other students and staff in both real time and asynchronous modes. Utilising these tools will assist students to keep up to date and in contact with peers and their Course Coordinator. Students will be required to become proficient in accessing and using the website. Blackboard Help Pages are available from https://web.library.uq.edu.au/libraryservices/it/learnuq-blackboard-help
Lecture Recordings
Our lecturers are encouraged to use recording software whenever possible, but we cannot guarantee that every lecture will be recorded as not all teaching spaces used have the necessary equipment. Students wishing to make their own recording (e.g. using MP3 recorders) must seek permission from the lecturer before the lecture starts.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Introduction to chemical hazards Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Types of exposure pathways Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Organic chemical hazards synthetic chemicals Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Organic chemical hazards natural chemicals Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Modelling exposure to chemicals Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Inorganic and radioactive chemical hazards Learning outcomes: L03 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Case studies: Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Case studies: Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Principles of toxicology Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Uptake and distribution of chemicals in(to) humans Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Risk assessment theory Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 12 Risk assessment workshop Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 13 Student presentations (risk assessment workshop outcomes) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, 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.