College of Public Health University of South Florida

Syllabus Page 1

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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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Exhibit proper referencing secondary materials in APA format 1-10

3

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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.

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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.

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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.

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

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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

College of Public Health University of South Florida

Syllabus Page 15

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