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Course Catalog

180.609.01 Principles of Environmental Health I

Environmental Health and Engineering
1st term
4 credits
Academic Year:
2014 - 2015
East Baltimore
Class Times:
  • M W,  1:30 - 3:20pm
Auditors Allowed:
Yes, with instructor consent
Grading Restriction:
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
E. William Spannhake
Course Instructor:



Presents concepts, principles, and applications of the core natural and social science disciplines that form the basis of the field of environmental health. Topics include the sources, pathways of exposure and methods of control of the principal chemical, biological, physical and psychosocial factors within the environment that impact human health. Through discussions and exercises focused on current environmental health issues, students examine the components of the environmental health paradigm and the opportunities it presents for the development and application of effective strategies of prevention and intervention. Through lectures and discussions, students review and evaluate current environmental health literature.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the field of environmental health and its interdisciplinary nature
  2. Describe the sources and range of hazards to human health that exist within the environment and explain the means through which they interact with humans to induce adverse health effects in healthy and susceptible populations
  3. Discuss the concept of Environmental Justice (Equity) and identify the potential presence of environmental injustice in instances in which environmental hazards pose a challenge to health
  4. Develop and discuss application of strategies that effectively intervene to mitigate and prevent the risks of adverse health effects caused by environmental agents and conditions
  5. Interpret, evaluate and summarize articles from the current environmental health literature and apply their findings to related environmental situations and conditions
  6. Identify and describe important current and emerging environmental problems that pose a risk to public health
  7. Develop and express an understanding of the contribution that environmental health practice makes within public health
Methods of Assessment:

Student evaluation based on the level of active participation in class discussions and exercises (10%), individual/group assignments (50%) and two examinations (40%).

Enrollment Restriction:

Enrollment limited to degree-seeking students in SPH graduate programs. Permission from instructor required for non-EHS students.

Instructor Consent:

Consent required for some students

Consent Note:

Consent is required for non-EHS degree candidates.

For consent, contact:

Special Comments:

MHS degree candidates in EHS are required to take both Principles of Environmental Health I & II; PhD candidates in EHS only take PEH I.