ANTH2104 - Anthropology of Environmental Health

Credits
3 (3/0/0)
Description
This course meets MnTC Goal Area(s) 8 and 10. Using an anthropological approach, students will identify and analyze environmental influences on health. Health concerns related to residential, occupational and other environments are explored. Problems pertaining to air, water, food safety, solid waste, housing, land use, toxic waste and sanitation will be addressed through a cultural lens to allow students to understand environmental health from a global perspective.
Competencies
  1. Describe how environmental problems influence the lives of people across the globe.
  2. Discuss the significant events and people in the history of environmental health.
  3. Understand population dynamics and the impacts of population growth on the environment.
  4. Discuss the epidemiological tools used in environmental health and apply to a current environmental health challenge.
  5. Evaluate the study designs used in environmental health and how each can be used in environmental health research.
  6. Differentiate risk assessment and exposure assessment and discuss the steps in conducting each type of assessment.
  7. Learn how governments and stakeholders create environmental policies to mitigate hazards and protect vulnerable groups around the globe.
  8. Identify and differentiate the various agents of environmental disease, the associated illnesses, and why some areas worldwide experience greater risks.
  9. Explain water, air, soil and food quality and the health consequences if polluted or contaminated.
  10. Assess the impacts of cultural beliefs and values on health and possible mechanisms for risk reduction and harm prevention.
  11. Discuss the significance of unintentional injuries for morbidity and mortality and how they differ according to age, sex and race.
Goal Areas
8. Global Perspective
10. People and the Environment