SCH-23306 Health Issues in Daily Life; a Bèta-Gamma Approach

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Contents:

This course focuses on technological and societal developments in the field of consumption and product use, which can be of influence to health and well-being of individuals.
Factors in both the micro and macro surroundings of individuals in their daily life that can have a detrimental effect on health, will be studied: determinants of exposure, risk and risk perception and groups at risk. Examples of themes in this field: noise, chemical substances, hygiene, food.
Another field of interest will be related to physical activities: back problems, RSI and accidents.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- interpret some aspects of exposure to physical factors of the living environment which have a direct or indirect effect on the health and well-being of consumers;
a. students understand the importance of exposure to health from a user's perspective;
b. students understand some of the relations between activities in daily life and exposure.
- distinguish exposure mechanisms which play a role in the physical living environment. Students are able to distinguish beta and gamma aspects of exposure;
- analyse and appraise a research on health in relation to exposure to the physical environment in terms of beta and gamma aspects and their interaction.

Activities:

- following lectures;
- work on research project with a group of fellow students.

Examination:

- written exam with open questions (30%);
- report (70%).
The written exam needs a minimum mark of 5.0 and the report of 5.50 to pass.

Literature:

A reader will be available at the start of the course.