MSc Occupational Hygiene / Course details

This unit develops functional and practical knowledge in occupational exposure assessment, where students learn the processes involved in air sampling, exposure modelling and sample analysis. Students will develop scientific communication skills through presentation of findings in various formats relevant to occupational health and hygiene.

This unit aims to develop practical and functional knowledge in occupational exposure assessment. Students will learn about how to undertake exposure assessments for hazardous substances in the workplace using measurement and modelling approaches. With the use of case studies and tutorials they will synthesise and interpret data obtained from measurement surveys and exposure modelling. The unit assessment will develop their skills in presentation of findings in formats appropriate for a range of stakeholders.

Students will synthesise knowledge to interpret data obtained from measurement surveys and exposure modelling and to enable students to apply this knowledge to health protection strategies.

The learning outcomes intend to:

•      Develop knowledge and understanding of the workplace influences of process and task on exposure, dose and response;

•      Synthesise and apply knowledge of the principles and mechanisms for  measuring airborne concentrations of dust, gases and vapours to identify and implement appropriate measurement strategies;

•      Examine deterministic models used for inhalation exposure.

•      Synthesise and critically analyse the findings from measurement surveys and modelling

The unit examines the processes involved in air sampling, exposure modelling and sample analysis and  covers:
• Factors that influence exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace 
• Methods that can be used to assess exposure by measurement and modelling 
• Application and design of monitoring strategies 
• Interpretation of data, including statistical methods
• Presentation of findings to stakeholders
 

On completion, students should be able to:

•      Identify and analyse the workplace influences of process and task on exposure, dose and response;

Demonstrate a critical understanding of

•      human exposure to hazardous substances in the work environment;

•      the principles of measuring airborne concentrations of airborne contaminants in the workplace;

•      modelling approaches to assess worker exposure;

•      Understand basic statistical concepts required to interpret research/evidence synthesis

On completion, students should be able to:

•      Appraise and synthesise information from a variety of sources including current research, policy, and practice in order to develop a coherent critical analysis of issues relating to occupational health policy, practice and research.

•      Interpret outcomes of exposure assessment in the context of occupational hygiene and health  and propose changes (or not) as a result of research findings for occupational hygiene and health practice

•      Think critically about whether research studies are using the most appropriate study design and reflect on the credibility of findings

On completion, students should be able to:

•      Identify significant sources of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace

•      Develop practical workplace exposure assessment strategies

•      Select appropriate measurement methods

•      Use workplace exposure models and interpret their outputs

•      Apply principles of evidence-based practice to calculate, interpret and report data;

•      Present the findings from exposure assessments in formats appropriate for a range of stakeholders

•      Independently gather, organise and evaluate data from a variety of sources and demonstrate an evidence-based approach to occupational hygiene practice;

•      Promote independent learning through critical evaluation and synthesis of evidence that enhances and challenges current practice.

•      Systematically evaluate a range of evidence to inform clinical decision-making and professional practice.

•      Communicate complex ideas in concise written formats for a range of stakeholders

• Assignment feedback is available to all students using Tii and assessment rubrics.
• Feedback on summative assessments is provided following ratification of results by the Examination Board.
• Two web-conference tutorials involving small group teaching provides formative feedback to students.

• American Industrial Hygiene Association.  The occupational Environment: its evaluation, control and management 3rd ed.  AIHA Press 2010. ISBN 9781935082156.  
• Cherrie J, Howie R, Semple S. Monitoring for Health Hazards at Work 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell 2010. ISBN-10: 1405159626, ISBN-13: 978-1405159623.
• Gardiner K, Harrington JM. Occupational hygiene.  Blackwell Publishing 2005. ISBN 1405106212.
• BOHS Technical Guide Series No. 15 on Direct-Reading Devices for Airborne and Surface Chemical Contaminants 3^rd ed. November 2012.
• BOHS Guide to Report Writing: Clear and concise report writing: guidance for occupational hygienists. 2011.
• HSE. MDHS 14/3: General methods for sampling and gravimetric analysis of respirable and inhalable dust.  MDHS 14/3, HSE Books 2000. ISBN 0717617491.

If you have any questions regarding the content of this unit, please contact the Course Unit Leader, Anne Clayson, via anne.clayson@manchester.ac.uk.

If you have any other queries, please contac the Programme Admin team via pgt-coeh@manchester.ac.uk.