Class Overview

ENV H 472 A - ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND

SOCIETY

Steven G. Gilbert, PhD DABT

Stephanie Wong

January 3, 2010

ENV H 472 A - ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND

SOCIETY

Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:50 HSR RR134

Introduction and Contact

Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT

sgg@u.washington.edusgilbert@innd.org

Stephanie Wongwongs@u.washington.edu

Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT

sgg@u.washington.edusgilbert@innd.org

Institute of Neurotoxicology &

Neurological Disorders(INND)

Introduction and Contact

Stephanie Wongwongs@u.washington.edu

Course Introduction

This course examines the development and uses of environmental risk analysis, particularly in regard to public health concerns. Environmental risk analysis is practiced within a context of social and cultural values, leading to differing perceptions, rankings of risks, and challenges in effective risk

communication.

Course Web Site

http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/ENV+H+472-572+A+-+Environmental+Risk

Toxipedia – www.toxipedia.org

Course Goals

Apply principles and concepts associated with risk assessment, risk perception and risk communication to advocacy and special-interest literature.

Demonstrate critical thinking in regard to how the writings of advocacy or special-interest groups distort or misuse scientific information to promote a particular agenda.

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and original insight regarding a major piece of advocacy or special-interest literature.

Course Learning ObjectivesDescribe the primary components of current risk

assessment and risk management procedures used for environmental health hazard evaluation and resolution;

Explain how social and cultural values shape perceptions and communication of environmental risks;

Identify the key aspects public participation processes aimed at resolving environmental risk conflicts;

Apply critical thinking to emerging issues in environmental risk;

Demonstrate "environmental literacy" by being able to evaluate and interpret news media reports of environmental health risk issues.

Apply risk assessment principles to a specific environmental health risk controversy.

Develop risk communication strategy.

Assignments and Examinations

Class participation – 10%Editorial and letter – 10%Advocacy group interview and write up - 10%

Individual/team project / presentation - 25%

Write up on Toxipedia – 10%Paper – 20%Final exam - 15% Extra credit – attend public talks related to risk assessment

Individual/team project / presentation

Graduate students – single

Undergraduate – pairs – please e-mail Stephanie and I – Thursdays partners assigned

Log in Toxipedia

12

A Small Dose of Toxicology

See: www.asmalldoseof.org -- smdose

ENV H 472 A - ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND

SOCIETY