Aim and Content

Aim:

The students should acquire basic knowledge on occupational hygiene, occupational health and on major occupational diseases.

Contents:

-Occupational hygiene and health - definitions

- Main concepts in occupational hygiene

- Occupational disorders and injuries

- Regulations and standardizations

- Literature and sources of information

- Occupational health in different countries

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

At the end of the course, the students shall be able to::

• describe the basic concepts in occupational health
• outline the tasks and structure of occupational health services
• recognize the most important risk factors for illness and injuries at work places, both nationally and globally
• describe the major occupational diseases nationally and globally
• explain the different steps in risk assessment at the workplace
• describe the association between workplace exposure and health effects
• describe the main steps in risk prevention on exposure to health hazards in the work environment
• summarize international regulations within occupational health

Skills

At the end of the course, the students shall be able to:

• conduct a primary risk evaluation of a work place
• advice on how to prevent work-related diseases in line with laws and regulations
• search for relevant literature within occupational health

General competence

At the end of the course, the students shall:

• understand the interaction between the actors within occupational health; employers, employees, health and safety personnel, occupational health services, occupational health clinics and the Labour Inspection
• reflect on occupational health in a global perspective
• written and oral communication and dissemination

Course offered (semester)

Autumn (December) - exam in January

Course Unit Level

Master

Pre-requirements

Students admitted to a Master`s degree Programme may join this course. A good Bachelor`s degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences or Natural Sciences. Good knowledge of English.

Teaching Methods

The course lasts two weeks in December and January. Lectures (19 hours) are given during the first week of the course (December). Demonstration of equipment for health surveillance and exposure measurement is also included in the first week. An important part of the course comprises an individual assignment on relevant case studies from different industries including literature study where the focus is on health risks associated with occupational exposures and preventive measures to reduce such risks. The final written assignment is accompanied with student presentation and discussion in the research group.

Assessment methods

Written exam (2 h) and student presentation

Grading Scale

Grading scale A-F