EHS 1109
HUMAN ENVIRONMENT (4 CU)
Course Description: The course aims at enabling the student understand and be able to apply
integrative and multi-sectoral approaches in resolving environmental health concerns. Ecological
concepts are introduced and the interaction between humans and the environment are described.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, the student should be able to:
i) Explain the key terms and concepts used in ecology
ii) Explain the concept of inter-relationships in environmental studies
iii) Explain the influence of ecological factors on living things
iv) Explain the concepts of ecosystems and bio-diversity
v) Describe the concept of ecological sustainability
vi) Demonstrate the impact of ecological factors on environmental health
vii) Explain the process of Environmental Impact Assessment
Detailed Course Outline
 Introduction to environmental health.

Ecology, Biotone, Ecotone, Ecosystems, Care of environment, Interrelatedness of life’s
ecosystem.

Biotic community. Ecological domains. Ecological Niche, Biomass.

Food-chain.

Human ecosystems, Inter-relatedness in the environment, Ecological factors Energy flow
through the Biosphere. Biogeochemical cycling. Ecological succession.

Ecosystem management.

Environmental hazards and degradation: Persistent Organic Pollutants, Pesticides,
Mutation, Birth defects, Human Teratogens.

Environmental Impact Assessment.

Basic principles of ecology and their applications in the human environment.

Conservation of natural resources, Pollution and environmental health, Sustainable
development, Cleaner production.

Integrated ecosystem management systems.

Field study.
Mode of delivery:
- Lectures, Tutorials/Seminars and field work/practical.
Mode of Assessment
- Continuous assessment
- End of semester exam: MCQ’s, short answer and long assay questions
40%.
60%.
Suggested Reading List
1. Lecture handouts and additional materials on reserve at the MUSPH Resource Centre.
2. Nadakavukavien. A; Man and Environment- A Health Perspective 3rd Edition
3. Ponofsky. H; “Earth’s endangered ozone” Environmental magazine , vol.20 No.3, 1978
4. Jackson H.H & Moris G. P. et al. Environmental Health; Reference book; Butterworths,
London. 1989.
5. Sandy Caircross & Feachem Richard G; Environmental health- an introductory text; John
Wiley & sons, N.Y., 1982
6. Salvato Joseph, Environmental Engineering & Sanitation 4th edition; John Wiley & sons 1992.
7. Environmental Health For East Africa; Rukaro (Ed) – 2000
Course Facilitators
Mr. Stephen Tusingwire
Ms. Ruth Mubeezi
Mr. Richard Mugambe
Dr. John Ssempebwa
Mr. John B. Isunju
BEHS
BEHS, MSc
BEHS, MSc
BSc, MSc, PhD
BEHS, MIWRM