Course Title: Human Environmental Health
Course Prefix/Number: HSC 4211 (Online Internet Course)
Course Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Debra M. Vinci, DrPH, RD, L D/N, Assistant Professor, Health Education
Office: Bldg. 72, Rm 258
Email: dvinci@uwf.edu
Phone: 474-2598
Fax: 474-2106
Prerequisites or Co-Requisites: None
About this course: This course is completely delivered online. You will need to have good
computer skills and consistent access to the Internet. Beware that computer access can be
interrupted so it is important not to wait to the last minute to do assignments. It is
important that you read the section: IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY TECHNICAL DIFFICULITIES, CALL INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
SERVICES (ITS) AT 850-474-2075. ITS IS AVAILABLE 24/7 AND CAN BE HELPFUL IN
DETERMINING WHAT MAY BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM
Course Description
An online course with an overview of major environmental issues facing society during the
dawn of the 21st century. Ecological concerns will be matched with specific elements
related to personal and community health, emphasizing the interrelatedness of the two and
conveying an awareness of how current environmental issues directly affect your own life.
Student Learning Outcomes
The course is designed to educate students concerning three primary areas as related to
environmental health: 1) Environment and Public Health; 2) Our Toxic Environment; and 3)
Environmental Degradation. Each area will be explored to understand relationships between
the population and the environment.
Topic: Environment and Public Health
1. Discuss global environmental concerns that impact the health of our environment.
2. Describe the effects of the environment on public health.
3. Describe environmental risk assessment approaches and prevention strategies.
4. Discuss environmental and public health challenges.
Topic:
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Our Toxic Environment
Describe the relationship of environmental health and disease prevention.
List major toxic substances in the environment.
Discuss the dilemma concerning pests and pesticides.
Describe the issues involved in food quality.
Explain the impact of radiation exposure on health.
Topic: Environmental Degradation
10. Identify the different components and issues of the atmosphere
11. Explain the sources and impact of air pollution and discuss The Clean Air Act.
12. Discuss water resources and water management.
13. Identify sources of water pollution and discuss The Clean Water Act.
14. Describe the impact of solid and hazardous wastes on the environment.
Required Materials and Text: Internet Access, E-Mail Account
Hilgenkamp, K. (2006). Environmental Health: Ecological Perspectives. Jones and Bartlett
Publishers.
Other assigned readings that will be posted each week.
Methods of Evaluation: Students will demonstrate comprehension of course content
through Weekly Assignments, one (1) Research Paper and three (3) Exams (Assignments
are due weekly, please refer to the Assignment Calendar for due dates for the Research
Paper and Exams).
Semester Assignments: Each student will complete:
Weekly Assignments: These assignments provide critical analysis of topics covered in
weekly required text readings and other assigned materials. All assignments are due by
11:59 pm on each Sunday. These assignments will vary and can include short answer
essays and/or threaded discussions. Directions for submission of the assignments will be
post each week and will involve either submitting assignment to the Dropbox or posting
your comments in a Threaded Discussion.
Exams: You will have three sectional exams. The exams are located under Quizzes. The
exams are multiple-choice and True/False and worth 50 points each. Exam time allotment is
90 minutes (1 1/2 hours) for each exam. Please note, you will not be allowed to answer
questions after the time limit has expired. Exams #1 and #2 will open on a Wednesday at
12:01 am and close the following Tuesday at 11:59 pm. Exam #3 will open 12/10 at 12:01
and close 12/10 at 12 noon.
Taking the Exams: This internet course allows students to take exams with in an openbook format. This does not mean that you should look up every answer while you take the
exam. Test taking is a measure of your understanding the material, not your ability to
look up answers in the textbook. Reading and understanding the material first is imperative
to any good learning experience. Additionally, all exams are to be completed without
consultation with other classmates.
Research Paper: You will complete one Research Paper. Topics will be described under
Research Paper Assignment posted under IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION. The paper is
to be a minimum of 1500 words, excluding references, Arial 12 pt. font and APA formatted
with references cited.
Grading:
Weekly Assignments (15 x 10 points each)
Research Paper
Exams (3 x 50 points each)
150 points
100 points
150 points
Total
400 points
The course grade is determined as follows:
Weekly Assignments 37.5%
Research Paper 25%
Exams 37.5%
Grading Breakdown:
C+ 77 – 79.9%
A 94 – 100%
A- 90 – 93.9%
B+ 87 – 89.9%
B 83 – 86.9%
B- 80 – 82.9%
C 73 – 76.9%
C- 70 – 72.9%
D+ 67 – 69.9%
D 60 – 66.9%
F <60%
Academic Honesty – Expectations for Academic Conduct and Plagiarism Policy:
As members of the University of West Florida, we commit ourselves to honesty. As we strive
for excellence in performance, integrity—both personal and institutional—is our most
precious asset. Honesty in our academic work is vital, and we will not knowingly act in ways
which erode that integrity. Accordingly, we pledge not to cheat, nor to tolerate cheating, nor
to plagiarize the work of others. We pledge to share community resources in ways that are
responsible and that comply with established policies of fairness. Cooperation and
competition are means to high achievement and are encouraged. Indeed, cooperation is
expected unless our directive is to individual performance. We will compete constructively
and professionally for the purpose of stimulating high performance standards. Finally, we
accept adherence to this set of expectations for academic conduct as a condition of
membership in the UWF academic community.
Academic Conduct Policy: (Web Format) | (PDF Format) | (RTF Format)
Plagiarism Policy: (Word Format) | (PDF Format) | (RTF Format)
Student Handbook: (PDF Format)
ASSISTANCE:
Students with special needs who require specific examination-related or other courserelated accommodations should contact Barbara Fitzpatrick, Director of Disabled Student
Services (DSS), dss@uwf.edu, (850) 474-2387. DSS will provide the student with a letter
for the instructor that will specify any recommended accommodations.