Spring 2007
EVR 4930-006 Climate Change and Human Health
Tuesday/Thursday 2:00-3:15 PM, SOC 304
3 credits, Section 006
Instructor:
Connie A. Mizak, Ph.D.
Environmental Science and Policy Program
Office: NES 310
Email: cmizak@cas.usf.edu
Telephone: 974-3101
Office Hours: Wednesday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Course description, objectives, and desired learning outcomes: The objective of this course is to
provide an overview of global climate change and its potential impacts on human health. As it is now
widely accepted that humans are influencing global climate, decision makers are now focusing on the
type and timing of actions to limit the rate of change. Attention is shifting to the balance between the
possible impacts of climate change, and the economic costs, technological advances and societal
adaptations that are necessary for mitigation. We will examine these issues in detail with a focus on the
public health implications of this global phenomenon.
The course will consist of lectures from the text, class projects, and discussions.
Attendance Policy: You are expected to attend every class, as absence will detrimentally affect your
understanding of the class material and your performance on exams. However, class attendance will only
be taken during the first class.
Grading Policy: A standard 10-point grading system will be used in this class: A = 90-100; B = 80-89;
C = 70-79; D = 60-69; and F = 59 or less.
Exams and Project: There will be 3 exams worth 75% of your overall grade (25% each) No make-up
exams will be given. One writing/research project will also be assigned, which will be worth 25% of your
final grade.
Exams (3)
75 points
Project
25 points
Total Possible Score 100 points
The dates of the hourly exams are (no make-up exams will be given):
Exam
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Due Date
Feb 6
Mar 22
Apr 26
The deadline for students to elect to drop a course in Spring 2007 without academic penalty is Friday,
March 23, 2007 by 5 PM. It is University policy that prior to that date, students will have had sufficient
material graded to be able to assess their standing in the class.
Students with Disabilities: Any student with a disability should plan to meet with the instructor privately
during the first week of class to discuss accommodations (See Student responsibilities:
http://www.sds.usf.edu/Students.htm). Each student must bring a current Memorandum of
Accommodations from the Office of Student Disability Services that is prerequisite for receiving
accommodations. Accommodated examinations through the Office of Student Disability Services require
two weeks notice.
1
Academic Integrity/Academic Dishonesty: Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses at USF. See
the 2004-2005 USF undergraduate catalog for the definition of plagiarism. Also see the penalties listed
there -- these range from receiving a 0 on the exam, to failing the course, to suspension or expulsion from
the university.
How to succeed in International Environmental Policy?
A) Come to all lectures on time and take good notes.
B) Read the assigned chapters in a timely fashion.
C) Be courteous and respectful of your fellow students and instructor.
D) Ask questions in class or after class if you do not understand anything or would like me to repeat
something.
E) Complete all assignments.
Class lecture notes: Lecture notes will be posted on Blackboard. Supplemental readings that help
emphasize lecture concepts will occasionally be posted on Blackboard (http://my.usf.edu).
Religious observance absence policy:
Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class due to the observation of a major
religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second class
meeting.
Textbooks:
1. Climate Change and Human Health – Risks and Responses by A.J. McMichael, World Health
Organization
2. The Atlas of Climate Change by Kirstin Dow and Thomas Downing, University of California Press
Schedule (may be subject to change)
Date
Topic
Readings
Jan 9&11
Global climate change and health: an old story writ large
Chapter 1
Jan 16&18
Weather and climate: changing human exposures
Chapter 2
Jan 23&25
The IPCC Third Assessment Report
Chapter 3
Jan 30&Feb1
Looking to the future: challenges for scientists studying
climate change and health
Chapter 4
Feb 6
Exam I
Feb 8, 13&15
Impacts on health of climate extremes
Chapter 5
Feb 20&22
Climate change and infectious diseases
Chapter 6
Feb 27&Mar1
How much disease could climate change cause?
Chapter 7
Mar 6&8
Stratospheric ozone depletion, ultraviolet radiation
and health
Chapter 8
Mar 13&15
Spring Break
Mar 20
Review
Mar 22
Exam 2
2
Mar 27&29
National assessments of health impacts of climate
change: a review
Chapter 9
Apr 3&5
Monitoring the health effects of climate change
Chapter 10
Apr 10&12
From science to policy: developing responses to
climate change
Chapter 12
April 17, 19, 24
Student Projects/Presentations
Apr 26
Exam 3
3