Time Schedule:
Elaine M. Faustman
ENV H 593
Seattle Campus
Examines current topics in risk assessment and risk communication with a focus on issues in environmental health. Consists of presentations led by students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty. Students expected to participate actively in discussion. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
Title: Nanotechnology: Current Considerations in Human Health Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Sustainability
Course Description: In this course we will explore the state-of-the-science in nanotechnology risk assessment, management, and sustainability. According to the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative, “work within the intersecting disciplines at the core of nanotechnology innovation – including physical, life, and social sciences and engineering – has revealed the potential of nanomaterials and nanoscale processes to collect and store energy, reinforce materials, sense contaminants, enable life-saving drugs, and shrink and accelerate computational devices in both incremental and paradigm-shifting ways.� However, to what extent do we understand the human health risks, as well as benefits, that may be associated with these technologies? How are these potential risks and benefits managed? What are life cycle and sustainability implications for health?
Student learning goals
Develop skills to think critically about risk assessment and risk management by completing reading assignments and participating in class discussions
Explain the risk assessment framework as it relates specifically to the current quarter topic
Identify risk assessment strengths and challenges, as well as the role of uncertainty
Summarize key points from assigned journal articles or other required readings
Prepare and deliver an oral presentation(s) discussing the required reading
Develop skills to think critically about the methods and tools used for assessment, management, and communication of risk
General method of instruction
This course is a journal club that examines current topics in risk assessment and risk management with a focus on issues in environmental health. It includes four to five sessions consisting of presentations led by students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty. Students are expected to complete reading assignments and participate actively in discussion. This class is required for students seeking completion of the Risk Emphasis Program.
Recommended preparation
N/A
Class assignments and grading
Students are expected to complete reading assignments and participate actively in discussion. This class is required for students seeking completion of the Risk Emphasis Program.
This course is credit/no credit only. To receive a credit grade, students are expected to:
1. Attend class 2. Participate fully in class discussions (listen, ask questions, offer opinions, share experiences) 3. Present one to two articles dependent upon quarter topic 4. Read one to two articles as background for each session
