Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) Course Descriptions

Air Pollution ENVI 2261

A study of the sources, characteristics, environmental effects and regulatory aspects of various air pollutants emitted into the environment. Biological, chemical, and engineering concerns are stressed. Laboratory exercises reinforce lecture principles.

Anatomy and Physiology PUBH 2104

An introduction to the major organ systems and to the roles they play in the maintenance of normal function, particularly when confronted with infectious diseases and other environmental threats.

Biocontaminants in Indoor Environments PUBH 4108

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Introductory Microbiology
An examination of the various biocontaminants that may be found in indoor environments and their effects on the health of occupants. The diversity, prevalence, and health effects of fungi are examined in detail. Methods of site evaluation, sampling, and remediation are discussed, as well as control strategies. Bacteria, dust mites, pet dander, and other biocontaminants are examined in the context of their potential health effects. Laboratory component.

Cellular Processes and Environmental Effects PUBH 1101

The anatomy and physiology of the cell with a special focus on the processes (transport across membranes, internal respiration, mitosis, protein synthesis), which are most vulnerable to the pathological effects of toxic agents. Major environmental effects are also examined to include mutations, reproductive effects, birth defects and mutations.

Communicable Disease Control PUBH 4103

Examines the role of health personnel in the control of infectious disease in institutional environments with respect to appropriate preventive policy & procedures, inspection and investigation. Particular attention is paid to problem areas unique to hospitals, schools, housing, and facilities for child and adult care. Recreational, animal care, and personal services facilities are examined in addition to biomedical waste handling and response to nuisance-type situations. Strategies for managing vaccine-preventable, sexually transmitted, and emerging infectious diseases are also discussed.

Emergency Preparedness PUBH 2107

An introductory course, addressing fundamental concepts and approaches, links the ideals and ideas of public health with the disaster and emergency management fields. Considered are the types of disasters and their consequences, the role of Public Health professionals in planning and response, bioterrorism issues, recovery and reconstruction, and response evaluation.

Engineering Issues in Public Health PUBH 2108

Provides an introduction to several engineering disciplines which are part of the academic requirements for CIPHI(C) certification. Included is an overview of geographic information systems, HVAC, blueprint reading, and the basics of surveying. This course is intended to provide the basis for understanding these issues without an in-depth design focus.

Epidemiology PUBH 3106

This course covers the development and history of epidemiology and its role in public health. Topics include incidence, prevalence, cohort studies, risk ratios, rates of disease, mortality, morbidity, case control studies, and experimental studies. The relevance of study results is discussed along with a determination of the advantages and disadvantages of the varying study designs.

Food Borne Disease PUBH 4104

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Introductory Microbiology
A survey of the agents of food borne disease. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites all play a role in various diseases related to food contamination. How food becomes contaminated, the health effects, and preventive measures are discussed. Laboratory sessions focus on methods of detection, isolation, and enumeration of organisms associated with food.

Food Hygiene PUBH 3101

Strategies for food safety. Prevention and investigation of food borne illness, food preservation, HACCP, inspection, recall procedures, and regulation review are topic for discussion.
Labs are every other week and are presented in the facilities for food preparation of the Hospitality Administration program.

Food Quality PUBH 2106

An introduction to basic food chemistry, including the physical properties and chemical reactions of water, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and enzymes. Primary processing of meat and poultry, dairy, and egg products are considered, and techniques of food grading discussed. The use of food additives, including food colouring, are also examined.

General Chemistry for Nursing & Allied Health Sciences CHEM 1101

The principles of general chemistry for students requiring no more than 6 credits in chemical science. Emphasis is placed on the biological relevance of the chemistry principles discussed and their applicability to the health sciences.

Health Risk Assessment PUBH 4101

Introduces the fundamentals of risk assessment and demonstrates their application to selected environmental health concerns. Problem definition and step-wise analysis techniques are stressed using practical case examples.

Integrated Pest Management PUBH 4111

The classification and characteristics (including life cycle) of common insect and rodent pests are discussed. Appropriate procedures for the prevention and/or control of infestations are emphasized. The structure and mode of action of the various groups of pesticides are examined. Regulations concerning the labelling, storage, handling, and safety of pesticides are also considered

Introductory Microbiology MICR 2101

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Biology or PUBH 1101

Topics include the the morphology and physiology of microorganisms, their role in the disease process, and methods of control. Lab component.

Introductory Organic Chemistry for Nursing & Allied Health Sciences CHEM1103

Prerequisite: 3 credits in General Chemistry or Chem 1101

The principles of organic and biochemistry for students requiring no more than 6 credits in chemical science. Emphasis is placed on the biological relevance of the chemistry principles discussed and their applicability to the health sciences.

Issues in Public Health PUBH 1103

Issues in Public Health, particularly as a result of development, ranging from local to global, are at the center of discussion. It is evident that information about global environmental change and health is becoming increasingly important to the practice of medicine, public health, environmental science, policy and economics. This course outlines the importance of undertaking the study of human health in relationship to development and its apparent inevitable result, environmental change. Fundamental to this study is the understanding that our well-being is supported and dependent on the conservation and integrity of the biosphere. Topics that will be integrated into this course include biodiversity, erosion, land degradation and reclamation, deforestation, desertification, global warming and climate change, zoning and planning issues.

 Math 1 Math 1107

The course emphasis is on mathematics fundamentals to equip the technologist with the analytical skills to interpret data and utilize appropriate mathematical techniques for problem solving.

Municipal Services PUBH 2101

Municipal water and wastewater services will be examined from a public health perspective. Concepts covered include chemical, physical and biological properties of water and wastewater, sampling protocol, processing, distribution, design components, hydrology, storm water control, innovative technology and a fundamental understanding of the legislation and regulations governing the water and wastewater industry. Field trips will complement the lecture principles.

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation PUBH 4105

This course focuses on familiarizing the student with the legislative framework within which they must function. Dealing with specific jurisdictional legislation including the Canadian Federal Labour Code, the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act and the American Federal Occupational Health and Safety Act. Material will be presented using lectures, review of appropriate legislative documents and examination of specific legal cases.

Occupational Hygiene ENVI 2163

Prerequisite: Chem 1103 or 2301

The recognition, evaluation and control of potential health and safety hazards in the workplace. Relevant legislation and regulations are reviewed. Laboratory activities involve specific hazard assessments using appropriate methodologies and equipment.

Physical Agents and Their Health Effects PUBH 1104

Discussion of various physical agents, with a focus on their health effects. Topics covered include the electromagnetic spectrum, temperature extremes, noise, and ergonomics.

Public Health Education PUBH 4106

Principles of adult education are examined and used to present and address current issues in the Public Health realm, including healthy public policy, health promotion, population health, chronic diseases, injury prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, and lifestyle considerations.

Public Health Ethics PUBH 3105

Public health practice demands that scientific considerations be blended with political realities, questions of autonomy and jurisdiction, individual rights, social justice, coercion, norms of research, multi-cultural values, and the common good. This unit is intended as a resource to enhance and encourage thoughtful, well informed, and critical discussions of ethical issues in public health.

Public Health Law PUBH 2103

Provides the student with a working knowledge of the law and the legal process in Canada. The student will become acquainted with the various sources of law that exist in the Canadian system. The course will highlight some of the main areas of environmental concern and legislation that currently apply to Canadian infrastructure.

Public Health Administration PUBH 3103

Fundamentals of public administration including legislative influences and procedures. The processes of policy development, strategic planning, program implementation, and resource allocation are considered. The evolution and delivery of public health services, the contribution of health indicators in program development, essentials of evidence collection, crown brief preparation and performance management strategies are discussed.

Public Health Inspection PUBH 2105

Assessment for and design of on-site sewage disposal systems. Remediation of malfunctioning systems. Characteristics of potable water from ground and surface sources, including source protection, point of use treatment processes, and monitoring. Recreational water, including pools, whirlpools & beaches are discussed. Legislation, guidelines and standards relating to these topics are also be considered.

Quality and Environmental Project Management PUBH 4107

This course will provide an overview of the fundamentals of project management and an introduction to the areas of quality management and environmental management. Various concepts, including budgeting, time management, resource allocation, organizational behaviour, risk management, collaboration and public participation in project management will be examined. Various topics including local area issues such as the reclamation and remediation of contaminated sites and project management and its role in public heath applications and environmental applications will be discussed.

Statistics Math1109

Descriptive statistics, elementary probability, binomial and normal distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, regression and correlation.

Toxicology PUBH 3104

Prerequisite: 3 credits in Anatomy & Physiology

Basic concepts of toxicology, followed by study of the physiological mechanism of toxic agents on the body. Topics include dose-response calculations, determination of margins of safety, a review of the toxicology of natural and man-made chemicals, and discussion of scientific research principles.

Waste Management PUBH 4109

Waste Management provides an overview of waste disposal in society and the implications such disposal has on the health of the public and the environment.  This course addresses fundamental concepts and approaches to management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Considered are classification, tracking, reduction, reuse, recycling, collection, disposal, and end use of waste streams, and the treatment/ beneficial reuse of non-hazardous/hazardous wastes inclusive of innovative technologies, and the development of legislation/development of guidelines, regulations, and standards.  The role of Public Health and Environmental professionals in regulatory compliance and control as well as spill response will be examined. The course concludes with evaluation and control strategies the public health inspector might recommend.