School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Biological and Chemical Hazards
  • Unit Code

    SCI3309
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    3
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    Online
  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Annette Erika KOENDERS

Description

In this unit the processes and procedures for assessing biological and chemical hazards are described.The information sources used to assess hazards are investigated and applied to biological and chemical risk scenarios. The course provides students with the opportunity to apply practical measures to investigate and manage biological and chemical hazards in the environment.

Prerequisite Rule

(Must have passed an (I/W) unit in {SCC1123}OR Must have passed an (I/W) unit in {SCC1111})

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Identify biological and chemical hazards.
  2. Describe the fate and behaviour of biological and chemical hazards in the environment.
  3. Assess the risk of hazards to human health and the environment using a range of information sources.
  4. Describe and utilise occupational health and safety measures to reduce exposure to hazardous substances.
  5. Describe the legislation and administrative frameworks for dealing with biological and chemical hazards.
  6. Apply knowledge of biological or chemical hazards to an environmental problem and develop mitigation or management options with responsible agencies and groups.

Unit Content

  1. The characteristics of biological and chemical hazards and their fate and behaviour in the environment.
  2. The nature and sources of biological and chemical hazards locally and globally.
  3. Quantitative and qualitative methods of assessing the hazards.
  4. Computer packages, standards and guidelines used to undertake assessment of biological and chemical hazards and their impact on environmental parameters.
  5. National and international legislative and administrative frameworks for control of hazardous materials.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, Tutorials, Self-directed study.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
JournalHazards journal30%
Case StudyEmergency response report30%
ExaminationOpen book examination40%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI3309|3|1

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Biological and Chemical Hazards
  • Unit Code

    SCI3309
  • Year

    2019
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    4
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    Online
  • Unit Coordinator

    A/Prof Annette Erika KOENDERS

Description

Students study hazards and risk to the environment, human life and property within the context of biological and chemical hazards. The way these hazards behave and their fate are studied in various contexts using case studies and scenarios. Students present an emergency incident report of a real industrial, public or environmental case.

Prerequisite Rule

Must have passed SCC1123 OR Must have passed SCC1111

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of biological and chemical hazards to an industrial, public or environmental problem and develop mitigation or management options for responsible agencies and groups.
  2. Collaborate to develop a community of reflective practice.
  3. Communicate with respectful professionalism.

Unit Content

  1. The characteristics of biological and chemical hazards and their fate and behaviour in the environment.
  2. The nature and sources of biological and chemical hazards locally and globally.
  3. Human and environmental exposure.
  4. Occupational health and safety and risk management.
  5. National and international legislative and administrative frameworks for control of hazardous materials.

Learning Experience

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Recorded mini-lectures, Tutorials, Self-directed study.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ONLINE
TypeDescriptionValue
JournalHazards journal30%
Reflective PracticePeer review and self-reflection.30%
Case StudyEmergency response report40%

Core Reading(s)

  • Lippman, M., & Schlesinger, R. B. (2018). Environmental health science: recognition, evaluation and control of chemical health hazards. (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/981509001
  • Van Leeuwen, C. J., & Vermeire, T. G. (2010). Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction. (2nd ed.). Springer. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/751828454

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI3309|4|2