What is the air we breathe composed of and where do various pollutants come from? How does exposure to air pollutants manifest in chronic disease? What level of exposure is too much and how can I minimize my exposure? The goal of this course is to answer these questions and provide you with tools to quantify the environmental risks of air pollution. Exposure to air pollution is unavoidable and ranks as one of the top ten global health risks in the development of non-communicable diseases. Air pollution represents a complex mixture of thousands of gaseous and particulate chemicals.

This course is an introduction to global health from an interdisciplinary perspective. It will examine issues that affect population health the world over and policy recommendations to prevent emerging and re-emerging diseases.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

The World Health Organization describes climate change as the biggest public health threat of the 21st century. This course will provide an overview of the key impacts of climate change on population health. We will discuss current impacts and projected future impacts through the 21st century, with a focus on climate justice and health equity. We will additionally cover difficulties in communicating climate change risks to the public and strategies for adaptation and mitigation to prevent and/or lessen projected impacts of climate change on health.