Occupational Hygiene

Occupational hygiene is concerned with the identification, evaluation and management of chemical, physical and biological agents arising from work. Occupational hygienists are employed in a wide range of industries, including the petrochemical industry, manufacturing, mining, aero-industry, service sectors and the health sector. Many hygienists are also actively involved in research in a range of related fields. Currently, there is significant demand from large multinational companies, and there is a worldwide shortage of trained occupational hygienists.

This programme covers all aspects of occupational hygiene, and any student registered on it will be expected to complete a dissertation based on an occupational hygiene topic.

Significant emphasis is placed on learning and research. One of the first courses students take is Critical Thinking, which provides them with all the skills necessary to take full advantage of their studies.

As this is a distance learning programme, students are provided with study guides and supporting texts. Increasing use is being made of electronic information sources, and an online community is being developed for students. Students are invited to their learning centres at the start of the autumn and spring terms, giving them an opportunity to speak to tutors and other students.

Content

• Chemical Agents (20 credits)
• Management of Physical Agents (20 credits)
• Environmental Impact and Management (20 credits)
• Ergonomics and Workplace Psychology (20 credits)
• Safety and Risk Management (20 credits)
• The Reflective Practitioner (20 credits)
• Critical Thinking (10 credits)
• Research Methods (10 credits)
• Dissertation (MSc only) (40 credits)