Human Health and Environmental Risk
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the basics of the complex relationship between the environment and the health status of the human population. The aim of the course is to lay the foundations for understanding the main risks on human health and to provide quantitative tools for monitoring and to design possible risk prevention strategies
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to critically read the scientific literature on the relationship between environment and health. Starting from a certain risk, he will be able to develop models and strategies that will prevent the dissemination on the population, for example. The student will acquire competences for the use of computational models that require transversal and interdisciplinary skills.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will introduce the main environmental determinants of health and the mechanisms through which environmental exposures contribute to disease development, health inequalities, and changes in well-being. Particular attention will be given to current global challenges, including climate-related health risks, emerging environmental threats, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems and public health.
Students will become familiar with the principles and methods used to assess environmental health risks, interpret epidemiological evidence, and evaluate the impact of environmental factors on population health. The course will also discuss strategies for disease prevention, health promotion, and sustainable interventions aimed at reducing environmental health risks.
An interdisciplinary perspective will be adopted throughout the course, integrating concepts from environmental sciences, epidemiology, public health, and health policy. The role of scientific evidence in supporting decision-making processes and the development of effective public health policies will be examined through case studies and real-world examples.
Finally, the course will address the importance of science communication and stakeholder engagement, providing students with the skills needed to effectively communicate environmental health issues to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
Students will become familiar with the principles and methods used to assess environmental health risks, interpret epidemiological evidence, and evaluate the impact of environmental factors on population health. The course will also discuss strategies for disease prevention, health promotion, and sustainable interventions aimed at reducing environmental health risks.
An interdisciplinary perspective will be adopted throughout the course, integrating concepts from environmental sciences, epidemiology, public health, and health policy. The role of scientific evidence in supporting decision-making processes and the development of effective public health policies will be examined through case studies and real-world examples.
Finally, the course will address the importance of science communication and stakeholder engagement, providing students with the skills needed to effectively communicate environmental health issues to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are required beyond the knowledge and competencies normally acquired in undergraduate courses in life sciences, health sciences, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. Basic notions of epidemiology and public health are recommended.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods will include lectures, classroom discussions, analysis of case studies and scientific literature, student presentations, and the use of multimedia resources (videos, documentaries, and online materials). These activities are designed to encourage active learning, critical thinking, and the application of environmental health concepts to public health practice.
Teaching Resources
Teaching materials will include selected chapters from environmental health and public health textbooks, scientific articles from peer-reviewed journals, and reports published by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the European Environment Agency (EEA). Additional learning resources, including videos, webinars, and case studies, will be provided during the course.
The following books are recomanded for a general view:
Friis RH.
Essentials of Environmental Health.
Jones & Bartlett Learning
Frumkin H.
Environmental Health: From Global to Local.
Jossey-Bass.
The following books are recomanded for a general view:
Friis RH.
Essentials of Environmental Health.
Jones & Bartlett Learning
Frumkin H.
Environmental Health: From Global to Local.
Jossey-Bass.
Assessment methods and Criteria
At the end of teaching the student should be able to deal critically with problems related to changes in the environment and their impact on human health. He will need to demonstrate that he can read the scientific literature adequately and critically by understanding statistical analysis and to be able to understand the impact of these changes on the biological mechanisms of the cell. The student will also need to have acquired the necessary communication mechanisms and techniques to manage these issues.
MED/04 - EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Exercises: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
La Porta Caterina Anna Maria
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every Monday, hours to be agreed by email
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