Centre for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

Medical Sciences

Environmental Health

Environmental Health

Overview

The environment has been identified as a key determinant of health. This course is focused on helping delegates to acquire a sound working knowledge and to develop the skills that underpin effective management of current and emergent developments in environmental health. It introduces the learner to the philosophical constructs that underpin environmental health, in particular the inter- connectedness between humans and the environment and the resulting impact on health at the local and global level.

​​Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face

What will I Learn?

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
  • Explain the role of the environment as a determinant of health
  • Discuss the relationship between environmental hazards and health
  • Apply the methods used for monitoring and control of environmental hazards
  • Analyse the relationship between anthropogenic activity and environmental sustainability
  • Discuss the use of legislation in the control of environmental hazards
  • Describe the use of the principles of environmental toxicology and environmental epidemiology to explain the effects of environmental exposures on health
  • Appraise the factors affecting health in various institutional settings
  • Explain the public health implications of recreational water facilities using swimming pools and beaches as the main examples
  • Apply the principles of vector control in the management of vectors of public health significance in the Caribbean
  • Discuss the public health impacts of global warming and climate change, particularly in the context of small island developing states
  • Explain the public health rationale for the International Health Regulations and Port Health
  • Summarize the factors affecting health and safety at work
  • Discuss the role of the team approach in managing environmental health problems
  • Develop a management plan to address an identified

Who Should do this Course

Individuals who meet the entry requirements for postgraduate level training, including new and trainee Environmental Health Officers (EHO); Health & Building Surveyors; Compliance staff, and other government staff who are looking to gain an understanding of environmental health, and those who want to be able to apply the methods used for monitoring and control of environmental hazards, and assess the relevance of sport policies in different contexts.

Important Information

  • Applicants must bring all required documentation to the Department of Management Studies, Graduate Section, for their application to be processed.
  • Individuals applying for postgraduate modules, whose native language is not English, must take tests,  to demonstrate English Language proficiency prior to registration, as identified in the Manual of Procedures re: Regulations for Graduate Diplomas and Degrees (Sec. 1, Para. 5).

At a Glance

  • Admissions Term: 2025/2026 Semester I
  • Registration: Open
  • Date: September to December 2025
  • Time: TBA
  • Duration: 12 Weeks (36 hours)
  • Certificate Awarded: Postgraduate Professional Development Certificate of Competence
  • Course Code: PBHE 6600
  • Capacity: 10
  • Cost: BDS $1,880 (USD $940) {with assessment} ; BDS $1,598 (USD $799) {without assessment}
The course is divided into four (4) sections:
  • Introductory Concepts
  • Environmental Factors and Disease
  • Global Environmental Health Concerns
  • Disaster Management
For entry into this course, applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree, or five (5) years relevant work experience. Applicants may also be asked to provide an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.

The course will be delivered in twice weekly class room sessions of 1½ hours each. In addition students will attend selected field trips off-site.
 
Lectures
Most of the content of the course will be delivered in a series of formal lectures.  The intent of the lectures is to provide information and guidance in applying the information to scenarios that simulate the actual work of various members of the public health team.
The learning materials will be presented orally as well as through handouts, assigned readings and web-based tools. Most of the objectives are covered in the lectures but students are encouraged to use the content lists and learning objectives to guide their own self-study.  The lectures, field trips and other materials are all provided as means to help the student achieve the learning objectives.  However, it is up to the student to achieve these objectives. If a student feels they need additional information or support to do this, it is their responsibility to access that. 
 
 
Field trips
Field trips will be organized to highlight one or more topics covered in the course. Special considerations and requirements may apply to clothing, timing, location and responsibilities of students on this trip.  More information will be provided closer to the date of the field trips.
 
Self-directed learning
Regular discussion and working together in small groups is an excellent way of reviewing and reinforcing knowledge. Students are encouraged to use this approach to learning throughout your programme of study.
 

Dr. Heather Harewood