Major: Environmental Health and Environmental Risk Management Technician
Overview: The Environmental Health and Environmental Risk Management Technician program trains students to identify, assess, and manage environmental hazards that impact public health. This major combines environmental science, public health, and risk management to address issues such as pollution, waste management, water quality, and occupational safety. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental health agencies, industrial hygiene, public health departments, and consulting firms.
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of environmental health and risk assessment.
- Develop skills in identifying and mitigating environmental hazards (e.g., air/water pollution, chemical exposure).
- Learn techniques for monitoring environmental quality, conducting risk assessments, and implementing safety protocols.
- Explore principles of public health, epidemiology, and occupational health.
- Analyze environmental regulations, compliance standards, and ethical considerations.
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for effective environmental health management.
Core Courses:
Introduction to Environmental Health
- Overview of environmental health principles, global challenges, and public health impacts.
Environmental Hazard Identification
- Study of common environmental hazards (e.g., air/water pollution, toxic substances, biological contaminants).
Risk Assessment and Management
- Techniques for assessing environmental risks and developing mitigation strategies.
Water and Air Quality Management
- Principles of monitoring and improving water and air quality in urban and industrial settings.
Waste Management and Pollution Control
- Techniques for managing solid/hazardous waste, recycling, and pollution prevention.
Occupational Health and Safety
- Study of workplace hazards, safety protocols, and industrial hygiene practices.
Environmental Law and Regulations
- Overview of local and international environmental laws (e.g., EU directives, Turkish Environmental Law No. 2872).
Epidemiology and Public Health
- Principles of disease prevention, environmental epidemiology, and community health.
Emergency Response and Disaster Management
- Techniques for responding to environmental emergencies (e.g., chemical spills, natural disasters).
Internship/Practicum
- Hands-on experience in environmental health agencies, industrial facilities, or public health departments.
Capstone Project in Environmental Health
- Comprehensive project applying skills in risk assessment, pollution control, or public health intervention.
Assessment Methods:
- Environmental hazard identification reports.
- Risk assessment case studies.
- Water/air quality monitoring projects.
- Waste management and pollution control plans.
- Internship evaluations and fieldwork reports.
- Capstone projects on environmental health interventions or compliance strategies.
Recommended Resources:
- "Environmental Health: From Global to Local" by Howard Frumkin.
- "Risk Assessment and Management in Environmental Health" by Ian S. Evans and Jeremy Labib.
- "Introduction to Environmental Engineering" by Davis and Cornwell.
- Guidelines from World Health Organization (WHO), Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, and EU Environmental Agency.
Prerequisites:
- Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, or environmental science.
- Interest in public health, environmental protection, and risk management.
Duration:
- Typically 2 years for an associate degree or certification program.
- 4 years for a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health or related fields.
Certifications:
Graduates can pursue certifications such as:
- Certified Environmental Health Technician (CEHT).
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST).
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) (with additional experience).
Career Paths:
Environmental Health Technician:
- Monitor and mitigate environmental hazards in communities or workplaces.
Industrial Hygienist:
- Assess and control workplace hazards in industrial settings.
Public Health Inspector:
- Enforce health and safety regulations in food, water, and air quality.
Environmental Compliance Officer:
- Ensure adherence to environmental laws in industries or government agencies.
Waste Management Specialist:
- Oversee waste disposal, recycling, and pollution control programs.
Emergency Response Coordinator:
- Manage responses to environmental emergencies (e.g., spills, natural disasters).
Environmental Consultant:
- Advise businesses or governments on environmental health and risk management.
Why This Major?
- Critical Need: Growing demand for professionals to address pollution, climate change, and public health risks.
- Impactful Work: Directly contribute to protecting communities and ecosystems from environmental hazards.
- Diverse Opportunities: Careers in government agencies, healthcare, industry, and consulting.
- Global Relevance: Skills applicable worldwide, with opportunities to work on international environmental health projects.
