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Course Information
OEH1 MSc Occupational and Environmental Health & Safety
Full Time
College of Science
Course code(s): GYS12
Course Location: University of Galway - Main Campus
Start Date: 2016-09-01
OEH1
Module information for course: 'OEH1'
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
Required LW3113: Health & Safety and Environmental Law
LW3113: Health & Safety and Environmental Law
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module aims to examine the major pieces of legislation governing environmental, health and safety stds in the workplace and the International background to the provisions. To enhance the skills required to read and understand Acts, Regulations and the roles of the enforcement agencies responsibility for processing environmental, health and safety claims. Cases will be discussed and new developments will be examined
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- To identify, locate and evaluate available and current sources of health and safety and environmental law systems to utilize in practice
- To examine, analyse, discuss and critique key health and safety legal environmental cases
- To explain, and discuss critical factors that influence the practice of health and safety law and environmental law within organisations
- To understand the enforcement agencies responsibility for processing health and safety and environmental claims
- To understand and interpret relevant legislative requirements that influence work practice
- To understand the importance of tracking injuries and ill health within the workplace and to comprehend the relevant legislative requirements
- To identify core legislative elements of environmental health and safety management programmes
Assessments
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Teachers
- DEIRDRE CALLANAN:
Research Profile |
Email
- CARMEL FLYNN:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Safety, Health and Welfare at work in Ireland: A Guide" by Raymond Byrne
Publisher: Nifast - "The Irish Legal Systems" by Byrne and McCutcheon
- "Constitutional Law in Ireland" by Casey
- "EC Law, Text, Cases and Materials" by Craig and DeBurca
- "The Irish Health and Safety Handbook" by Garavan
- "criminal Liability A Grammer" by McAuley and McCutcheon
- "Law of Torts" by McMahon Binchy
- "Torts in Ireland" by Quill
- "What is the Law? Construction Health and Safety" by McMahon
- "Sources of Law" by O'Malley
- "Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment" by Yvonne Scannell
- "EC Environmental Law" by Kramer
- "European Environmental Law after Lisbon" by Jans and Hans
- "Waste Management Legislation" by OLAOIRE
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required HP1100: Occupational Health and Wellbeing
HP1100: Occupational Health and Wellbeing
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise and discuss basic occupational health terminology and concepts.
- Explain the role of occupational in protecting the health and safety of workers and the community.
- Identify, assess and manage health issues arising from exposure to physical, chemical, psychological and ergonomic hazards within the workplace.
- Select, assess and synthesize current evidence-based sources of occupational health information to utilise in practice
- Analyse and apply relevant legislative requirements that influence occupational health practice
- Design and implement appropriate occupational health management techniques to reduce risks to tolerable levels within the organisation.
- Synthesize knowledge of occupational health psychology for health and safety management
- Apply the principles of workplace health promotion.
- Comprehend how occupational health practice relates to environmental health and community protection
- Recognise new and emerging occupational health hazards and assess the associated risks.
- Self-evaluate personal occupational health competence and decide on continuing professional development requirements
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers
- VICTORIA HOGAN:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Occupational and Environmental Health" by Levy, B.S. et al.
Publisher: Oxford University Press - "ABC of Occupational and Environmental Medicine." by Snashall, D. & Patel, D.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell - "Oxford Handbook of Occupational Health" by Smedley et al.
Publisher: Oxford University Press - "Occupational Health - Pocket Consultant" by Harrington et al.
Publisher: Blackwell Scientific Publications - "Essentials of Environmental Health" by Friss, R.H.
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5112: Research Thesis OEHS
PH5112: Research Thesis OEHS
15 months long | Credits: 30
This module aims to allow students to develop specific skills and competencies to design and execute research work in occupational and environmental health and safety
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Explain objectives and develop a research hypothesis
- Critically review and interpret research articles and conduct a research literature review
- Select, justify, and recommend a range of specialist and novel research tools and methodologies to collect, analyse and synthesise data
- Select, assess and apply research methodologies for different research questions.
- Collect and discuss research data
- Analyse and interpret research data
- Effectively Communicate research data and present the results to the scientific community
- Self evaluate the outcome of your Research Thesis and make recommendations for future research
Assessments
- Research (100%)
Teachers
- MARIE COGGINS:
Research Profile |
Email
- VICTORIA HOGAN:
Research Profile |
Email
- LISA PURSELL:
Research Profile |
Email
- JANE SIXSMITH:
Research Profile |
Email
- REBECCA NOLAN:
Research Profile |
Email
- Helena Martin:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Health Sciences Literature review made easy" by Garrand, J.,
- "Research Design: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches" by Creswell, J.W.
- "Human Factor Methods; A4 Practical guide for engineering and Design" by Stanton, N., Salmon, P., Walker, G., Baber, C., and Jenkins, D.
Publisher: Ashgate - "Applications of case study research" by Yin, R.Y.,
Publisher: Sage - "Human Factors Methods and Accident Analysis" by Salmon, P., Stanton, N., Lenne, M., Jenkins, D., Rafferty, Walker, G.
Publisher: Ashgate
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required PH5111: Exposure Science
PH5111: Exposure Science
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module aims to provide students with the fundamental principles of occupational hygiene and environmental assessment. Students will develop specific skills and competencies to anticipate, evaluate and control occupational and environmental hazards through practical application
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the exposure scientist and occupational hygienist in protecting the health and well-being of the worker and the community
- Recognise exposure risks (both new and emerging) to the worker and the environment arising from biological chemical and physical hazards at work
- Demonstrate competence in a range of exposure assessment methodologies used to assess exposure risk arising from the presence of physical, chemical and biological hazards in the work environment
- Select, justify and apply appropriate measurement tools and protocols for assessing occupational and environmental hazards
- Analyse and interpret occupational and environmental assessment data
- Communicate the results from occupational and environmental assessments both orally and in written format across the organisation and to external bodies
- Develop policies for management of exposure risks to the worker and the environment arising from work
- Appreciate the need for continuous professional development in this area
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (30%)
Teachers
- MARIE COGGINS:
Research Profile |
Email
- REBECCA NOLAN:
Research Profile |
Email
- CAIT FAHY:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Monitoring for health hazards at work" by Cherrie, J.W., Semple, S., Coggins, M.
Publisher: Blackwell
Chapters: all - "Occupational Hygiene" by Gardiner, K and Harrington, J.M.,
Chapters: all - "Various guidance document as recommended in class" by Health and Safety Executive UK
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required IE522: Safety And Risk Management
IE522: Safety And Risk Management
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module aims to provide students with a framework for managing occupational and environmental safety and risk in all workplaces
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise and discuss basic safety terminology and concepts as they apply to occupational and environmental conditions
- Explain the multifactorial theory of accident causation
- Describe and critique models used to explain the causes of accidents, both occupational and environmental and to promte prevention
- Appraise the role of risk perception in accident causation and assess the principles underlying behaviour
- Discover and recommend methodologies to assess the human contribution to risk
- Perform risk assessments using validated methodologies and judge their effective application to safety systems
- Summarise and justify the cost and acceptability of risk
- Assess the hazards and risks associated with specific work environments
- Formulate and recommend methodologies for the recognition, evaluation and control of workplace occupational and environmental risk and justify their application
- Recognise and specify the components of an integrated management system for managing occupational and environmental risk
- Recognise and specify proprietary and non-proprietary management standards including ISO14001 and OHSAS18001
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers
- MARTINA KELLY:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Engineering a Safer World: Systems Thinking Aplied to Safety" by Levenson, N
Publisher: MIT Press - "Basic Guide to System Safety" by Vincoli J W
- "Review of Hazard identification Techniques" by Health & Safety Laboratories
- "Mil-Std-882E System Safety" by US Department of Defence
- "HSG48 Reducing Error and Influencing Behaviour" by Health & Safety Executive
- "Transforming healthcare: a safety imperative." by Leape L et al
Publisher: Quality and Safety in Health Care
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional IE520: Ergonomics
IE520: Ergonomics
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
Anthropometrics, Task Analysis, Posture Assessment, Manual Handling, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDs), Display Screen Equipment, Workstation Design, Hand Tools Design and Assessment, Design for Assembly, Ergonomics in the Design Process, Shift Work, Working Time, Evaluation. Introduction to Systems, Task Analysis, Vision, Information Processing, Short Term Memory, Working Memory, Long Term Memory. Selective, Divided, Focused, and Sustained Attention. Static Information, Dynamic information. Visual Capabilities.Displaying Information. Typography, Arrangements of Components. Compatibility Relationships. Situation Awareness, Allocation of Functions, Selected Topics in Human Factors, Systems and Artifact Evaluation.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- The ability to identify, formulate, analyse, and solve ergonomic design and assessment problems
- Analyse and represent tasks for inclusion in the design process
- To establish user requirements through the analysis of human machine systems
- To comprehend the measurement of body size, shape, strength and working capacity and their application to ergonomic design and assessment problems
- To comprehend the role of standards and regulations in ergonomics design and assessment problems
- To adopt a user centered approach to ergonomic design problems, particularly with respect to human machine systems
- To develop task analysis of existing and envisioned human machine systems
- The ability to utilize a selection of ergonomic tools and methods in a user centered design and assessment approach
- To utilize mock ups and models to explore and present solutions to ergonomics design and assessment problems
- Understand the role of the human in human-machine systems
- Understand the way in which information is processed by humans
- Assess and specify aspects of visual and auditory displays to improve human information processing in specified tasks
- Design and develop the configuration and layout of displays and controls at workstations
- Analyse and represent tasks for inclusion in the design process
- Evaluate selected human-machine systems and synthesize specifications for improved versions of them
Assessments
- Written Assessment (60%)
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers
- ENDA FRANCIS FALLON:
Research Profile |
Email
- WILLIAM KELLY:
Research Profile |
Email
- BONAVENTURE KENNEDY:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Ergonomics: Foundational Principles, Applications, and Technologies" by Pamela McCauley Bush
ISBN: 9781439804452.
Publisher: CRC Press - "Human factors in engineering and design" by Mark S. Sanders, Ernest J. McCormick
ISBN: 007054901X.
Publisher: McGraw-Hill - "Bodyspace" by Stephen Pheasant and Christine M. Haslegrave
ISBN: 0415285208.
Publisher: Boca Raton, FL ; Taylor & Francis, 2005, c2006. - "A guide to the ergonomics of manufacturing" by Martin Helander
ISBN: 0748401229.
Publisher: London ; Taylor & Francis, c1995. - "Handbook of human factors and ergonomics methods" by Neville Stanton... [et al.]
ISBN: 0415287006.
Publisher: Boca Raton, Fla. ; CRC, c2005. - "Cumulative trauma disorders" by edited by Vern Putz-Anderson
ISBN: 9780850664058.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional HP6104: Research Methods (OccH)
HP6104: Research Methods (OccH)
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module takes the students through the quantitative research process, from formulating research questions, identifying the preferred approach to testing them, developing research tools, collecting and analysing data and critically interpreting the findings.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Have an understanding of the research process
- Be able to select appropriate quantiatiave research methods for different research questions
- Be able to critically review quantitative research articles
- Be able to prepare a basic research protocol
- Understand basic statistical techniques
- Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of different quantitative methodological approaches
- Have an understanding of basic quantitative data analysis techniques
- Be able to execute statistical techniques employing SPSS.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
- DENISE GLAVIN:
Research Profile |
Email
- VICTORIA HOGAN:
Research Profile |
Email
- SAOIRSE NIC GABHAINN:
Research Profile |
Email
- LISA PURSELL:
Research Profile |
Email
- JANE SIXSMITH:
Research Profile |
Email
- Stacey Gibbons:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Basic Epidemiology" by Beaglehole, R., Bonita, R. & Kjellstrom, T.
Publisher: World Health Organisation - "Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services." by Bowling, A.
Publisher: Open University Press - "Real World Research" by Robson, C., & McCarten, K.
Publisher: Wiley - "SPSS Survival Manual: A step-by-step guide to data analysis using SPSS." by Pallant, J.
Publisher: Open University Press - "Discovering Statistics using SPSS" by Field, A.
Publisher: Sage
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional IE5100: Physical Ergonomics
IE5100: Physical Ergonomics
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Anthropometrics, Task Analysis, Posture Assessment, Manual Handling, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDs), Display Screen Equipment, Workstation Design, Hand Tools Design and Assessment, Design for Assembly, Ergonomics in the Design Process, Shift Work, Working Time, Evaluation
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- The ability to identify, formulate, analyse, and solve ergonomics design and assessment problems
- Analyse and represent tasks for inclusion in the design and development process
- To establish user requirements through the analysis of human machine systems
- To comprehend the measurement of body size, shape, strength, and working capacity and their application to ergonomic design and assessment problems
- To comprehend the role of standards and regulations in ergonomic design and assessment problems
- To adopt a user centered approach to ergonomic design problems, particularity with respect to human machine systems
- To develop task analysis of existing and envisioned human machine systems
- The ability to utilize a selection of ergonomic tools and methods in a user centered design and assessment approach
- To utilize mock ups and models to explore and present solutions to ergonomics design and assessment problems
Assessments
- Written Assessment (50%)
- Continuous Assessment (50%)
Teachers
- ENDA FRANCIS FALLON:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Ergonomics: Foundational Principles, Applications, and Technologies" by Pamela McCauley Bush
ISBN: 9781439804452.
Publisher: CRC Press - "Bodyspace" by Stephen Pheasant and Christine M. Haslegrave
ISBN: 0415285208.
Publisher: Boca Raton, FL ; Taylor & Francis, 2005, c2006. - "A guide to the ergonomics of manufacturing" by Martin Helander
ISBN: 0748401229.
Publisher: London ; Taylor & Francis, c1995. - "Handbook of human factors and ergonomics methods" by Neville Stanton... [et al.]
ISBN: 0415287006.
Publisher: Boca Raton, Fla. ; CRC, c2005. - "Cumulative trauma disorders" by edited by Vern Putz-Anderson
ISBN: 9780850664058.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional CE6118: Environmental Engineering
CE6118: Environmental Engineering
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
his module covers: characterisation and measurement of water parameters, regulations, septic tank design and on-line resources used in the planning applications, 'passive' wastewater treatment using constructed wetlands and sand filters and issues of public acceptance; wastewater and water treatment at municipal-scale.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise the importance of water and wastewater purification in today’s society and the role of the environmental engineer in the design, development and maintenance of treatment facilities.
- dentify, describe and measure the main physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water, and relate their importance in terms of water quality.
- List the natural purification processes that occur in natural systems, such as lakes, rivers and estuaries, and explain the mechanisms behind these systems such as filtration, sedimentation and gas transfer.
- Understand the processes involved in the treatment of wastewater using septic tanks, wetlands and filters, and describe the processes involved with the submission of an application to build such systems.
- Assemble individual process units into a working water/wastewater treatment plant and assess the performance of the plant in terms of the quality of effluent in comparison with EU water/wastewater regulations.
- Recognise the importance of ‘pollution swapping’ in environmental engineering and the importance of greenhouse gas emissions on design of wastewater treatment systems.
- Understand the importance of sustainability and the bioeconomy in addressing environmental issues.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Teachers
- MIRIAM BYRNE:
Research Profile |
Email
- MARK HEALY:
Research Profile |
Email
- SERENA LAWLESS:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Wastewater engineering" by Metcalf & Eddy, Inc
ISBN: 0-07-041878-0.
Publisher: Boston ; McGraw-Hill, c2003.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional HP6105: Research Methods Qualitative (OccH)
HP6105: Research Methods Qualitative (OccH)
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module takes the students through the qualitative research process from formulating research areas to explore, identifying the preferred approach, developing research tools, collecting and analysing data and critically interpreting findings.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- have an understanding of the research process
- appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative methodological approaches
- be able to select appropriate qualitative research methods for different research questions and areas of exploration
- have an understanding of basic qualitative analysis techniques
- be able to critically review qualitative research articles
- be able to prepare a basic research protocol
- have an understanding of evaluation research
Assessments
Teachers
- DENISE GLAVIN:
Research Profile |
Email
- VICTORIA HOGAN:
Research Profile |
Email
- LORRAINE MICHELLE KENT:
Research Profile |
Email
- SAOIRSE NIC GABHAINN:
Research Profile |
Email
- ANNE O'GRADY:
Research Profile |
Email
- LISA PURSELL:
Research Profile |
Email
- JANE SIXSMITH:
Research Profile |
Email
- Helena Martin:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services" by Bowling, A.
Publisher: Open University Press
Chapters: all - "Real World Research" by Robson, C. & McCarten, K.
Publisher: Wiley - "Evaluation: A Systematic Approach" by Rossi, P.H., Lipsey, M.W. & Freeman, H.E.
Publisher: Sage - "Evaluating Health Promotion: Practice and Methods" by Thorogood, M. & Coombes, Y.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Optional IE323: Information Systems Ergonomics
IE323: Information Systems Ergonomics
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Introduction to Systems, Task Analysis, Vision, Information Processing, Short Term Memory, Working Memory, Long Term Memory. Selective, Divided, Focused, and Sustained Attention. Static Information, Dynamic information. Visual Capabilities.Displaying Information. Typography, Arrangements of Components. Compatibility Relationships. Situation Awareness, Allocation of Functions, Selected Topics in Human Factors, Systems and Artefact Evaluation
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the role of the human in machine systems
- Understand the way in which information is processed by humans
- Assess and specify aspects of visual and auditory displays to improve human information processing in specified tasks
- Design and develop the configuration and layout of displays and controls at work stations
- Analyse and represent tasks for inclusion in the design process
- Evaluate selected human machine systems and synthesize specifications for improved versions of them
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers
- ENDA FRANCIS FALLON:
Research Profile |
Email
Reading List
- "Ergonomics: Foundational Principles, Applications, and Technologies" by Pamela McCauley Bush
ISBN: 9781439804452.
Publisher: CRC Press - "Human factors in engineering and design" by Mark S. Sanders, Ernest J. McCormick
ISBN: 007054901X.
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.