Course Title: Occupational Toxicology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Occupational Toxicology

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: TBA

Course Coordinator Phone: TBA

Course Coordinator Email: TBA


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course aims to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills of chemical hazards in the workplace, and the toxicology of those chemicals interacting with humans including the epidemiology in identifying disease outcomes. The course also aims to provide you with advanced knowledge of and skills in the risk assessment processes associated with these hazards so that you are able to discuss and recommend appropriate control measures.

On completion of this course, you should have practical capabilities to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the chemicals in the workplace environment.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes

  • Determine and apply knowledge of complex occupational health and safety theory, principles and best practice to applied projects.
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on developments in occupational health and safety in both local and international contexts to extend and challenge knowledge and effective practice
  • Professionally communicate and justify project scope, design, implementation, strategy and /or outcomes, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders across a range of industry sectors
  • Apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively address the diverse needs of occupational health and safety practice, designing innovative solutions and demonstrating independent, sound and ethical decision making related to your professional practice and the discipline.


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Identify and discuss the causes of known occupational diseases related to chemical exposure and their toxicological causes. 
  2. Locate, evaluate and enhance occupational health and safety information with respect to chemicals appropriate to the workplace. 
  3. Collect, analyse and use workplace data in a systematic way with appropriate attention to ethical, legal and confidentiality requirements. 
  4. Critically assess workplace management systems and apply sound management practices to all aspects of the occupational health and safety functions 


Overview of Learning Activities

Key concepts and their application will be set out in lectures, tutorials and through a range of relevant resources and readings. 

Real world scenarios on key topics will be used to build your capacity to think critically and analytically and apply developing knowledge of underpinning technical skills. 

You will receive feedback on academic progress when assignments are returned. 

You are expected to contribute to class discussion to enhance your reflective and communication skills.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

You will be directed to a range of texts, journal articles and other web-based material that provide a current understanding of the knowledge in this area. 

Lectures, voice files and other materials will be available on myRMIT (Canvas).  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.  

Assessment Tasks

Assessment task 1: Interpretation of Safety data sheets (10%): CLOs 1 & 2  

Assessment task 2: Hazard Assessment of a chemical (30%): CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 4  

Assessment Task 3: Risk Assessment and Communication (30%): CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 4 

Assessment Task 4: Chemical Risk Assessment (30%):  CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 4 

eedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.