Human Health and the Environment

Program Codes: HHAE
Bachelor of Science

Human health is intimately linked to the health of the environment. Due to the rapidly increasing human population as well as the demands on and degradation of the environment, threats to human health are escalating. Among these threats are an increasing incidence of cancer and other diseases caused by pollution of air, land and water and outbreaks of infectious disease caused by habitat disruption.

The BS in Human Health and the Environment focuses on training students in the science of biology as it relates to environmental impact on human health and offers a unique, integrated approach to help humans thrive on this rapidly changing planet. Studying environmental health with Paul Smith’s College students enrolled in the College’s wildlife, forestry, psychology, recreation and ecological restoration programs offers a unique perspective on humans as an integral part of the ecosystem. Accordingly, the proposed program promotes a much-needed holistic approach to maintaining and preserving human health.

The program is based on three foundations:

Foundation #1: The science of human biology. Science as a body of knowledge and as a method of inquiry are used to study how human biology functions at several levels of biological organization and how human health is influenced by the environment. Upon completion of the proposed program, students will have gained a working knowledge of human biology and health, and upon completion of the program will understand:

  • The structure and function of life at all levels of biological/ecological organization.
  • The molecular and cellular mechanisms by which humans adapt and respond to changing environmental conditions, biological toxins and infectious agents.
  • The dependence of human health on other organisms (e.g. microorganisms, plants, animals) and their population dynamics.
  • Human changes to ecosystem processes and landscape patterns that induce human health concerns.

Foundation #2: Applying the science of biology to human health issues. Knowledge gained in Foundation #1 is applied to current and emerging human health issues, and integrated into more comprehensive studies of the underlying mechanisms and drivers of human health in a changing environment. In a uniquely comprehensive approach to human health, students will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast historical approaches with emerging approaches to human health issues especially toxins, parasites, vectors, and diseases.
  • Critically delineate possible mechanisms underlying major issues in human health by obtaining and integrating knowledge at several levels of biological/ecological organization.
  • Develop technical skills used to assess, test and monitor threats to human health, including epidemiological and toxicological methods, geospatial mapping, and statistical testing.
  • Design studies that effectively investigate threats to human health (e.g. mechanistic studies, exposure risk and limits, disease transmission routes, and spread of infectious agents).

Foundation #3: Approaches to protecting, maintaining, and restoring human health. A range of management approaches will be studied including sanitation, controlling spread of disease, assessing and monitoring risk, nutrition and food security, ecological restoration and bioremediation, and community participation. Students will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Identify sanitation issues and promote healthy practices in the home and work environment.
  • Understand the role of agencies at the local, state, and federal levels including laws, regulations, and policies in protecting, maintaining and restoring human health.
  • Identify and develop the skills (e.g. communication and education) needed to effectively work with agencies, communities and land owners around issues of human health.
  • Identify and develop appropriate interventions during both episodic (e.g. infectious disease outbreaks, toxic spills, disaster relief) and chronic events and assess their efficacy.

Degree Requirements:

Minimum 120 credits for B.S. degree with 45 credits in 300/400 level courses and 60 credits in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Contact the Department Chairperson

Semester 1

Semester 2

3
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3
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3
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Semester 3

OR

3
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Semester 4

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ELECTIVE
3-4

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ELECTIVE
4

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Semester 5

3
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OR

3
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ELECTIVE
3

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Semester 6

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

Semester 7

3
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OR

3
Click here to see elective courses.
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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

Semester 8

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

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ELECTIVE
3-4

Select any course.

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ELECTIVE
3-4

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ELECTIVE
3-4

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Total Credits 120

Contact Information

Natural Science

Dr. Jorie Favreau

Pickett Hall 107

518-327-6911

jfavreau@paulsmiths.edu


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