Biometeorology
- Health Sciences
- 500 level
- 2 credit units
- 153 pages
- 12 units
This course explores the interactions between atmospheric processes and living organisms, with a focus on human health. It examines the relationships between weather events, climate variability, and human well-being, integrating meteorology and health disciplines. Students will learn about human adaptations to climate, mitigation strategies for adverse effects, and the ethical considerations of biometeorology. The course addresses the impact of weather and climate on human comfort, health, and the spread of pollutants and pathogens.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 52 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of EHS517, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
EHS517 · UNIT 1 CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF BIOMETEOROLOGY
Module 2 In Unit 1, you will learn how to measure the various meteorological elements, including common instruments used for each element, while in Unit 2, the indices used to measure the various health states are outlined and fully discussed.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain the concept of biometeorology.
- Describe the various branches of biometeorology and their functions.
- Discuss the direct and indirect effects of weather and climate on human health.
- Explain the biometeorology of different strata of the environment.
- Discuss the various models for human adaptation to climate variability.
What it prepares you for
- Environmental Health Officer
- Public Health Specialist
- Climate Change Analyst
- Meteorologist
- Health and Safety Manager
- Healthcare
- Environmental Management
- Public Health
- Climate Research
- Urban Planning
- GIS Software
- Statistical Analysis Software
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Methods of Measurements
Unit 2: Indices of Health Measurement
Requires understanding of statistical methods and epidemiological study designs, which may be challenging for students without a background in these areas.
- Module 4: Common Biometeorological Conditions
Unit 4: Biometeorology of Psychiatric Disorders
Involves complex interactions between meteorological factors and psychiatric conditions, requiring interdisciplinary thinking and synthesis of knowledge from different fields.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction and Classification
Unit 1: Concept and definition of Biometeorology · 2 hours
Read the course guide to understand the course structure and assessment methods.. Define biometeorology and explain its significance in environmental health.. Discuss the history and evolution of biometeorology..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction and Classification
Unit 2: Scope and Classification of Biometeorology · 2 hours
Outline the scope of biometeorology, including the contributions of phenology, physiological ecology, and environmental physiology.. Explain the classification of biometeorology based on plants, animals, and humans.. Discuss the applications of biometeorology in various fields..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction and Classification
Unit 3: Introduction to Climate and Meteorological Elements · 2 hours
Differentiate between weather and climate.. Describe the key meteorological elements used in biometeorology, such as temperature, sunlight, precipitation, humidity, wind, and atmospheric pressure.. Explain how these elements vary in time and space..
- Week 4Module 2: Methods of Measurements
Unit 1: Measurements of Meteorological Elements · 2 hours
Identify the instruments used to measure meteorological elements, including thermometers, rain gauges, anemometers, and barometers.. Explain the principles behind each measurement technique.. Discuss the importance of accurate data collection and calibration..
- Week 5Module 2: Methods of Measurements
Unit 2: Indices of Health Measurement · 2 hours
Describe the indices used to measure health states, such as prevalence, incidence, intensity, and abundance.. Explain how these indices are calculated and interpreted.. Discuss the use of cohort and case-control studies in biometeorological research..
- Week 6Module 3: Effects of Weather/Climate on Health
Unit 1: Direct Effects of Climate on Health · 2 hours
Discuss the direct effects of climate on human health, including heat stress, hypothermia, and UV radiation exposure.. Explain the physiological mechanisms underlying these effects.. Identify vulnerable populations and preventive measures..
- Week 7Module 3: Effects of Weather/Climate on Health
Unit 2: Indirect Effects of Climate on Health · 2 hours
Explain the indirect effects of climate on human health, including waterborne diseases, vector-borne diseases, and food security.. Discuss the role of climate in the transmission and distribution of these diseases.. Identify strategies for mitigating these indirect effects..
- Week 8Module 4: Common Biometeorological Conditions
Unit 1: Biometeorology of High Altitudes · 2 hours
Describe the biometeorology of high altitudes, including the effects of hypoxia, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.. Explain the physiological adaptations to high-altitude environments.. Discuss the health risks associated with high-altitude exposure, such as acute mountain sickness and pulmonary edema..
- Week 9Module 4: Common Biometeorological Conditions
Unit 2: Biometeorology of the Sea and Coastal Environment · 2 hours
Explain the biometeorology of the sea and coastal environment, including the effects of maritime climate, ocean turbulence, and land/sea breezes.. Discuss the health risks associated with coastal hazards, such as storms, floods, and sea-level rise.. Identify strategies for adapting to these risks..
- Week 10Module 4: Common Biometeorological Conditions
Unit 3: Biometeorology of the Forest Environment · 2 hours
Describe the biometeorology of the forest environment, including the effects of forest climate, biodiversity, and air quality.. Discuss the health risks associated with forest exposure, such as vector-borne diseases, injuries, and allergies.. Identify strategies for promoting forest health and human well-being..
- Week 11Module 4: Common Biometeorological Conditions
Unit 4: Biometeorology of Psychiatric Disorders · 2 hours
Discuss the biometeorology of psychiatric disorders, including the effects of seasonality, weather patterns, and meteorological stress.. Explain the potential mechanisms linking weather and mental health.. Identify strategies for managing and preventing weather-related mental health issues..
- Week 12Module 4: Common Biometeorological Conditions
Unit 5: Climate Adaptations, Mitigation and Control · 2 hours
Explain the concepts of climate adaptation, mitigation, and control.. Discuss the vulnerability, adaptability, sensitivity, and exposure approach to climate change.. Identify strategies for climate adaptation, including settlement and housing approaches, early detection, and emergency control measures..
- Week 13Module 4: Common Biometeorological Conditions
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units.. Complete any outstanding assignments.. Prepare for the final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to reinforce understanding of key concepts.
- Create concept maps linking meteorological elements to specific health outcomes discussed in Modules 3 and 4.
- Focus on understanding the different types of biometeorological conditions (high altitude, coastal, forest) and their unique health challenges.
- Practice applying the vulnerability, adaptability, sensitivity, and exposure framework to different climate change scenarios.
- Develop concise summaries of the key adaptation and mitigation strategies discussed in Unit 5, including settlement and housing approaches.
Questions students ask about this course
What is EHS517 about?
This course explores the interactions between atmospheric processes and living organisms, with a focus on human health. It examines the relationships between weather events, climate variability, and human well-being, integrating meteorology and health disciplines. Students will learn about human adaptations to climate, mitigation strategies for adverse effects, and the ethical considerations of biometeorology. The course addresses the impact of weather and climate on human comfort, health, and the spread of pollutants and pathogens.
How many units does EHS517 have?
EHS517, Biometeorology, has 12 units across 4 modules, over 153 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is EHS517?
EHS517 carries 2 credit units, at 500 level in Health Sciences.
Is EHS517 hard?
EHS517 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does EHS517 take to study?
About 52 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is EHS517 assessed?
EHS517 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with EHS517?
Environmental Health Officer, Public Health Specialist, Climate Change Analyst, Meteorologist and Health and Safety Manager.