Explain how environmental health research is a component of the policy cycle.

Week 8: Final Exam
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The final exam is an eight (8) question essay exam. This exam is cumulative and includes questions from material throughout the course. It is due the last day of class.
Please answer each question in a complete and comprehensive essay with a minimum of 400-500 words. Your work will be run through TurnItIn. It is expected that you use your own ideas and proper citations. Quoted material should be minimal or not used. An essay is usually defined as a short piece of writing. Therefore, an essay is written in paragraph form with attention to grammar and spelling. It should be concise and should directly address the question(s). Do not include information that is off-topic.
You should refer to your lesson and in-class readings and resources to answer the questions. Outside sources may be used but you will be graded on the credibility and academic nature of the sources. You are required to cite any sources that you use. Proper in-text citations should be used and a references section at the end of each question.
Each question is worth 10 points. If spelling, grammar, and proper references are not at graduate level, points will be deducted. Plagiarized or extended quoted material will not count as your work and no points will be awarded.

Please use separate pages for each question response. Copy and paste the question before answering it so it is clear what question you are addressing. You may submit as a Word doc or a PDF. You must have a TurnItIn score for the exam to be graded.
Questions:
1. List and define the stages of the policy cycle including what and who is involved. Explain how environmental health research is a component of the policy cycle. How does environmental health research contribute to the implementation of sound environmental policies?
2. Discuss at least three different agents (not diseases) of occupationally associated diseases and injuries. For each one, discuss the industries associated with them, the work settings, and the types of adverse health outcomes. What is being done in these industries to prevent them?
3. Why do we need to be concerned about injuries? Discuss the significance of unintentional injuries for morbidity and mortality globally and in the United States. How do unintentional injuries rank in comparison with other causes of mortality? Describe the potential economic, social, and emotional costs of unintentional injuries.
4. Discuss drinking water in the United States. Where does the water come from? Describe the four stages of water treatment. Which step is critical for deactivation of potential pathogens? What potential pathogens are deactivated by this step and which have the potential to survive (give specific organisms)? What agency regulates drinking water in the U.S.?
5. Children are especially vulnerable to environmental pollutants. Choose an environmental pollutant to discuss. How are children exposed to it and what health effects can it cause? Why are children more susceptible? How strong is the evidence for this as a cause of disease? What can you do to advocate for children’s rights involving this pollutant (this must be realistically capable)?
6. Describe waste management in the U.S. What are the methods for reduction of wastes? What are benefits and hazards associated with the different methods for waste management? How does waste in the U.S. affect developing countries?
7. What are human health effects due to climate change? What chronic and communicable diseases are increasing due to climate change? What steps can be taken as a population (not individual) to reduce climate change due to anthropogenic sources? How do international treaties address global climate change?
8. Discuss microbial sources of foodborne illness and the risk factors for foodborne illness. Describe methods used for the prevention of foodborne illnesses and what type of food microorganisms they can kill. In your discussion, include viruses vs. bacteria vs. worms vs. other agents and how they vary.

Rubric:
Criteria

Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter in the assignment. Assignment shows an impressive level of depth of student’s ability to relate course content to practical examples and applications. Student provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence.

Student exhibits a defined and clear understanding of the assignment. Topic is clearly defined and thesis is well-constructed to help guide the reader throughout the assignment. Student builds upon the thesis of the assignment with well-documented and exceptional supporting facts, figures, and/or statements.

Student demonstrates a higher-level of critical thinking necessary for graduate level work. Learner provides a strategic approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which are not immediately obvious. Student provides well-supported ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment. Student presents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout assignment.

Student exhibits excellent use of computer technology in the development of assignment. Quality and appropriateness of stated references demonstrate the student’s ability to use technology to conduct applicable research. Given assignment includes appropriate word processing, spreadsheet and/or other computer applications as part of the final product.

Student thoroughly understands and excels in explaining all major points. An original, unique, and/or imaginative approach to overall ideas, concepts, and findings is presented. Overall format of assignment includes an appropriate introduction, well-developed paragraphs, and conclusion. Finished assignment demonstrates student’s ability to plan, and be organized in a logical sequence.

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