Noise and Other Physical Agents in the Environment

Course Syllabus

Course Description

Discusses noise-related topics such as physics of noise propagation and control, noise measurement, hearing anatomy and physiology, and noise-induced hearing loss; and covers ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, lasers, and heat stress.

Course Objectives

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

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:
Describe the components of an acceptable hearing conservation program;
Define the mechanisms by which noise induces hearing loss;
Calculate noise exposure metrics and compare them to acceptable exposure criteria;
Operate sound level meters and noise dosimeters;
Define the hazard classification system for laser safety programs;
Assess the acceptability of exposures to radiofrequency non-ionizing radiation;
Describe basic radiation health concepts and methods for detecting ionizing radiation;
Assess occupational heat stress risk.

Course Format

The course is divided into four modules. For a list of lectures, please see the Schedule. Assessment is based on a midterm and a final exam. Class participation and discussion via the BBS and LiveTalk sessions are encouraged.

Grading Policy

Your grade will be based on a midterm (40%), final examination (45%), and class participation (15%). Both exams will be open book and open note; they are not proctored. Exams will be provided online, and you will submit your responses via the course DropBox. See the Schedule page for all important examination dates and deadlines.

Course Texts & Guides

1. The Noise Manual, Revised Fifth Edition
Edited by Elliott H. Berger, Larry H. Royster, Julia D. Royster, Dennis P. Driscoll, and Marty Layne
Publisher: AIHA
Number of pages: 796 pages
Date published: 2003
ISBN: 1-931504-02-4

2. Radio-Frequency and Microwave Radiation, 3rd Edition
Written by R. Timothy Hitchcock and the AIHA Nonionizing Radiation Committee
Publisher: AIHA
Number of pages: 51 pages
Date published: 2004
ISBN: 1-931504-55-5

3. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc.: A Guide for Control of Laser Hazards (Fourth Edition) ACGIH (1990)

You can buy the books from any online reseller or through the Matthews Johns Hopkins Medical Book Center.

Matthews Johns Hopkins Medical Book Center
1830 East Monument Street
Baltimore, MD 21205 U.S.
410-955-3931
800-266-5725
410-955-0576 Fax
http://www.cbamatthews.com/jhmedbook/

Help

Concerns

Contact

Concerns about course topics and assignments

TA

Technical concerns about the functionality and operation of course Web pages (before emailing, please make sure that you can replicate the problem)

DEHelp, the central help system for all tech support inquiries related to DED courses

Technical help on weekends

JHSPH User Support: 410-955-3781

Concerns about your Internet connection

Your Internet service provider (e.g., AT&T, Erols, etc.)

Concerns about your personal software

Your software vendor

Ethical Conduct

The academic ethics code, as discussed in the Policy and Procedure Memorandum for Students, March 31, 2002, will be adhered to in this class.

Disability Support Services

If you are a student with a documented disability who requires an academic accommodation, please contact Betty H. Addison in the Office of Career Services and Disability Support: dss@jhsph.edu, 410-955-3034, or Room E-1140.

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Copyright to this collective work of materials is owned by The Johns Hopkins University.
Copyright to individual contributions may be retained by contributing authors.