Chairperson: Herbert S. Rosenkranz, PhD
Department Offices: RIDC Park 260 Kappa Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 967-6500, FAX (412) 624-1020
E-mail: STDNTAFF@VMS.CIS.PITT.EDU
and
A730 Crabtree Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-3155, FAX (412) 624-3040
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
A729 Crabtree Hall Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-3155, FAX (412) 624-3040
Purpose
The mission of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health is to study and elucidate the health effects of exposure to chemical, physical, and biological agents encountered in the workplace or general environment. To accomplish this goal, the department supports a broad range of research, training, clinical, and service activities. The principal research focus is to reduce the uncertainty in estimating human health risks associated with exposure to potentially harmful agents. To accomplish this, the department is at the forefront of research on molecular dosimetry and toxicology. Training activities include a comprehensive curriculum in environmental and occupational health leading to the MS or PhD degree. Clinical activities emphasizing preventive approaches are carried out by the department's Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. An MPH in occupational medicine is also available for physicians either independently or as a part of the Occupational Medicine residency. A certificate program in Radiation Health is offered for students enrolled in the MS program.
The Molecular Toxicology track is an integrated, modern curriculum combining the classical subdisciplines of toxicology, namely biochemistry/bioorganic chemistry, organ systems toxicology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology with the rapidly emerging areas of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, molecular biomarkers and dosimetry, and computer-based toxicological and toxicokinetic modeling. This program was designed to provide students in the department with a modern and rigorous understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying toxicological processes. This scientific training is set in a public health context in which the students will also be trained in biostatistics and epidemiology to provide an understanding of how these laboratory-based disciplines can be extended and applied to the study of exposed human populations.
This track combines existing courses in the department, the Graduate School of Public Health, and the University to provide thematic teaching and laboratory focus centered on the training of doctoral-level students in the department.
It is important to note that while the Molecular Toxicology track is designed primarily for PhD students in the department, MS students with appropriate strong undergraduate backgrounds will also be invited to participate in the first-year curriculum.
Consultative and service activities on a variety of fronts are conducted by departmental faculty, staff, and students to address regional, national, international, and societal needs related to environmental and occupational health.
Research Programs
The department conducts a broad range of active research programs in basic and applied sciences and in clinically oriented topics. In addition to primary research within the department, faculty participate in a wide variety of collaborative projects with other investigators in the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, Medical School, and School of Engineering; in other major universities; and in governmental agencies including the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. Current research programs include: protein and DNA adducts formed by hazardous chemicals; internal dosimetry and biomarkers of exposure; molecular approaches to identify individual susceptibility factors; expert computer systems to analyze structure-activity relationships of therapeutic agents and toxicants; respiratory physiology and inhalation toxicology; oxidative damage from chemical or radiation exposure; health effects of global change; free radical reactions in disease; radiation health; immunotoxicology and mechanisms of occupational asthma; water chemistry and ecology; reproductive and developmental toxicity; and radiopharmaceuticals.
Facilities
The department, as the nucleus of the University's Center for Environmental and Occupational Health and Toxicology, is housed in a suburban research park in a building that was constructed especially for toxicology research. Courses are given at both the Oakland Campus and at the research center in Blawnox, O'Hara Township; laboratory research activities are conducted at the Blawnox center. Shuttle services provide transportation for students, faculty, and staff between the main campus and the research facilities. Computer networks serve to further join the two facilities.
Major Educational Areas and Programs
Students are required to take departmental core courses in each degree program in addition to GSPH School core course requirements. The departmental and School core courses for each degree are as follows:
GSPH Core Courses as of January 1997 (general MS, MPH, general PhD tracks)
| BIOST | 2041 | Introduction to Statistical Methods 1 |
| EPIDEM | 2110 | Principles of Epidemiology |
| HSADM | 2000 | Introduction to Health Services Administration |
| HSADM | 2502 | Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health Practice |
| IDM | 2011 | Health, Disease, and Environment 1 (except MPH) |
Departmental Core Courses (MS, general PhD track)
| EOH | 2101 | Introduction to Research Methods 1 |
| EOH | 2102 | Introduction to Research Methods 2* |
| EOH | 2106 | Environmental and Occupational Health Law |
| EOH | 2107 | Environmental and Occupational Health Colloquium |
| EOH | 2111 | Environmental and Occupational Processes, Practices, and Programs |
| EOH | 2121 | Introduction to Chemical, Physical, and Biological Agents |
| EOH | 2122 | Transport and Fate of Environmental Agents |
| EOH | 2130 | Survey of Radiation Health |
| EOH | 2175 | Organ Systems Toxicology |
| EOH | 2180 | Introduction to the Risk Sciences |
| EOH | 2181 | Risk Assessment Practicum |
| EOH | 3010 | Research and Dissertation for Doctoral Degree (PhD only) |
| BIOST | 2042 | Introduction to Statistical Methods 2 |
*Required for PhD; elective for MS
Occupational Medicine Program (MPH)
Departmental Core Courses
| EOH | 2101 | Introduction to Research Methods 1 |
| EOH | 2111 | Environmental and Occupational Processes, Practices, and Programs |
| EOH | 2130 | Survey of Radiation Health |
| EOH | 2175 | Organ Systems Toxicology |
| EOH | 2180 | Introduction to the Risk Sciences |
| EOH | 2505 | Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health |
| EOH | 2509 | Noise Assessment and Reduction |
| EOH | 2510 | Introduction to Occupational Medicine |
| EOH | 2563 | Industrial Ergonomics |
Molecular Toxicology Track (PhD)
GSPH Core Courses
| BIOST | 2041 | Introduction to Statistical Methods 1 |
| EPIDEM | 2110 | Principles of Epidemiology |
Departmental Core Courses
| EOH | 2101 | Introduction to Research Methods 1 |
| EOH | 2102 | Introduction to Research Methods 2 |
| EOH | 2107 | Environmental and Occupational Health Colloquium |
| EOH | 2175 | Organ Systems Toxicology |
| EOH | 2180 | Introduction to the Risk Sciences |
| EOH | 2181 | Risk Assessment Practicum |
| EOH | 2302 | Molecular Approaches to Toxicology |
| EOH | 2304 | Biomarkers and Molecular Epidemiology |
| EOH | 2305 | Mechanisms of DNA Metabolism, Damage, and Repair |
| EOH | 2371 | Cellular and Molecular Toxicology |
| MSBIOC | 2210 | Biochemistry: Mactomolecules and Bioenergetics |
| BIOST | 2042 | Introduction to Statistical Methods 2 |
| MSPTH | 2411 | General Human Pathology |
| MSPHL | 2560 | Principles of Pharmacology and Drug Metabolism |
Other Courses
| EOH | 2301 | Analytical Methods in Molecular Dosimetry |
| EOH | 2303 | Application of Molecular Biology Methods to Toxicology |
| EOH | 2306 | Biochemical Techniques in Molecular Biology |
| EOH | 2379 | Immunotoxicology |
| EOH | 2731 | Health Aspects of Water Quality |
| EOH | 2753 | Industrial Environmental Health Biology |
| EOH | 2778 | Respiratory Physiology |
Certificate in Radiation Health (courses taken in addition to MS requirements)
| EOH | 2211 | Radiation Physics |
| EOH | 2223 | Radiobiology 1 |
| EOH | 2232 | Radiation Chemistry and Methodology 1 |
| EOH | 2234 | Health Physics |
| EOH | 2236 | Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection |
| EOH | 2237 | Radiobiology 2 |
| EOH | 2247 | Introduction to Radiation Medicine |
| EOH | 2255 | Environmental Radiation |
| EOH | 2259 | Radiation Health Practice |
Elective courses for Certificate in Radiation Health
| EOH | 2242 | Radiation Chemistry and Methodology 2 |
| EOH | 2250 | Reactor Hazard Evaluation |
| EOH | 2254 | Medical Physics |
Additional Departmental Courses
| EOH | 2102 | Introduction to Research Methods 2 |
| EOH | 2301 | Analytical Methods in Molecular Dosimetry |
| EOH | 2302 | Molecular Approaches to Toxicology |
| EOH | 2303 | Applications of Molecular Biology Methods to Toxicology |
| EOH | 2304 | Biomarkers and Molecular Epidemiology |
| EOH | 2305 | Mechanisms of DNA Metabolism, Damage, and Repair |
| EOH | 2306 | Biochemical Techniques in Molecular Toxicology |
| EOH | 2371 | Cellular and Molecular Toxicology |
| EOH | 2379 | Immunotoxicology |
| EOH | 2716 | The Regulation of Health, Safety, and Environmental Risks
(cross-listed with HSADM 2544 and PIA 2290) |
| EOH | 2753 | Environmental Health Biology |
| EOH | 2778 | Respiratory Physiology |
Faculty Research Interests
Research interests represented in the department are:
Dr. Alarie: Rule-based computer programs to recognize and quantify four types of effects on the respiratory tract; sensory irritation, airflow limitation, pulmonary irritation and pulmonary hypersensitivity; quantitative structure-activity relationship or airborne sensory and pulmonary irritants; studies of mixtures of sensory or pulmonary irritants or pulmonary sensitizers to quantitatively estimate their potencies
Dr. Bigbee: Development and validation of molecular epidemiological methods and their application to the study of human populations employing biomarkers of exposure, susceptibility, and effect; cancer epidemiology-population screening and early detection, diagnostic and prognostic markers, chemoprevention
Dr. Claycamp: Health risk assessment of exposure to workplace and environmental agents, particularly using quantitative and intelligent systems; development of an industrial health risk assessment model; basic mechanisms of oxidative stress
Dr. Billy Day: Study and application of methods for molecular dosimetry of carcinogens and environmental/occupational hazards; defining the chemistry of protein adducts formed by the electrophilic forms of the above agents; designing by computational methods, synthesizing and testing new anti-breast cancer agents; determining mechanisms of carcinogenicity/anticarcinogenicity of phenolic compounds
Dr. Grant: Human genotoxicity ranging from the molecular analysis of the spectrum of point mutations induced by a particular environmental agent to the characterization of the range of response to genetic damage inherent in the human population; genetic damage as it relates to cancer and aging; molecular basis of alterations in gene expression
Dr. Kagan: Free radicals and their regulation by cell metabolism; toxic effects of free radicals; free radical in pathologies; antioxidant protection and antioxidant enhancement
Dr. Karol: Effects of chemicals on the immune system; structural and physical-chemical properties of chemicals responsible for allergenicity; relationship between pulmonary and skin allergies
Dr. Keohavong: The molecular mechanisms of mutations of environmental agents and the mutational pathways to cancer; application of mutational spectra as biomarkers for early cancer detection in humans
Dr. Macina: Computational chemistry; correlation of chemical structure with biological activity; application of the techniques and methods of Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) to toxicological phenomena. Primary areas of research are in the theoretical/computer modeling of the mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity exhibited by organic compounds
Dr. Mattison: The mechanisms of action of reproductive and developmental toxicants; risk assessment approaches for reproductive and developmental toxicity and reproductive and developmental biology
Dr. Romkes: Validation and application of phenotypic and genotypic measures of the drug and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes as biomarkers of susceptibility to cancer and other diseases in molecular epidemiology studies; investigation of mechanisms underlying the genetic polymorphisms observed in the human CYP2C subfamily
Mr. Rosen: Internal and external dosimetry; environmental assessment; in vivo x-ray fluorescence analysis as applied to health physics
Dr. Rosenkranz: Development of computer-based expert systems able to predict the probability that a molecule will possess a certain biological activity based upon the structure of the molecule; application of the expert system in the elucidation of the mechanisms of carcinogenicity; cancer-causation and its relationship to other toxicological effects; rational design of chemopreventive agents
Dr. Schaper: Respiratory effects of airborne materials utilizing animal models; acute respiratory effects of metalworking fluid aerosols; acute respiratory effects of thermoplastic resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene; determination of metallothionein levels in animals exposed to airborne chemicals
Dr. Scott: Chronobiology and chronotoxicology as it relates to shift worker health and safety; evaluation of biological parameters for circadian rhythmicity; epidemiological studies of shift worker physical and mental health and behavior; neuropsychiatric and peripheral neurophysiological toxicity of occupational solvent exposure; assessment of physical therapy approaches for work-related low back pain syndromes; the role of occupational stress, including shift work, on return-to-work status
Dr. Sussman: Statistical strategies and methods in quantitative structure-activity relationships involved in health effect endpoint modeling statistical approaches appropriate to the analysis and interpretation of molecular toxicological data
Dr. Sykora: Effects of organic and inorganic pollutants on aquatic ecosystems; toxic effects of waterborne contaminants on macroinvertebrates and fish; detection and control of parasites in drinking water and waste water
Dr. Tobin: Applied radiochemistry; development of novel radiolabeling and purification schemes for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine; the use of 65Zn tracer to monitor changes in zinc distribution induced by toxic agents in rats and the application of in vivo x-ray fluorescence techniques to measure pediatric lead exposure
Dr. Wald: Diagnosis and treatment of human radiation overexposure; assessment of radiation-induced chromosome damage; cytogenetic assessment of bone marrow and stem cell transplant engraftment in peripheral blood and bone marrow cells; modification of automated karytyping systems to score unstable chromosome aberrations in radiation-exposed populations
Qualifications for Admission
Each applicant for admission to an EOH departmental program is considered individually. Course work in mathematics and the physical, chemical, and biological sciences must be documented in the undergraduate transcript. Acceptable undergraduate training includes a bachelor's degree in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences with a minimum of two courses each in organic chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus.
Applicants for admission must also take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless the candidate already has a graduate or professional degree. Consistent with GSPH requirements, at least a 3.00/4.00 overall undergraduate QPA, and a 3.00/4.00 in the basic science courses (chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics) are ordinarily required.
Applicants for the MPH in Occupational Medicine must hold an MD or equivalent degree from an acceptable institution.
Program Requirements
MS: Attainment of the master's degree involves completion of the prescribed course work plus an independent study under the supervision of a faculty member and a comprehensive examination (38 credits total). Most full-time students complete degree requirements in one year. Should the MS student wish to concentrate in the radiation health area with the intent of entering the Health Physics profession, additional courses may be taken. These lead to a certificate in Radiation Health. Attendance and participation in departmental seminars and journal clubs are required.
PhD: The PhD student must complete a block of courses comprising School requirements and department requirements for a total of 72 credits. Attendance and participation in departmental seminars and journal clubs are required. During the first year of study, students have an opportunity to work in two different research laboratories. Following the comprehensive examination at the completion of the course work, an independent research project is chosen. A passing performance in a set of qualifying examinations completes the admission to candidacy for the PhD. Students then spend the remainder of the graduate program completing the research project and taking selected elective courses. Dissertation preparation and defense complete the PhD requirements.
MPH: Physicians in the Master of Public Health program complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of required and elective courses and prepare a thesis, usually a research project or comprehensive review of the literature for a selected topic. Attendance and participation in departmental seminars and journal clubs are required. The degree may be undertaken by physicians either independently or as part of the occupational and environmental medicine residency. The residency program includes Postgraduate Year (PGY) (2), composed of course work and clinical practice and PGY (3), which provides practicum experience rich in exposure to the wide-ranging aspects of occupational health. At the end of the two years, the physician is eligible to take the board examination in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Course Offerings
EOH 1200 INTRODUCTION TO RISK ASSESSMENT: 3 credits; (To be announced)
Course will explore issues surrounding environmental and occupational risks with a focus on adverse human health effects. It will provide an overview including risk assessment, risk perception, communications, and management. This is an upper-level undergraduate course that may be taken by graduate students for credit.
EOH 2012 HEALTH, DISEASE, AND ENVIRONMENT 2: 1 credit; Spring Session II
This section is part 2 of Health, Disease, and Environment (see IDM 2011 for part 1). It is designed to introduce the student to knowledge basic to public health focusing on chemical and physical environmental factors affecting the health of the community. The major topics include exposure to toxic substances in the community and at work, and hazards to health associated with water, air, hazardous waste, and radiation.
EOH 2021 SPECIAL STUDIES: Credits and hours to be arranged; every term; Summer Session I and II
Properly qualified students may undertake advanced study or research with the approval and under the guidance of a faculty member.
EOH 2022 SPECIAL TOPICS: Credits and hours to be arranged; every term; Summer Session I and II
Properly qualified students may undertake advanced study under the guidance of a faculty member.
EOH 2101 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS 1: 1 credit; Spring Term
This first term of a two-term course will introduce the basic skills required to conduct independent research in the health sciences. Because students come from a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, the course reviews relevant mathematics and basic laboratory instrumentation and techniques. Research skills to be developed in the first term include: critical review of literature, notebook keeping, exploratory data analysis, and use of the University library and database resources. Course grade for the first term is based on class participation and performance of take-home assignments and laboratory reports. The weekly course format is a one-hour lecture (with one hour preparatory reading) and the subsequent laboratory and/or take home assignments will typically require three hours to complete.
EOH 2102 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS 2: 1 credit; Summer Term
This second term of a two-term course will further introduce the basic skills required to conduct independent research in the health sciences. In this second term, written and oral communication skills will be developed by participation in "peer reviewed" group research projects. The grade for the second semester will be primarily based on the group research projects.
EOH 2106 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH LAW: 2 credits; Spring Term
Designed to familiarize students with the legal aspects that govern environmental and occupational health at federal and state levels. Interpretation of the acts and laws by the courts is discussed by reference to specific cases.
EOH 2107 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH COLLOQUIUM: 0 credits
Presentations and discussions of topics of current interest in the field of environmental and occupational health sciences are covered, with participation by faculty, students, and invited guest speakers.
EOH 2111 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL PROCESSES, PRACTICES, AND PROGRAMS: 2 credits; Fall Term
The major aim of this course is to acquaint students with current environmental and occupational health programs and environmental and industrial practices and processes through lectures and field trips to selected industrial and governmental facilities and operations. Lectures and reviews are given before and after the field visits and emphasize operational, prevention, and control strategies.
EOH 2121 INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS: 3 credits; Fall Term
Course addresses the nature, sources, and behavior of chemical, physical, and biological agents in the context of potential environmental and occupational human exposures that may adversely affect human health. The aim of the course is to prepare the student to understand and relate the sources and emissions of such agents to the pathways of exposure that result in contact with the human receptor.
EOH 2122 TRANSPORT AND FATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AGENTS: 3 credits; Spring Term
Presents in a quantitative fashion the movement, transformation, bioaccumulation, and the fate of various physical, biological, and chemical agents through the environment, home, and occupational settings. Chemical degradation, atmospheric transport, surface and groundwater transport, deposition on terrestrial surfaces and in sediments, and concentration by biological systems are described. Pathway analysis, including food chains, and age-dependent intake and use rates for individuals are covered. The goal of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the factors that enter into exposure characterization in environmental and occupational risk assessments.
EOH 2130 SURVEY OF RADIATION HEALTH: 2 credits; Fall Term
A descriptive, non-mathematical overview of the physical characteristics of ionizing radiations, their biological effects, and the methods by which protection of radiation workers and the general public is achieved.
EOH 2175 ORGAN SYSTEMS TOXICOLOGY: 3 credits; Fall Term
Introduces students to the principles governing the interaction of chemicals within the human body. Major organ systems will be described with regard to anatomy, physiology, and effects from interactions with chemicals.
EOH 2180 INTRODUCTION TO THE RISK SCIENCES: 2 credits; Summer Session 1; admission by permission of instructor; prerequisites: EOH 2175, EPIDEM 2110, BIOST 2041
This course will focus on human health risks. It will provide an overview of (1) risk assessment, (2) risk perception, (3) risk communication, and (4) Risk Management. Risk assessment will consider methods for qualitative and quantitative assessment of cancer and non-cancer health risks using the four-step paradigm proposed by the National Research Council. Risk perception will explore factors influencing the perception of risk. Risk communication will explore factors influencing the communication of information concerning health risks. Risk management will explore the approaches used to reach decisions about dealing with health risk on a community basis. Students will be expected to identify a problem of human risk and complete a detailed assessment of all components of the problem for presentation in class and as a written case study.
EOH 2181 RISK ASSESSMENT PRACTICUM: 1 credit; Summer Session 2; admission by permission of instructor
Practicum will provide the student opportunity to conduct a quantitative risk assessment for human health endpoint (either cancer or non-cancer) from an environmental or occupational exposure. Students will learn to identify human health hazards, characterize dose response relationships and site and mechanisms of action, conduct an exposure characterization dose response relationships and site and mechanisms of action, conduct an exposure characterization and use that data to characterize risks to human health.
EOH 2211 RADIATION PHYSICS: 3 credits; 3 hours lecture weekly, Summer Term, and 3 hours lecture and 4 hours laboratory weekly, Fall Session II
Concerns atomic and nuclear structure, interactions of the various radiations with matter, the characteristics of natural and artificial radioactivity, radiation measurement units, and the fundamental principles of instrumentation and dosimetry.
EOH 2223 RADIOBIOLOGY 1: 1 credit; Fall Term; prerequisite: EOH 2211; or permission of instructor
The physical and chemical interactions between radiation and organic matter are considered on a molecular level. Effects of radiation on the biochemical and cellular levels are analyzed in detail.
EOH 2232 RADIATION CHEMISTRY AND METHODOLOGY 1: 2 credits; Spring Session I; 2 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory weekly; prerequisite: EOH 2211
Lecture topics: radiochemical handling techniques, radiochemical separation, preparation of sample for radioassays, preparation of standards, determination of recovery efficiencies, quantitative measures of radioactivity. Laboratory topics: radiochemical handling techniques and precautions; Geiger-Mueller, proportional, crystal, and liquid scintillation counting techniques; isotopic dilution, coprecipitation, ion exchange, solvent extraction techniques, absolute counting, and determination of unknown radionuclides.
EOH 2234 HEALTH PHYSICS: 4 credits; Fall Term; 3 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory weekly; prerequisite: EOH 2211
Lecture topics: radiation protection standards and guides, principles of radiation protection, area and personnel monitoring, portable exposure rate survey instruments, integrating dosimeters, contamination surveys and instruments; evaluation of dose from external sources of X-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons; internal dosimetry and protection; air sampling; radon; fission and criticality; leak testing of sealed sources; facility design; ALARA programs; emergency management. Laboratory topics: portable survey meter operation and calibration; laboratory contamination surveys; processing and calibration of photographic film badges and thermoluminescent dosimeters; investigation of primary shielding and scattered radiation.
EOH 2236 NON-IONIZING RADIATION PROTECTION: 1 credit; Fall Session I or II
Topics include: the electromagnetic spectrum, transmission and absorption, biological effects, units of exposure, protection standards, measurement and control of UV, IR, microwaves, lasers, and ultrasound. Occasional laboratory demonstrations will be scheduled on an ad hoc basis.
EOH 2237 RADIOBIOLOGY 2: 2 credits; Spring Session I; 3 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory weekly; prerequisite: EOH 2223
Radiation-induced alterations in the physiology of various mammalian organs and systems are examined, including immediate and long-term responses of living mammalian organisms, and of humans in particular.
EOH 2242 RADIATION CHEMISTRY AND METHODOLOGY 2: 1 credit; 3 hours laboratory weekly, Spring Session II; prerequisite: EOH 2232
Lecture topics: advanced radiochemical preparation, handling, and separation techniques. Laboratory topics include bioassay, environmental, radioanalytical chemistry techniques for assay of low-level radiation, neutron activation analysis, and environmental analysis methods.
EOH 2247 INTRODUCTION TO RADIATION MEDICINE: 2 credits; 3 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory weekly, Spring Session II; prerequisites: EOH 2223, 2233
The potential for accidental or other unnecessary radiation exposure in nuclear industry and in the diagnostic and therapeutic usage of medical radiation is considered, including medical aspects of emergency planning. Methods for recognition and management of acute and chronic clinical external radiation injury and internal radionuclide contamination are discussed in detail as are the late consequences of such exposures.
EOH 2250 REACTOR HAZARD EVALUATION: 1 credit; Spring Session I or II; prerequisite: EOH 2234
Structure, operation, and control of various types of nuclear reactors are presented, emphasizing safety aspects. Problems of actual reactor safety analysis reports are reviewed.
EOH 2254 MEDICAL PHYSICS: 2 credits; Spring Session I or II; prerequisite: EOH 2234; or permission of instructor
The principles and practices of radiological physics as applied to diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine are developed in detail.
EOH 2255 ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION: 1 credit; Spring Session I or II; 2 hours lecture and 2 hours laboratory weekly; prerequisite: EOH 2232
Lecture topics: natural radioactivity, sources and relative dose contributions, methods of evaluation, technologically enhanced exposures to natural radiation, human-made radioactivity, sources and nuclides of importance, environmental transport and dispersion, meteorology and hydrology, reconcentration mechanisms, critical pathways and organisms, indicatory organisms, methods of sampling and analysis, population doses, environmental impact statements.
EOH 2259 RADIATION HEALTH PRACTICE: Variable credits (pass-fail basis); Spring Session I or II
Lectures, discussions, tours, and hands-on experience in industry, hospitals, governmental agencies, research laboratories, etc. Particular emphasis is placed on emergency management, ALARA programs, and facility design.
EOH 2301 ANALYTICAL METHODS IN MOLECULAR DOSIMETRY: 3 credits; Spring Term elective
Principles and application of concentration, analysis, and identification of xenobiotics, their metabolites and macromolecular adducts at the ultraface level from biological matrices. Emphasis is placed on methods that lead to identification of chemicals at the molecular level, including gas, liquid, and affinity chromatographics and mass spectrometry. The use of vibronic/electronic techniques, such as Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies, in conjunction with selective concentration methods is also discussed. Relates methodology in the literature, which is current with each offering.
EOH 2302 MOLECULAR APPROACHES TO TOXICOLOGY: 2 credits; Fall Term; or permission of instructor
Course is designed to introduce students to molecular biology and how these techniques may be applied to the study of toxicology.
EOH 2303 APPLICATIONS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY METHODS TO TOXICOLOGY; 2 credits; Summer Session II; prerequisites EOH 2302, HUGEN 2030; or permission of instructor
The overall purpose of this course is to initiate students to the methods in a molecular biology laboratory. The students will be trained to apply techniques frequently utilized in molecular biology and to analyze and interpret experimental data. To this end, the students will be first trained to prepare the very basic requirements for a molecular experiment. They will then be trained in some recent advanced molecular approaches for DNA preparation, DNA separation, and analysis. Several varieties of the approaches used will also be introduced to the students and their advantages and inconveniences will be discussed. The data obtained will be analyzed and interpreted. Reading of literature will be assigned to help the students further understand the work performed. Students will be required to write a comprehensive report on their laboratory work.
EOH 2304 BIOMARKERS AND MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY; 2 credits; Fall or Spring Term; permission of instructor
This course summarizes the concepts and biological principles underlying the bases of molecular biomarkers. It also provides the student with an understanding of the methodological principles of the use of biomarkers in epidemiologic research relevant to the study of chronic human disease and public health application.
EOH 2305 MECHANISMS OF DNA METABOLISM, DAMAGE AND REPAIR; 3 credits; Fall Term
Mechanisms and consequences of somatic and hereditary genetic damage, including methods to detect, characterize, and quantitate genetic lesions are discussed. The course also provides molecular and theoretical basis for the evaluation of genetoxicological data on exposure to nutagenic/carcinogenic agents and on genetic predisposition or susceptibility to disease.
EOH 2306 BIOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES IN MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY; 2 credits; Summer Session I or II; prerequisites 2371 or 2101 and 2102; or permission of instructor
The objectives of the course are to introduce EOH students to major instrumental biochemical laboratory techniques and to provide a foundation for understanding how specific problems in molecular toxicology can be experimentally addressed using biochemical methods. The course will be taught as a series of sessions including theoretical introduction, laboratory experiments, and discussions.
EOH 2371 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY: 2 credits; Spring Term
The course is an introduction to cellular and molecular mechanisms in toxicology, designed to provide a foundation in chemical and macromolecular-level events in cells exposed to chemical and physical agents. The cell's response to these insults is examined from a mechanistic approach including mechanisms of recovery, repair, and biochemical defenses. New techniques of molecular biology will be used to examine toxicological mechanisms.
EOH 2379 IMMUNOTOXICOLOGY: 2 credits; Summer Term; admission by permission of instructor
Presents effects of environmental and industrial chemicals on the immune system. Emphasis is placed on immunologic diseases of skin and respiratory tract as likely sites for industrial environmental exposures.
EOH 2505 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: 3 credits; Spring Term
Provides an introduction and overview of occupational and environmental health. Industrial and environmental exposures are introduced with a brief discussion of their physical/chemical characteristics, followed by a discussion of mechanisms of exposure, monitoring and sampling techniques, major health and safety implications, and mechanisms of control.
EOH 2509 NOISE ASSESSMENT AND REDUCTION: 2 credits; Spring Term
The basic physical principles of noise measurement reduction are systematically developed. Topics include design of resistive and reactive mufflers, transmission through structures, vibration isolation, and systems performance.
EOH 2510 INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE: 3 credits; Spring Term
Designed primarily for physicians, this course deals with occupational disease processes as they are produced in the work environment, their clinical features as determined by dose, diagnostic recognition, and prevention or control. This course will utilize the broad spectrum of chemical agents as they occur or are produced in the occupational environment, to illustrate underlying physical and physiopathologic determinants of occupational disease occurrence.
EOH 2563 INDUSTRIAL ERGONOMICS: 2 credits; Spring Term (cross-listed with Industrial Engineering)
The framework for understanding the anatomical and physiological demands placed on industrial workers is developed. Intervention strategies are discussed so that the risk to health and safety can be minimized while enhancing productivity.
EOH 2716 THE REGULATION OF HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS: 3 credits; Fall Term (cross-listed as HSADM 2544 and PIA 2290)
Addresses the panoply of government policies aimed at managing risks to the public's health and safety. Its scope includes regulation of toxic substances, injury prevention in the workplace and on the highway, reductions in violent crime, and reductions in risky behavior.
EOH 2753 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BIOLOGY: 3 credits; Spring Term
The major aim of this course is to acquaint students with fundamentals of environmental biological analysis with emphasis on human health. The major topics covered include aquatic biology, parasitology, and medical entomology.
EOH 2778 RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY: 2 credits; Spring Term
Deals with control mechanisms of respiration, mechanical properties of the lung, distribution of ventilation, and transport. The modification of basic physiological mechanisms as a result of exposure to industrial contaminants and loss of lung function will be included.
EOH 3010 RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION FOR THE DOCTORAL DEGREE: Variable credits;
Properly qualified doctoral students may undertake special study or research with the approval and under the guidance of a member of the faculty.
FTDR 0000 FULL-TIME DISSERTATION STUDY: Every term
Doctoral candidates who have completed all credit requirements for the degree, including any minimum dissertation requirements, and are working full-time on their dissertations may register for this course. While the course carries no credits and no grade, students who enroll in "Full-time Dissertation Study" are considered by the University to have full-time registration status.
Faculty
Chairperson
HERBERT S. ROSENKRANZ, Professor and Chairperson of the Department. PhD, Cornell University
Emeriti Professors
JULIAN B. ANDELMAN, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Health. PhD, Polytechnic University of New York
THOMAS F. MANCUSO, Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Creighton University; MPH, University of Pittsburgh
DAVID MINARD, Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, PhD, University of Chicago; MPH, Harvard University
SYLVIA F. PAN, Emerita Associate Professor of Radiation Health. MD, Peking Union Medical College
WILLIAM SCHELL, Emeritus Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, University of Idaho; PhD, University of Washington
MAURICE A. SHAPIRO, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Health Engineering; Professor of Urban Affairs (Graduate School of Public and International Affairs). MEng, University of California, Berkeley
JOSEPH A. WATSON, Emeritus Professor of Radiobiology. MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Faculty with Primary Appointments
Professors
YVES C. E. ALARIE, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, PhD, University of Montreal
BERTRAM DINMAN, Clinical Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health; Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine (School of Medicine). MD, Temple University College of Medicine; ScD, University of Cincinnati
WILLIAM F. GAUSS, Clinical Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. EdD, Lawrence University; MD, Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez School of Medicine; MS, MPH, University of Pittsburgh
ROY L. GIBSON, JR., Clinical Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Indiana University
MERYL H. KAROL, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Columbia University
DONALD R. MATTISON, Dean, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Obstetrics and Gynecology (School of Medicine). MD, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
NIEL WALD, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Human Genetics; Professor of Radiology (School of Medicine). MD, New York University
Associate Professors
WILLIAM L. BIGBEE, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MA, PhD, University of Oregon
H. GREGG CLAYCAMP, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, PhD, Northwestern University
BILLY DAY, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, University of Oklahoma
VALERIAN KAGAN, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Moscow State University; DSc, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
JERRY C. ROSEN, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health; University Radiation Safety Officer. MS, University of Rochester
MICHELLE M. SCHAPER, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
JAN L. SYKORA, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. ScD(Biol), Charles University, Prague
Assistant Professors
STEPHEN G. GRANT, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, University of Toronto
LAWRENCE W. KELLER, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, University of Pittsburgh
PHOUTHONE KEOHAVONG, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Universite Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France
OREST MACINA, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Case Western Reserve University
MARJORIE ROMKES, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Texas A & M University
ALLENE J. SCOTT, Associate Director, Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Thomas Jefferson University; MPH, University of Pittsburgh
MICHAEL J. TOBIN, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Carnegie Mellon University
Faculty with Secondary Appointments
Professors
BERNARD L. COHEN, Emeritus Professor of Physics (Faculty of Arts and Sciences); Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. DSc, Carnegie Mellon University
DAVID GUR, Professor of Radiology (School of Medicine); Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, ScD, University of Pittsburgh
JOHN MENDELOFF, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, Professor in Public Management and Policy Program, GSPIA. PhD, University of California, Berkeley
Associate Professors
WALTER F. GOOD, Associate Professor of Radiology (School of Medicine); Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
JOHN M. HERRON, Research Associate Professor of Radiology (School of Medicine); Research Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
LAWRENCE KELLER, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, University of Pittsburgh
EDWIN KENNAH, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, University of Pittsburgh
DONALD SASHIN, Associate Professor of Radiology (School of Medicine); Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MS, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University
CHRIS SHAW, Associate Professor of Radiology (School of Medicine); Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, University of Wisconsin
Assistant Professors
JOHN BENITEZ, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine (School of Medicine), Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Southern Illinois University, MPH University of Pittsburgh
PETER LAMBROU, Assistant Professor Medicine (School of Medicine), Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Hahnemann University School of Medicine
Faculty with Adjunct Appointments
Professors
E. C. CURTIS, Adjunct Clinical Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, University of Tennessee; MPH, University of California, Berkeley
DANIEL DIETRICH, Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Institute of Toxicology, Zurich, Switzerland
WARFIELD GARSON, Adjunct Clinical Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, University of Southern California; MPH, Johns Hopkins University
GILLES KLOPMAN, Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, University of Brussels, Belgium
MICHAEL LUSTER, Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Loyola University of Chicago
DAVID J. TOLLERUD, Adjunct Clinical Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Mayo Medical School; MPH, Harvard University
Associate Professors
MILTON BLACK, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, MPH, University of Pittsburgh
JAMES HERTZOG, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
GEORG KELETI, Adjunct Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, Comenius University
ANDREW KROUSKOP, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Temple University
DONALD J. MCGRAW, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MA, MPH, Johns Hopkins University; MD, State University of New York at Stony Brook
THOMAS NEILSON, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Temple University Medical School
Assistant Professors
FRANK L. BAUER, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, University of Iowa
MARK L. FARLEY, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. JD, MPH, University of Pittsburgh
GEORGE GEBUS, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, NY Medical College; MPH, University of Pittsburgh
DAVID LLOYD G. LOCKE, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, University of Pittsburgh
ANNA MATTHEWS, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, University of Singapore School of Medicine; MPH, University of Pittsburgh
LEOPOLD W. MIKSCHE, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. DrMed, University of Heidelberg
FRANK X. PAWLOSKY, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, University of Pittsburgh
JOHN SCARSELLATO, Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. MD, Bologna University, MPH Milwaukee College of Medicine
STANLEY STATES, Adjunct Assistant Professsor of Environmental and Occupational Health. PhD, University of Pittsburgh
