Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM) students at University of San Francisco (USF) have the option of pursuing one of four Concentrations during their (typically) two years in the program: Ecology, Water Management, Environmental Health & Hazards, or Energy and Climate.
In this post, we’re sharing insight into the Environmental Health & Hazards concentration. As always, if you’d like additional information you can fill out this form or reach out to msem@usfca.edu.
Electives that consistently prove popular and help students earn their Environmental Health & Hazards concentration include:
- Environmental Health – This course explores how physical, biological and chemical pollutants affect the environment and, in turn, human health. We will discuss biological pollution, including invasive species and pathogens. Another major focus of this course will be endocrine disruptors – including the atrazine controversy. We will discuss the intersection between science, policy, and environmental advocacy.
- Environmental Engineering I and II – These courses use engineering principles to examine and understand pollutant transport in surface water, groundwater, and the atmosphere.
- Environmental Toxicology – This course investigates the impacts pollutants have on the structure and function of ecosystems and human health. Fundamentals to be covered included environmental chemodynamics, abiotic- and bio-transformations, and distribution (toxicokinetics), and intoxication mechanisms, and the expression of toxic action (toxicodynamics).
- Soil & Groundwater Remediation – This course focuses on clean-up of both soil and groundwater from hazardous contaminants, subject to regulatory requirements,, and involves the assessment and management of contaminated sites. Established and emerging remediation methods for common contaminants are discussed, including physical, chemical, and biological methods.
- Water and Wastewater Treatment – This course covers drinking water quality regulations, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and water recycling. The focus is on conceptual understanding of physical, chemical, biological processes used in treating water and wastewater. Emerging technologies and challenges, such as water scarcity and reuse, are highlighted.
Additional opportunities include courses on Environmental Risk Assessment and Management, Hazardous Waste Engineering, Solid Waste Management, Aquatic Pollution, and Special Topics Courses on current issues in Environmental Health & Hazards.
Our commitment is to an interdisciplinary education featuring a mix of practical and theoretical instruction, real-world experience, and career connections – made possible by the outstanding USF MSEM Faculty.
