Dealing with Uncertainty in Complex Environments

Overview

This unit aims to equip students with the ability to critically analyse and apply current approaches to dealing with uncertainty in rapidly changing complex environments, with a focus on risk assessment and management. Students will also explore the drivers of change to health and environmental outcomes, including the societal responses required to ensure a sustainable healthy future.

Learning outcomes

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

• Uncertainty, complexity and wicked problems in environmental health settings
• Global to local governance frameworks for managing uncertainty
• Risk assessment and risk management frameworks in environmental health, including Health Impact Assessment (HIA), Driver, Pressure, State, Exposure, Effect, Action (DPSEEA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 
• Evaluating and applying the appropriate approach to managing risks
• Role of quantitative and qualitative approaches as an evidence base for decision making
• Systems based thinking, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and cross disciplinary approaches
• The environmental health professional in collaboration, leadership, innovation, ethical practice and as a change agent
• Future challenges, globalisation, mega risks, societal influences