701-1704-01L  Health Impact Assessment: Concepts and Case Studies

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersM. Winkler, C. Guéladio, M. Röösli, J. M. Utzinger
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThis course introduces the concept of health impact assessment (HIA) and discusses a suite of case studies in different contexts across the globe. HIA pursues an inter- and multidisciplinary approach, employs qualitative and quantitative methods with the overarching goal to support sustainable decision-making.
ObjectiveAfter successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
o critically reflect on the concept of HIA and the different steps from screening to implementation and monitoring; and
o apply specific tools and methodologies for HIA of projects, programmes and policies in different social, ecological and epidemiological settings.
ContentThe course will present a broad set of tools and methods for the systematic and evidence-based judgment of potential health effects related to projects, programmes and policies. Methodological features will be introduced and applied to a variety of case studies in the public sector (e.g. traffic-related air pollution, passive smoking and wastewater management) and private sector (e.g. extractive industries and renewable energies) all over the world.
Lecture notesHandouts will be distributed.
LiteratureWhenever possible, at least one peer-reviewed paper will be made available for each session.