Exposure Science University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Overview

Key facts

This Exposure Science degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is targeted at potential academics, specialists or professionals in the field of occupational hygiene, environmental health, environmental sciences, chemistry, toxicology, physiology etc., with a scientific interest to bridge these fields.

Human exposure science entails the study of human contact and interaction (exposure) with chemical, physical or biological stressors occurring in their environments, and advances knowledge of the mechanisms and dynamics of events either causing or preventing adverse health outcomes. 

This MSc Med degree covers the principles of exposure science, focusing on understanding the exposure pathway, i.e. from source to the receptor via compartments such as air, water, in order to develop effective interventions to prevent exposure. The fundamental focus is the relationship between environmental and occupational exposures (i.e. to the general public, consumers, residents, workers) over the entire lifetime of a human being, and the potential impact on the health of communities and workforces. 

The degree also incorporates occupational hygiene and environmental health practices, which can be considered sub-specialisms of exposure science, however with a focus on controlling exposures.