Overview
Hazard Assessment and Management is an interdisciplinary subject that spans physical, biological, and health sciences, law, and commerce.
The University of Otago has considerable strengths in all disciplines that impact on risk assessment and hazard management: chemistry, environmental science, geography, geology, law, microbiology, public and occupational health, toxicology.
All papers are taught by experts in their field, and acknowledge the acts of parliament and enforcement agencies that influence hazard assessment and management in New Zealand.
Distance-taught programmes for professionals in the field
Most teaching materials, assignments, and assessments are in a web-based format (using the University of Otago's Blackboard platform). This online approach offers great time flexibility and access to students across New Zealand.
Students are expected to work through the course at their own pace. Self-tests are provided so that progress can be assessed.
Our 20-point papers usually run for 20–22 weeks (or 240 hours).
To fulfil the practical requirements, attendance at specific workshops held at one of the University's campus facilities may be required for some papers.
List of papers
The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Hazard Assessment and Management will increase your understanding of key subject areas. It is a distance-taught programme equivalent to one semester of full-time study. It comprises any three HAZA papers, chosen from the selection below.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc) endorsed in Hazard Assessment and Management expands on the Certificate, developing a much broader understanding of hazard assessment and management. It is a distance-taught programme equivalent to an additional one semester of full-time study. After completing the PGCertHealSc, you only need to choose two or three additional papers—totalling 60 points—to complete the PGDipHealSc.
The following papers are all distance-taught:
| Paper | Points | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| HAZA 401 Management of Chemical Hazards | 20 | One |
| HAZA 404 Environmental Risk Assessment and Management | 20 | Two |
| HAZA 405 Basic Toxicology | 20 | Both |
| HAZA 406 Risk Management Law | 20 | One |
| HAZA 408 Radiation Hazards | 20 | Two |
| HAZA 409 New Organisms: Risk Assessment and Management | 20 | Both |
| OCCH 401 Occupational Health | 30 | One |
| OCCH 402 Occupational Safety | 30 | Two |