317.600.01
Introduction to the Risk Sciences and Public Policy

Location
East Baltimore
Term
1st Term
Department
Health Policy and Management
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
M, W, 5:00 - 6:50pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Keeve Nachman
Sara Lupolt
Contact Name
Keeve Nachman
Contact Email
knachman@jhu.edu
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite
Description
Provides an introduction to the basic paradigm for quantitative risk assessment and illustrates its application in the public policy process using case studies. Examines risk assessment in a broad societal context, considering social, economic, and political factors that affect risk decision-making; evolution of risk assessment; and the use of risk assessment in regulatory processes. Students complete a risk assessment exercise.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Achieve a general understanding of the concept of quantitative risk assessment and its application to public health problems
  2. Identify the elements of a quantitative risk assessment, utilizing the general framework developed by the National Research Council
  3. Evaluate a report of a quantitative risk assessment and interpret the policy relevance of the findings
  4. Describe current uses of quantitative risk assessment in policy-making
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 10% Participation
  • 40% Homework
  • 25% Case Study
  • 25% Final Exam
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Consent Contact
knachman@jhu.edu
Jointly Offered With
Environmental Health and Engineering